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Review of my paragliding crash with spinal injury
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- Опубліковано 15 сер 2024
- On 14 June 2022 while on a paragliding vol biv with friends I crashed into cliffs and took a helicopter to hospital with damage to my spine at T12/L1 level, causing complete paraplegia. I also knocked my head and do not have any memory of the crash and probably the first few days afterwards. This video shows the beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere of the trip, my thoughts on the risks, a playback of voice messages I sent to my friend who saw me impact from a distance, track logs, and details about the medical injuries. I'm publishing it almost four months after the accident after discharge from the spinal rehabilitation clinic.
chapters:
@0:00 intro and day before
@5:08 the flight
@7:23 the crash and voice recordings
@9:46 what happened? track log
@11:29 medical report
@12:21 equipment damage
Edit: A year after I found out it was the rescue helicopter that nearly killed me! ua-cam.com/video/N8XvaQjeDPY/v-deo.html
There is no footage of the crash! I explain why in my follow up video ua-cam.com/video/0LNh9gU8pSg/v-deo.html
Thank you for all your comments, I haven't responded to any (this is my first / only comment in nearly three months) because there are so many but I do read them.
you should pin this, i was a bit confused until i sorted by 'new' comments
These people don't read well or else they don't understand what they're clearly told them many times!
Dislike for that
Idiot wasted all of our time
I sustained a C5/6 level spinal chord injury. Nothing as exotic as yours - but equally disabling. I was out at a friends 50th b’day party when I didn’t feel well - so a few hours later we drove home. I went to my ensuite bathroom and standing in front of the mirror I suddenly fainted. In losing consciousness I couldn’t break my fall in any way. As I collapsed I broke my neck which impinged my spinal chord. I was paralyzed instantly. I woke up 2 days later to a surgeon asking me to wiggle my toes. When I couldn’t he simply said it’s doubtful you will ever walk again. He was right. My accident was in 2011. I’ve accepted it - we have little choice. So it’s best we do. I have a family - husband and 2 sons who have been and are exemplary. I’m very fortunate I can feel everything - but it’s muted. I can stand enough to pivot from one seat to another without assistance. And I still have full bowel and bladder control. My injury is incomplete as they term it. Thanks for sharing your story. Best of luck and good wishes from Toronto ❤
Please read my comment about people walking again after spinal injuries
Really sorry to hear about your injury but I’m glad you have a lot of support. My mother passed out unexpectedly also, she fell face forward on the ground and completely shattered her jaw, knocking out almost all her teeth. The recovery took more than two years of her jaw wired shut, significant bone grafts, and resulted in her being numb from her nose to her neck (but thankfully she can talk and eat normally). The doctor said she was actually lucky that she had no spinal damage.
I mention this because it’s not in the public consciousness how much damage you can take just from falling over from a standing position. Just regular passing out and falling over can change your life forever.
I’m sorry about that, I hope you can get full feeling and walk again unassisted
What illness caused you to pass out? I’m so sorry that happened to you.
@@river8760 Thanks for your interest. I have predominantly low blood pressure that had never posed any such problem in the past. So I was never treated. Low blood pressure can cause you to faint. It plummeted and so too did my level of consciousness.
And that was that.
The hospital report is consistent with a major impact to the thoracic vertebrae. What often happens is this stretches the aorta, which normally tears and then you just go to sleep. You have been very fortunate to survive this.
In my 20 years as a Professional Firefighter/EMT I’ve seen 3 people with Acute Aortic Aneurysm’s or Triple A’s and countless people die in car crashes. The Triple A’s all screamed and writhed saying they could feel their insides tearing right before they passed away and the only people who aren’t crying for help in fatal car accidents or traumatic events either have massive head trauma, a basal skull fracture or are internally decapitated. In short, traumatic injury fatalities either have head trauma and can’t respond to painful stimuli or are in the hurt locker then slowly let go, they don’t just go to sleep. I’m not entirely convinced people “peacefully die in their sleep” either, maybe they feel intense pain but can’t move to let anyone know before they pass.
@@randumdude5824 I agree with you completely. I have never experienced any serious accidents and it is so typical to take good health for granted.
@@randumdude5824 My friend ,are you saying that it is sometimes better to die?
@@PaulWashington.. yeah that’s what they’re sayin, cuz he’s clearly felt pain on an unbearable level probably unyielding and for a unceasing period of time …
Death is peace in my opinion, we go back to being pure energy with no more physical body and no more pain.. I believe we still exist as a soul so to me that’s something to look forward to
@@sophritoh hope you know Jesus
It was brave of you to "share your joys" with this video, thank you. It has made me appreciate life in a different way, as a precious gift, and not to be taken for granted. Well done for your last 15 years of sharing, and please keep up your good work.
scuze me. I am just curious if you realize that you told the man Keep up the good work? Keep up on breaking his bones? How did you end up apreciating life if your not exposing your self to death with your own agreement? If your time runs out naturally it does not matter if you appreciate or not life. If you want to say something .Tell him the truth. Tell him how stupid he is to choose high-risk and testosterone. Some people use drogs. Some people use alcohol most people fly. Imagine how dumb you must be to choose to practice a sport that may bring you death if the first accident happens. Haha. I seen this shit before.. Accidents happens and you need a second and a third chance. Birds don't get it. Tell him that.
