Lizzy's Story...

Last summer I learned how to surf in Corolla, NC (on the Outer Banks).  I fell in love with the sport, but a few months after I had been surfing, I somehow got cut by the side fin of a board that I borrowed from the shop I worked at (a plastic BIC 8'4'' board). 

I don't remember what happened, or what I did to cause the injury, but found myself sitting in a few inches of water surrounded by blood.  I couldn't stand up, and one of my friends carried me out of the water, and called for help.  I had a 6 inch long, 3 inch wide cut that exposed my muscles and everything in my leg.  I got 5 internal stitches, and 15 external, but some of the stiches broke, and the last hole didn't fully close until October. 

In January, I had a surgery to repair my leg, because the doctor discovered I had a torn facia. Basically the second layer of my skin didn't heal, and everything in my leg was coming through the hole, creating a bulge under the scar in my leg.  They also removed a lot of scar tissue that was making normal movement difficult.

The day the accident happened, I put money down a pink, 8'0'' Robert August surfboard, and my friends paid off the rest as a gift.  A few days ago (one year later) I finally stood up on the surfboard I started to buy the day I got hurt (with Proteck fins in place)!  I am very excited to be back in the water, and very greatful for Proteck fins for existing.  I'm still scared, because I was new to surfing when it happened, but because of Proteck fins, I know that I won't get cut again!  I don't think I could get back on a board with normal fins ever again!

-Lizzy