Big Wave Surfer Justine Dupont Suffers Vertebrae Fracture at Todos Santos Competition
Big wave surfer Justine Dupont fractured her L1 vertebra during a severe wipeout at the Thriller at Killers competition in Todos Santos, Mexico. She is optimistic about her recovery.
Big wave surfer Justine Dupont sustained a significant back injury during the Thriller at Killers competition held at Todos Santos Island, Mexico. The French charger was participating in the event on February 7th when she experienced a severe wipeout, leading to her withdrawal from the finals and subsequent hospitalization.
Key Takeaways
- Justine Dupont fractured her L1 vertebra during a major wipeout at the Thriller at Killers event.
- She received medical attention in Ensenada and San Diego.
- Dupont expressed optimism about her recovery, aiming to surf again in a few months.
The Thriller At Killers Event
The Thriller at Killers big wave competition was greenlit for February 7th, with waves forecasted in the 20- to 25-foot range at the break off Todos Santos Island. The event featured a strong field of both male and female surfers, including notable names like Katie McConnell, Paige Alms, Bianca Valenti, and Isabelle Leonhardt. Justine Dupont, a two-time Nazaré Challenge winner, was among the women competing.
Dupont's Devastating Wipeout
During the women's final, Dupont took off on a large wave but was caught by the lip, resulting in a dramatic fall. She described the incident, stating, "I wanted to catch big ones, and I ended up catching a big one on the head. I messed up my back and couldn’t surf anymore for the final." The immediate aftermath saw water safety and medical teams assist her out of the water, a challenging process given her injury.
Medical Update and Recovery
Following the incident, Dupont was transferred to a hospital in San Diego. She confirmed via a social media update from her hospital bed that she had suffered an L1 vertebral fracture. While she will need to wear a brace for several weeks, Dupont remains positive about her prognosis. "I will be able to surf and walk and run again in a few months, so everything’s gonna be okay," she assured her followers. Grant "Twiggy" Baker and Katie McConnell ultimately won the Thriller at Killers event.