@@videos40058 imagine how many downhands could be counted on your comment if youtube showed that number. The more granular the truth is the more it is disliked.
I respect the victim and I respect your comment equally.
@@CoIoneIPanic Look that is not the point. He upset me and made me feel ill. You can have respect for someone whos unfortunate to be born like that. But all the agony he is taking.. It will bring him close to reality. His reality. Compasion will not heal him. Neither nice words. He needs to hear the true opinion of other people. I am not happy for him at all. But this is beyond regrets. We all fuck up in life sooner or later. It's not like i am an expectation, No i am not. I assume he is me in a different reincarnation. And if so.. I would even slap him for that or beat the hell out of him. Why did you do that..........I'm taking it all back. But that wont change how i feel.
Honestly i dont mean to be mean. I just hate what he did to himself. Thank you for being positive.
@@videos40058 I think you felt the power of the anonymous comment and used it to unleash your true feelings about how much this video damaged you. I wish you quick and spontaneous healing.
I'm not really sure why the algorithm led me to this video, but I just wanted to say that you seem like a really great guy and I'm sorry that you were hurt in this way. I hope you're able to continue with PG, if that is something you want to do, and if not I hope you find a hobby that brings you even more joy!
Thank you for sharing. After about 15 years myself, mostly competitive, I finally called it quits in 2021 after COVID and not flying enough hours to justify it anymore. Even though I'm very, very familiar with the Alps, even there I didn't feel comfortable anymore. I've lost too many friends and I've seen too much go wrong to just keep going. Eventually, it got to my head and it's never a good choice to continue when it does. That's why I stopped. Your story is the one that I dread finding myself in and it solidifies my choice. Very sorry for how it ended; paragliding has been part of my identity and life for such a while that I can't imagen what you're going though. Take care!
Wow. I was thinking it looks like something I’d like to get into but maybe not. I thought as long as you didn’t do things that are obviously risky that it’s pretty safe. But looks like you can have catastrophe even when being safe
That’s my point. Is the rest of your life worth a few thrills when you’re younger? Missing playing with your kids, your grandchildren? Enjoying retirement? I don’t think so. I used to race cars on the track and that’s plenty of thrills without leaving the ground but even then you can still lose your life
@@cornkobmansanto17 living is risky. Getting out of bed is risky.
He was paragliding close to rocks at quite high mountains, the Aravis is 2700m high.
He doesn't remember what happened and how he reacted.
He was flying with his new wing since a month, which is a D class wing, a high performance racing wing. There are much safer and easier to pilot wings.
Its like saying you wont drive a car because you saw a formula one crash on TV.
It emphasize the safety of the group. If he was flying alone, it could have been even worse.
@@niconico3907 What blows my mind is how an experienced pilot flies his two liner with the tourist hand position on the brake handles. How do you feel a surge or deflation coming with fat gloves and that decoupled grip? Call me a control freak, but I can't fly my glider in thermic air without a finger on the line.
@@Vindolin exactly, nearly all paragliding crash videos start with people piloting with this hand position.
You're the man, brother. Few people would post this. You're saving lives.
Except we learn nothing from this because he doesn't show what caused the crash or what he did wrong.
Really appreciate your spirit, Nick! It takes a strong person to mentally comeback from an injury like this.
This positive attitude can change over night. I hope not, but that was the case with my buddy. He was very lighthearted after his motorbike crash- only one arm will work for life. He was joking with EMT's. We all commented how great his attitude was. Not anymore. He is basically suicidal. Pain 24/7 and no hope. Docs say he will only get worse. This guy seems to be in better shape. I wish him well.
@@shinrapresident7010 It did not help that he was doing 150mph at the time of the impact either. I would say he is lucky to be alive but he would strongly disagree with that. I sold my bike.
Thanks so much for posting this video! When you said; ”that was gonna be my last walk I ever did” wow I f****ing choked up right there… It brought up my own memories from my crash, october 2020.
I broke my back in 2 places, broke my arms, all my ribs, couldt breath properly, almost died right there, but was saved by super fast rescue team… Close to never walk again, but made it. It been 2 years now and I am 99 % back to who I was before my accident, greatful for that.
Again thanks for beeing strong sharing your accident, I know the feeling… Stay Strong!
and good for you too, dude!
just be careful in the future. from recent reading about incidents it isn't usually the first incident that leaves them paralyzed.. it's the 2nd/3rd spinal injury shortly after that initial one.
