This video shows the dramatic moment that Evan Geiselman was dragged unconscious to the beach by two times world bodyboarding champion Andre Botha after suffering a heavy wipeout and subsequent three wave hold down at Pipeline yesterday.
Once Andre and Evan made it to the shore break they were met by an all star cast of Pros,including Mick Fanning, Danny Fuller and Kalani Chapman, who rushed to ensure Geiselman’s was brought safely back to shore.
Once back on the beach Evan was administered CPR, at which point he regained conciseness and was rushed to hospital to be treated for his injuries including lacerations to the back of his head. Whilst he remains in hospital it has been reported that he is expected to make a full recovery.
Here’s what Evan’s brother Eric told Stab about the incident:
“Thanks to everyone, especially Andre, he was truly Evan’s guardian angel,” says (Ev’s brother) Eric Geiselman. “Everyone responded so heroically and our family cannot thank them enough. We also must remember that the conditions were serious and this is what Mother Nature can do. The surf community needs to remember to always take a minute to consider the consequences of every wave. Today we are very blessed to still have Evan with us.”
We’d like to join the rest of the surf community in wishing Evan a speedy recovery and lauding the efforts of Andre Bothat and those others who’s quick thinking and bravery undoubtedly saved his life.
