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08/25/2005
WQS #1 Rebecca Woods pulls out of the Hello Kitty Boardfest
What do Damien Hobgood, Nathan Hedge, and Rebecca Woods have in common? They have all lost months in the water due to failed arm wrestling challenges with the most dangerous wave on tour; Teahupoo. Last May, during a heat at the infamous lefthander, Rebecca was closely trailing Megan Abubo looking for any wave that would propel her into the next round. She hadn't yet made it past round three in her rookie year on the WCT, and was determined to do whatever it took.
"I paddled for a sucky wave but as I stood up I knew I was too late. Deciding to bail at the last minute I freefell from top to bottom head first, putting my left arm out. As I landed I felt the surface of the water push my shoulder in the opposite direction to normal, thought it was dislocated, but then realized I could move my fingers but my arm was tingling and numb. Paddling straight back out not thinking how my arm had nearly been ripped off, I just wanted to make my heat for a change!! I ended up 3rd overall."
The gamble paid off in the short term. Rebecca showed she was not afraid and earned the best result of her career. She went on to get third again in the next event in England. Then, it all caught up with her.
"The next week in France two days before the event starts, I woke up at two in the morning in absolute agony. Thinking it was just from over use I tried to sleep but could not. It progressively got worse the more I surfed and no painkillers were helping. I couldn't duckdive, paddle, push myself up, or direct myself when surfing. I managed to scrape through the first round but finished equal ninth and flew straight home, scared and helpless."
A series of doctors, xrays, and MRIs confirmed her fears. It was nerve damage, and while fortunately surgery wasn't required, she was issued a command to stay out of the water and rest for six to twelve months. That means surfing in the Hello Kitty Boardfest is out of the question. The doctor did say that she could surf every now and then for short sessions in small waves. She won't be competing in Hawaii, but the WCT at Malibu is a possibility.
Regardless, since she is rated first on the WQS, Rebecca will still easily re-qualify and take her place on next year's WCT. Hopefully the shoulder will be rested and ready to help her move up to the top of the ratings, a place she surely deserves to be.
The Hello Kitty Boardfest runs Labor Day Weekend at the Huntington Beach Pier. Stay tuned for updates.
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Holly Beck
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