Whats your Plan, will you Fly again or is too Risky for you?
Wish u a good recovery ro 100% my Friend!
@@odin8807 Is that a question for me? If so, yeah, I fly again, my first flight was 10 months after my accident, even 10 min before takeoff I didn't know if I was gonna make it, the start location was the same as where the accident happened... But for me it was important to finish that flight that I crashed, in my mind it was like I never landed, I just had to land, no matter what... I did the flight, flew for 10min, and finally landed, in a way a ten month long flight....
Wow. One of the hardest to watch PG accidents reports I have seen. Must have been tough to make, even though I guess you have also been going through this in your head many times. I have often told you how inspiring your attitude is mate, but it keeps blowing my mind, both pre- and post-crash. On a different subject, I am looking forward to your pack-rafting videos :D
Thanks for sharing everything Nick.
The photo of the Koroyd protector at 12:36 is pretty damning. That's the 2nd time this summer I've heard of someone getting a spinal injury on a Koroyd bump protector, where the crush-cores didn't crush. In both cases, those crush cores just turned into solid, non-compressible objects which not only provides zero cushion, but actually is worse than no protection at all because now you have hard solid cubes of plastic creating impact points right where you want them the least. The flaw here is that they are certified and only work if you land exactly aligned with the crush-core direction. If slightly off, they twist and rotate and don't crush at all-- just as shown in your photo. Strongly believe these kinds of bump protector should be recalled and removed from the market.
Koroyd is garbage. There is a long discussion of PG forum about protector and i think a lot of people get koroyd right. It need such a special mix of things to get right for it to be a better alternative than the other protectors around.. I hope we can update certification process..
Do you have any infos on the other incident ?
Wonder why they don't use foam blocks of some sort? Like my motorcycle padding "stiffens" when impacted sort of stuff. That way a rotation wouldn't leave them as a solid block.
Seems like it it is meant to crush in the opposite direction they are installed
Paragliding forum is on fire bc of this. Honestly it looks jenky af, was/is this "pro gear" in Paragliding?
@@barryammerman6317 exactly was my tought. This structure is rigid mounted this way.
Thanks for sharing your story. As a pilot, I stay well clear of mountains like this because of the crazy up and down-drafts with little recovery altitude, but, when I look at the views and the overall environment, I can totally understand the appeal. Best of luck to you. This setback is obviously going to be a challenge, but, from what I've seen, you're up for the task. Your mission here is not over. Do great things!
I had an accident just few weeks ago and am still in recovery now. My spinal fracture was less serious and stable from the beginning but it was traumatic for me. Your story is really inspiring!! I couldn't image having a much worse case like yours and yet stay so brave and positive!!! Hope you recover soon!!
Keep in mind that even if you do recover, it will come back when you're about 65 and take you down. That's what happened to me. Lived an active life, injured several times, but I was young and strong, and just kept going. In my 60s it all started catching up with me, and now I can barely walk. Take care of yourself.
Read my previous comments. For now I will just say. " and another one!"
did you have a spine protector?
@@MOAB-UT no. 🙁
@@rickerhart907 ok but whats the alternative…? Some die healthy, some die sick. But it’s over for all of us some day. I’m in my fifties, and probably my body will start to hurt me one day, actually it has already started. But I won’t stop doing the things that give me most pleasure like surfing or kitesurfing. I want to live my life yo the fullest and now, even if it costs me some (painful) years at the end.
As I'm paragliding myself (Grenoble area) I remember that a friend told me that there has been a PG accident close to Annecy this day. I can't say that I'm glad to have found out who it was - as your story is quite shocking, but your positive attitude is more than amazing. You are still rather young, so I hope that science will find a way to make you walk again some day (soon).
We have a guy in our PG club who had a climbing accident years ago and is also in a wheelchair. He built himself kind of a trolley for takeoff and landing and is one of our best pilots.
Best wishes, H
WOW, Nick you are such a positive person, very inspirational. I also had a serious accident 4 years ago, 6 spinal fractures, 8 ribs, 3 serious pelvic fractures and some complications with internal bleeding but was lucky enough to fully recover. Like you no memory of the accident, could only evaluate IGC file. Realised that it was my mistake. You are a brave man, have always enjoyed you videos. Would be nice to catch up sometime. Let me know if you are every heading to Australia.
if he is inspirational to you why don't you tell your kids to do the same thing he did? or many you should be breaking some bones yourself and tell us how positive you feel about it. Dude this is the joke with the salt rock. When your stupid and life gives you lemmons. You think its apple. Idiots. This will last a lifetime. What about being stupid and lost it? no? I guess its better if you say its inspirational but you don't mean it. be straight dude,.
