Honolulu, Hawaii news, sports & weather – KITV Channel 4
January 13th was very nearly Kalani Chapman’s last day on earth. It was a day to remember, even without Chapman’s accident. The Da Hui Backdoor Shootout was in full effect, and it was a perfect 6-8 feet, light winds ruffling the tops off the occasional second reef bomb. In the final heat of the day, Pipeline legend and all-around nice guy Kalani Chapman stroked into a massive one, set his line, and waited for the double up. Everything looked fine until it wasn’t–Chapman fell behind the curtain and failed to surface.
The water patrol, along with Nathan Florence and Seth Moniz, were on him quickly, pulling his limp body to the surface by his leash. From the beach, lifeguards were able to revive him. He’s expected to make a full recovery, but it was a reminder of how easily tragedy can strike.
“I’ve hit the reef with my face before, I’ve had my leash wrapped around the rocks and almost drowned,” he told KITV Channel 4. “But this by far was the most radical one. Everybody was there at the right time and right place to help save my life. I feel like I owe them my life.”
In the end, Chapman left the hospital with a head full of stitches, staples, and a major concussion. The sand and water in his lungs need to be pumped out. While it’s changed the North Shore charger’s outlook, it hasn’t put a damper on his passion. “It’s time to be smart now and learn from what happened,” he continued. “It’s smart to wear a helmet absolutely. I’ll be wearing one from now on.”
