Injury? What injury? Photo: Andrew Shield
Last December, Bede Durbidge suffered a horrific wipeout during Round 3 of the Pipeline Masters. When the word surfaced that he fractured his pelvis in two places after slamming into the reef, there were a lot of uncertainties regarding the future of his career. Many wondered if he’d ever return to that elite level he worked so hard to get to. Some believed he would make an endemic transition and ease into a role as a team manager or surf coach. While he had a little taste of the latter coaching John John Florence during his road to recovery, Bede recently took to Instagram to put everyone’s doubts to bed.
“I’m back on a short board!” the elated Bede wrote. “I couldn’t be more happy with how my recovery has gone. Thanks to everyone for all the support. I couldn’t have done it without you. I’m still a fair way off being 100%, but it’s amazing to be back out there every day.”
He’s come a long way from where he was just seven months ago. Photos: Facebook
As it turns out, we’re not the only ones excited about Bede’s return. Fellow countrymen Julian Wilson and Owen Wright (who also suffered a nasty injury at Pipeline that put him out of the 2016 season) were inspired by Bede’s recovery and took to Instagram to show their respect.
“So inspirational to see this shot of @bededurbo back at it and looking just as powerful,” wrote Owen. “Yeah durbo!”
“This is remarkable,” Julian Wilson added. “So happy to see you back at it brother.”
Whether Bede will return to the World Tour in 2017 is still up in the air. But for the time being, he’s maintaining a positive attitude, enjoying an endless supply of Balter beer, and working hard with physical therapy to get back to pre-injury Bede. Either way, the guy is a huge inspiration and should serve as motivation for those facing similar situations.