So brave of you to show your incredibly unfortunate accident to everyone, Nick. You’re so brave and I wish you all the best for your future. You’ve done things most people only ever dream of and will therefore never be able to look back on and remember. You can remember because you were brave enough to experience your passion.
Well done Sir! 👌👍❤️
@@shinrapresident7010
What would you call it then? 🤷🏼♂
@@shinrapresident7010
None of those words is the opposite of "unfortunate". The opposite of "unfortunate" is "fortunate". Surely you're not suggesting he was fortunate to have suffered such a life-changing catastrophe!!?
@@shinrapresident7010
"@shinrapresident7010
2 days ago
Paralyzing yourself while trying to fly down mountains as a thrill is the exact opposite of the word ''unfortunate''."
The above (copied) is precisely what you said! You used the term, "Exact Opposite of the word "unfortunate"".
Ever heard the term, "You don't know what you're saying"?
Thanks for sharing your experience. Good luck with your rehabilitation. Super brave of you to share.
despite everything man, love your positivism against the current situation, thanks for making this videos, I bet isn't easy, you been an inspiration since the paragliding days, and this new chapter in your life is even more inspiring. Stay strong chief, enjoy NZ spring time!
As somebody with a spine injury that has affected my ability to walk and do simple things, I'm sorry to hear about about your crash, and your injuries. I always LED an active life and did a lot of crazy things, but eventually it always catches up with you. Good luck and stay positive.
My thoughts and prayers for you mate!! Bugger!!
Have quietly being enjoying your videos, after stopping paragliding when our twin girls were born. Real joy in having you take me (us along) on your adventures.
I get a sense you'll continue to find joy going forward.
Much aroha to you
Gary from Christchurch, NZ
incredible video... not entirely sure how I stumbled across it but am glad I did.. makes me sick to see / hear of these types of accidents and as others mentioned, you are doing a great service by sharing your story and hopefully helping others to prevent further accidents. Thank you and all the best with your continued recovery
Man, a fellow foot launcher is sorry to hear you went, and are going, through this terrible crash. Glad you survived! Appreciate your thoroughness describing your ordeal. And I wish you the very best, and hope and pray that in time you will fully recover walking and the rest of it.
Thanks for sharing your story! I‘ve had a terrible paragliding accident myself (life was 4 days in danger, 11 fractures, 3.5 months hospital-recovery); hence I can imagine what you have been through! Compared to you, I’m really lucky, because I have no lasting issues/ disabilities. STAY STRONG and keep your positive attitude!
I am happy you recovered. Did you go back flying at all after that ?
Thanks for the update Nick. I'm super impressed with your attitude and humour through this. Keep up the good work on your recovery mate
We love you Nick!!! So sad but glad you survived. Youre an insipration to my flying and many others im sure 🙌
I've been paragliding 25years and lost a good friend at Annecy the same week as your accident, I must say my enthusiasm has been dented lately seeing the consequences from when it goes wrong, though the British weather has a big part in that too. Good luck, hope you can walk again some day.
Hello David, what was the nationality of this friend? It seems I cannot find this accident in the report made by the French federation. Do you have any more information about it ? docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wxVhd0yYPexm0K1kTjykO-dWz9CoVrVmmgAS2jh-m3Y/edit#gid=1687522515
Nick you are an inspiration. Your stories did much to inspire me to take up the sport myself several years ago, and for that I am grateful. It pains me to see this story, and my heart goes out to you but I also continue to be inspired by your optimism and perspective on life even after all you've been through. With how addictive paragliding is, I think a lot of pilots disregard all the many other wonderful things in life. This is something I try not to forget myself. Seems you are well on your way to finding those other wonderful things and I hope they keep inspiring you into the years ahead.
Nick's story alone has made me decide pg is not for me.
damn man. hang in there. i had a skydiving crash 9 months ago and broke my spine in 2 places along with a bunch of other things. wishing you all the best moving forward!
True Kiwi spirit you have Nick. Great to see you smiling and moving on with life and accepting the good and the bad. To live our dreams we have to take risks and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Keep dreaming big. All the best.
However stunning and adrenaline inducing this sport is, I just couldn't justify the risk of the pure terror and pain an accident like this would cause, and how much it has impacted the rest of your life. This has sealed the deal for me, I will never have the kahuna's to do this. I hope your mental scars are healing well my friend.
Hi Nick Ive been watching you for years mate and have always enjoyed your vids. Keep sharing bro you still have lots to give. thanks again for update.
"No psychological damage... Because I didn't really see what I did wrong"
That's a really powerful statement there.
So sorry that I have to wellcome you in club. But you deal with it amazingly, respect! I am also paraplegic after a paragliding crash 20 years ago. Now I am a flight instructor for light airplanes. So I'm back in the air again :--) and I hope you'll be soon too. Good luck!!!
