GASH / GORE
Elliot Dowdle of Auckland has or should we say ‘had’ the dream job when it comes to international surf travel. Elliot is an Air New Zealand Pilot, so he gets more than his fair share of surf time in epic locations during work stints and holidays. Bali is one such place where Elliot doesn’t mind going to work and over the years he has had some epic trips and epic waves up there and reckons he just loves the place! On a recent trip, however Elliot while surfing at Airport Lefts was pile driven into the reef suffering a nasty break to his leg. Locals rallied around and helped Elliot get back to the beach where he was stabilised and taken to Hospital in Bali for six hours of surgery, and then transferred to Auckland eight days later. Elliot now faces a minimum 6 months recovery and rehabilitation and with the nature of his job it may be longer as his leg has to be a perfect 100% before NZ Civil Aviation will give him back his licence. Elliot reckons the mishap has not tainted his appreciation of Bali and its waves one little bit and he was also quick to add that the hospital food in Bali was epic and well ahead of the stuff that gets served up in NZ hospitals. We wish you all the best with your recovery Elliot, may that licence be granted and you and your board be paddling into some waves soon. In the meantime the epic folks at Skullcandy would like to keep you entertained with a pair of their headphones to sing along with. Win $89 pair of Ink’d wireless earbuds.... as used by our mate Mick Fanning. Visit www.skullcandy.co.nz to view more sick products