“The Real Initiation to Pipe Is When You Leave in an Ambulance”: Underrated Surfing and Skating Legend on His First Visit to the ‘Vans Pipeline’

Despite winning several competitions, Nathan Fletcher is one of the less famous surfers in the country. No matter how fun and adventurous surfing looks from the shore, it is extremely dangerous when you step into the ocean to surf. No one knows this better than Fletcher, who was once involved in a life-threatening situation that landed him in the hospital.

Nathan Fletcher revisits the Vans Pipeline

Recently, Fletcher and his fellow surfers, Keala Kennelly and Makua Rothman were featured in an episode of the  Vans Pipe Masters: Invite Show.’

While talking about the new and exciting pipe masters, the surfers discussed their past experiences and accidents. However, when talking about initiation, the surfer-cum-skater quickly replied, “The real initiation to a pipe is when you leave in an ambulance.” The infamous surfer knew the pain of landing in the hospital and doesn’t want to experience it again.

In 2009, Fletcher was caught in a dangerous surfing accident. The surfer heard his leg snap, after facing a huge pipe. Luckily, a lifeguard helped Fletcher out of the water and treated him to emergency treatment. However, the injury was so bad that he ended up in the hospital.

During the Vans interview, he revealed the details of his surgery. “Yup I broke my femur, still have a 12-inch rod in my leg, with two 6-inch screws through my hip into my pelvis and one in my thigh. Can’t ever let your guard down at a pipe. I feel like it’s one of those things that like it’ll get you no matter who you are and what you do,” stated the surfer.

Read More: Scariest Surfing Day in 2015 Saw Kelly Slater Embracing Opponent Tightly for He Could’ve Been the Guy Out There

However, this has not stopped Fletcher from participating in the brand-new Vand Pipe Masters. Unlike other masters, this is going to be a different event.

What is Vans Pipe Masters?

After several years of waiting, Vans Pipe Masters is finally added to the World Surf League. The Vans Master will be a unique and creative surfing event that will change the look of traditional surfing competitions.

Unlike other Pipe Masters, the Vans Masters would not have any elimination rounds. Vans also holds the concept of the Triple Crown event. They have ensured that the ongoing surfing event is a new opportunity for champion surfers. It is also an opportunity for young talents in Hawaii and other parts of the world.

Watch This Story: Soon-to-be-married Simone Biles goes on a beach vacation with parents and fiance Jonathan Ownes

Nathan Fletcher, Keala Kennelly, and Makua Rothman are just a few of the names among the participants in the event.