I quit paragliding 5 years ago. Have been flying for 17 years and had 3 crashes. I have always been aware, that I could end my life in that hobby. The reason to quit was not fear. I hope, you will recover! thanks for sharing!
Proper time to exit the sport and not have ego lie you into staying.
I don't understand the reason.
I know nothing about your sport but having flown in the mountains, the turbulence and drafts can be so unpredictable so I have to believe every flight can be dicey. Your attitude is so upbeat and good. Your intimal tear of the aorta is something I have seen in car wrecks. You had a very hard hit.
So glad you survived your crash. A very good friend of mine wasn't so lucky and lost his life parasailing in NZ in 2018... he sure loved the sport.
I live ten minutes from a paragliding/hang gliding club. I went up there to check it out and I asked what the most dangerous thing that could happen was. The woman I spoke with said if the wind folds your sail it's a bad day, then she said if you fall into your folded sail it's your last day.
Thanks for sharing Nick. I followed you in xalps as pilot that so far to take part it showed your commitment. Loved your updates during the races and whilst free flying at other times. I am sure you will continue to live life to the full and i look forward to following you in the future. I bet you will have something special lined up that you can enjoy. Stay safe
thank you for sharing. your positive attitude is unreal. wishing you the best ❤️
I flew into Rotor top landing in July 2016 in Cumbria. I also have no recollection of the actual accident! . Broke 3 vertebrae and my coccyx but class my self as VERY lucky. It took me 4 years to pluck the courage up to return to Paragliding.
Thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully others will take whatever lessons they feel appropriate from your video and story. I shared my story on our local club site so others could learn from my mistakes, Only to end up being ridiculed by 1 person! That person's comments have ended up staying with me and hurt me more than the actual accident!! Please be careful how you comment on this thread.Good luck with your recovery Nick, thanks for sharing your video and story.
Sorry about what happened to you but at least you have way more memories that I will ever have! All the best for the future friend 😁
Thanks for sharing! Crucial for learning!
Now; I haven't read all the comments below, but I can't see anyone mentioning letting go of the brakelines (as you did, a lot!). We don't know if the accident started as a result of that, but on a general basis: Letting go of the brakelines, even for a second can be the difference between a bump in the air without even a minor collape, and a big collapse with an unrecoverable cravatte and spiral!
And here's the obvious why's: When holding the brakes you get a continous feel for the air, and can counter disturbances immediately, and thus preventing most of the collapses, and minimizing the others.
But when NOT holding the brakes: Not only do you have NO clue to what is starting to happen, you cannot react when you realize too late either! And even worse: You use up precious time grappling around for the brakes before you can start braking, because they are no longer where they were, because of slack lines due to collapse, and a most likely asymmetrically forward shooting glider.
So when you get to the brakes; collapse, cravatte and linetwist may already be in an unrecowerable state. So best holding the brakes at all times!
Now I realize that we all need to let go now and than... And here's what I have done on all my gliders to minimize the risk when letting go: I have fastened small plastic hooks at a "perfect amount of braking"-point down the risers where I can "hang" the brakes when not holding them! That keeps the wing flying at medium speed when I'm "out of the loop"! That way any reaction to turbulence will be FAR less, and the braking will prevent any dangerous forward shooting 'til I can grab the brakes! And now I know exactly where to find them!
What I have used as hooks are the smallest plastic cable-fasteners. Sow or strips them on to the risers at chest or shoulderheight or so. They are flexible enough to bend under any serious load like a trapped line, but more than strong enough to hold the brakes right beside you!
If any paraglider manufacturers are reading this, maybe you could make this standard issue...
Thanks for sharing your story. I started to learn to paraglide but decided there was a bit too risky for me. Incredible sport if you are willing to take the risk.
I know nothing about paragliding, but your video is extraordinarily brave and I would have thought truly instructive and informative for other paragliders.
Thank you for sharing buddy. I'm glad you're alive and cognitive:) this stuff is important to help others. My respect to you and your friend
Thanks for sharing your story! Congratulation for you to survive that harsh impact! I assume that (lee?) turbulence results in a kind of collaps of the paraglider. I was a hanglider, and decided not to switch to a paraglider, because i had experienced many hard turbulences and therefore a soft canopy is unsafe to me. I think it is more safe with a stiffer wing which retains its form even when you fall together with the air around you. Anyway, i stopped flying and do other things now to enjoy nature and live. One of them things are to sit in a camping chair near my campervan and watch sundown. I imagine you sit besides me the next time.
Youre one tough bloke. So much respect. truly inspiring story, it brought a tear to my eyes.
So lucky to be alive. I hope you make full recovery and walk again some day.
It must be so unbelievably frustrating to not really know what went wrong. Hope youre able to keep your head up after all that. What an amazing experience to be able to do paragliding like you did! So beautiful.
He has to know. He has such nice equipment, can review his flight in 3d realtime records and show us the route he did this day. And He can watch the Video unter the crash. I dont know why He stopped it for us at that point (7:24) and telling us "i dont remember where i crashed". Just keep Video playing and u see?!?
I don’t know why this video came across my account, but I decided to watch it and I am absolutely amazed with your story and survival. I wish you the best with your remaining time on this earth or even above it.
I highly recommend you watch all of Nick's other videos and his blog if you are just coming across this. Nick shares so much both in valuable information and in just beautiful writing and videography. Amazing human he is!
Thanks Nick, you where one of my inspirations to get into flying, and you still are. Wish you all the best.!
Sorry for what happened. Bummmer. Thanks for sharing. Is a good video.
So glad you made this video. Thank you for taking the time to work this through.
Thanks for sharing this Nick, stay positive and hopefully you'll be able to have some new, albeit different, adventures before too long.
I've watched this multiple times. Thank you for sharing this, it will help others. I'm so sorry this happened and i wish you all the best.
Chapeau to you for your wonderful attitude which makes me feel confident you will make the most of this next stage of life's adventure. Thanks for sharing your experience in such a generous way. Bon courage.
Whow, you are really a role model how you analyze your accident and your life. Thanks for sharing all your experiences in such an honest and straight way. This requires unbelievable courage. Your attitude is inspiring and I am sure you positivism will be helpful for many others. Wish you all the best - from an unkown follower from Switzerland.
Amazing story Nick. Can't wait to see you in the air again, in some way or another. Keep on inspiring mate.
I’m sorry this has happened to your life. Hopefully you have lots of love and support to help you get through this. Prayers for healing.
Thanks a lot for the share Nick, following you since the accident, impressed by your spirits and personality, and sure you'll do great things and experiences in your future whatever it may be. Wish i was more like you ! Love man
Thankyou for sharing Nick. Please don't stop sharing your joys and experiences. Having followed your flying for a long time, its your personality and ability to share the positive side of your experiences that I enjoy most when watching your videos. Not the activity itself.
The main safety point of the story for other pilots watching is to not fly so close to terrain that you cant fix the problem or get your reserve open in time. So for all of the other pilots who push the limits of flying low over terrain, please take note and change your habits. Flying close to smooth terrain with laminar wind or over tall trees is one thing. Close to terrain in thermic conditions over rocky terrain with rocky jagged outcrops is another. Height above ground is the biggest safety cushion you have and definitely better than a few inches of Koroyd.
Incredibly exciting video about the wonderful world of air and accident. Although permanent physical damage, the experiences in the air are of indescribable beauty and the feeling of lightness and freedom.
I just booked into a beginner paraglider training course, and this video came up in my feed. I've previously flown a few times 10 years ago.
This video has made me have doubts about flying. I always felt it was reasonably safe. But you're far more knowledgeable and skillful than I'll ever be, and still it sadly went badly for you.
My impression is that you can mitigate a lot of the risk by glider choice, flying location, weather conditions, and obviously user input. It seems that the location and conditions had a lot to do with this. I'm no expert but it seems like ridge soaring with an A or B glider is considerably less risky than this situation.
I'm a newbie pilot relatively but a month after getting my PG2 in NZ I encountered a dust devil on landing that picked me up 15m and then dropped me breaking my back. Thought it was an absolute fluke so happily continued to fly upon healing. Two weeks ago on a perfect weather evening flight, getting ready to land on a perfectly groomed sports field my headwind abruptly stopped, and then returned at 90 degrees direction change causing me to first sink rapidly and then pendulum into the ground. Luckily, just as Nick mentions I had my legs out but shattered my tibia and fibula needing a 3 hour surgery. I realize how no matter how perfect the conditions how close you are to the potential of serious injury/fatality and as a 49year old I want to enjoy my next 40 years so am quitting the sport very sadly as it is the most amazing form of flying I've ever done. Not trying to scare you off but don't downplay the risks!
Sorry to hear of the accident, your positivity will continue to push you though your recovery. Wishing you all the best, thanks for all of the inspirational work
Thx for sharing this with us, it is good for our community, it's a reminder we are practising a dangerous sport.. you brought this video just like got to know you over the years on this channel. Laidback, caring, down to earth , to the point and inspiring. I wish you more of the same.. 👊
Thank you for sharing your story in full detail. The flying community appreciates your candor. Prayers for best recovery, cheers.
Thankyou for sharing I'm glad you have no psychological injuries! At the end of the day you were doing what you loved few would have had the guts to live that way! Much love
thank you for sharing, really heartbreaking to watch , really hope your rehabilitation is going well
Thanks for putting this synthetic video. Really sad that such an experienced pilot as you, on a standard day, classic flight, got such a bad crash, without particularly exposing yourself. I flew on this very terrain and got similar path ; I would certainly go to the very same spur... It's freaking me out that nasty air / shear near terrain can happen anywhere and have live changing effect. Plz keep sharing your adventures your videos are cool !
We're extremely sorry for your serious injuries. You're open and forthright sharing your injuries. It's great you take your read seriously. Do heal quickly!!! Wishing you all the best!
Thank God you are still here mate he blessed you with another chance at life. I had a major motorbike accident hit by a car im blessed to still be here also, can be hard but you stay strong and look foward this lifes the short game next ones eternal. Enjoy your time with family you have a great mother by sounds of it. God bless.
Absolutely crazy you survived this. Glad to have learned about your channel and see you in good recovery. What a story.
Thank you for your honest and direct description.
Thanks for sharing that. I had an incident in the Swiss Alps this summer and lost my memory of the incident from a few minutes before it happened. I had the same helmet as you but I took a log to the face and that caused the concussion. Frustrating not knowing what happened and if I did anything wrong. I came out with a broken face and hand but I count myself as lucky. Nice to have your perspective on your adventure.
My guy you seem to not know how lucky you are. I use you an example every day of why my life is a joy and opportunity even if I usuallt sit at home and look at my phone.
Impossible to watch this and not feel grateful for being alive today. Thanks for sharing ❤
Both great and terrifying to see. Thank you for making it available for everyone, a great lesson. We'd obviously all prefer to see that there was a major, obvious mistake you've done so we all can feel safer and smarter again... But unfortunately sometimes there isn't really one, and that's the scariest part of it. Nothing of what you have done seems unusual, nor can be blamed to your skills or lack of preparation. Not easy to simply go on flying with that. I've given up a recent flight in Aravis, just because I couldn't get it out of my head. Same place, same wing above my head, feels weird. But well, what else do we have?
I've been kitesurfing for 20 years. Started looking up paragliding. After a few hours I found this video. Thank you. I'm going to stick to kitesurfing. It still has its risks and I have been thrown into a carpark - coudn't walk for few days. Thanks for making this video it is inspiring and eye opening.
Thanks a lot for sharing. In September of the same year I was mountaineering on a ridgeline with two friends when one of them fell down a 30m staggered cliff. When I got down to him I was amazed he was still alive, let alone moving all his limbs. He had severe back pain and until rescue arrived we struggled to keep him still as he was fighting with agonizing pain along his back. Turns out he broke his spine in 3 separate places (along with several other major and minor injuries). Listening to your story about how you were still moving around so much shortly after your accident, the same way he was so keen on sitting up and moving around, I'm glad we managed to restrain him. 2 weeks later he was released from hospital walking on foot, but still in rehab for another couple of weeks. He doesn't remember most of the accident and the state he was in, and I don't believe he knows just how lucky he was. Anyways, sorry for the long comment just needed to air out a bit after watching your well-documented story. Glad to hear you are well and wish you all the best, miracles happen!
Thank you for shareing your story. You have lived a life that most could only dream of and are truely blessed. Best of luck to you.
Thanks so much for sharing, mate. That's a devastating tale of passion turned to horror. We as viewers can all learn so much from it though. Regardless, I don't doubt that even this wouldn't cast a shadow over all of your past experiences in 15 years of flying. Without taking from everything you've gone through, I know you can still live an incredible life. Forget the people saying "hope you can fly again", "hope you can walk again" etc. You'll find something else to set your soul on fire. It's all in our heads. Sending you loads of strength.
I actually saw a doctor who had a injury to his spine said he couldnt walk again the doctors told him, but every day for 8 months straight he would visualize the body to heal his spinal injury telling himself how the cells one by one would go to heal his spine and you think it wouldn't work but after 8 months he was able to move and after a year he was able to walk not the best walking but walking is walking and to hear that story might give hope that someone like this can make that happen too. I know he can do it.
You sustained major trauma and it's amazing the rescue response got to you so fast rendering aid... I have no doubts that if the first responders hadn't arrived as quickly as they did, you most likely would not have survived. Thanks for sharing your story and the details of your injury. Fight on and live another day...
Nick, absolutely stunned to see this news. After I saw your flight off Elbert some years ago, you were a huge inspiration for me to start my own paragliding journey in 2018. Just the other day was watching a promo vid of BornesToFly 2022 and saw your ugly mug make a brief appearance LOL... I recall our email exchanges a few years ago about paragliding more Colorado 14ers. You're are a very big personality, and I'm hopeful you can start a solid road to rehabilitation recovery... Stay strong and stay funny....
I’m sure you’ve heard this, but your attitude in the video is absolutely phenomenal.
I’m sorry for you that this happened, but I can promise that this video and your positivity is changing other peoples’ lives in a good way.
Thank you.
Jeeze Nick thanks for sharing this. It certainly gives some insight and perspective as to what happened and how your recovery is going. You’re a strong buggar and bloody inspirational. I’d feel sorry for ya but it doesn’t seem appropriate when you don’t seem to feel sorry for yourself. It does make me wonder why we do this sport though where the risks are ever present and often catastrophic.
The YT algorithm brought me here. And then I watched the full video. Wow. All the best to you!! Thanks for sharing all that so honestly.
Wow man I wouldn't imagine most people would survive that. Tons of respect for you remaining so coherent and calm, Ive been in combat and was trained for wild situations but I don't think I could've been so calm. I'm sorry man, it's awesome to see you come through it and remain positive. This may be a bit dumb for me to say but hope is important....stay positive at least you're alive and never lose hope, with the insane amounts of gigantic leaps forward were making especially in the medical field, you never know. I'd imagine that we'll come up with a way to restore your spine...it's very goofy to say that I know but it helps mentally to know that there's a chance that we'll come up with a treatment.. but yea man you have my respect for sure
Yes, and actually there is a way to heal the body to help injury, it all comes down to food and how the body can digest it to help with the healing process, i know of two people who had injuries and was able to walk again and that is a goal i feel he can do too.
Thanks for sharing your story, and for your positive attitude continuing to choose the positive aspects of your accident and life post-accident. Your helmet manufacturer knows what it’s doing. I agree with those saying it’s better to live your dreams, if it’s a dream with established and proven safety methods and equipment designed to optimal standards. I also agree with those who say it could be anything you do day to day that could drastically and devastatingly alter your life. I’m a physical rehab RN. The patient who I remember most was a 24 year old, recently discharged from the US Navy. Went to a lake party, had a few beers, dove head first into 2 feet of water, now paralyzed from the neck down. Life comes with risks no matter how simple or complex our activities. We try to be as safe as we can and power through adversity. Above all try to look out for our fellow human beings.
Born again! Congrats! You have got a very good Buddy - Hammed. All the best to him.
Wow. Although you have experienced things most of us only dream of, you paid a hefty price. I hope your days are filled with solace and love. God bless you!
Glad your ok… i could move my legs at first too… i pushed myself up on a rock to get my head out of the waves… and then had to disconnect wing as it was in ocean dragging me back into the water. I had L1,L2,L3,L4 fractures and book opened pelvis and central fracture dislocation of hip which made me bleed in my belly.. I wasn’t concussed or KOed… yet I’m😅 sure i could move my legs immediately after the accident…
Heamatoma was removed from around the spinal canal at surgery. I had no movement at all in legs for the first month in hospital. Then slowly and miraculously it began to return. Mate Im walking now. I recommend the stem cell treatment as it coincided with benefits to me on a previous broken neck drowning head injury… there is was no down side for me … i think its safe and easy just costly… but you could ask friends for help with that. Well we had similar experiences in some ways… i think you can be better if you avail yourself of these cell based treatments. I can talk to the radiologist if you want me to. Probably know them anyhow.
You’ve had two spinal/neck injury crashes?
I'm in awe over how matter of fact you're describing everything and the attitude you have about it. God bless
Amazing that you are such a realist and that you can analyse the accident so logically. Just as amazing is you don't appear to have been traumatized.
"Just one of those things" is how you began this video.
Thankyou so much for sharing.
Ive been thinking of you and talking about you to family and friends alot lately matey and just want to say thank you for shareing as you always do and i hope this little bit of apreciation from me helps in some way. *just watched it all and it isnt easy that theyres some niggleing questions left maybe unresolved ....
So sorry this happened to you man. You seem like a genuinely nice dude. Stay positive 💪
Damn, he would make me so nervous. Overly confident and a severe case of ADD, taking his hands off constantly to point things out, “I messaged John and he hasn’t replied back. There he is. This is where dropped my phone last year.” Like, yeah probably because ya damn hands be all over the place!! But respect man ✊ I live an overly cautious life. I have never lived as freely as you have, flying about as a bird high in the Alps (outside of a jet). As careful as I am, noone is immune to accidents. At least you’ve really lived ❤
You r a legend! Speedy recovery and get well soon so u can be back up in the air 🙏🙏🙏
To go from flying with the Gods in paradise to paralyzed in a wheelchair is extreme turning of the chapters. Whenever the body has gained kinetic energy from velocity we are in danger, whether automobile or bicycle. We weren't designed to survive crashes. Even horseback is a very recent invention. Well at least you still have your mind intact, that's all that matters, you're still alive and able to innovate.
Thank you so much for sharing. You are such and inspiration and all the positive vibes from me going your way. I will think about you and your story each time a launch.
Very brave to share this to help others! I know you’ll come back stronger💪
Fucking brutal. Dude. Thank you far sharing. You are a strong man. 💪, I wish you the best in your new endeavors