“Did Not Go Into the Ocean for 20 Years”: Despite a Surfing Accident That Changed His Life, Man Achieves an Unthinkable Feat

Getting back to what you love after a setback is a remarkable feeling. Not everyone gets to understand this feeling, but recently Joel Taylor made the comeback of his life in his surfing career. He has stayed away from the ocean, from doing what he loves the most for 20 years because of a spinal injury. No injury could stop him from attaining the title of Australian Para Surfing. He has been competing since he was 12 years old. But, after a tragic accident at the age of 21, he had to step back from surfing.

Para surfing is the perfect arena for individuals who are unstoppable, and Taylor undoubtedly falls into this category. This domain provides people with physical disabilities the chance to ride ocean waves on surfboards, presenting them with valuable opportunities. Experts like Joel Taylor readily seize these opportunities. Taylor not only participated in para surfing but also exhibited exceptional prowess in his performance.

Unstoppable Joel Taylor gets back to surfing after years 

After suffering too much and getting past the tough points of his life, Joel Taylor has made everyone’s jaw drop. Even after a major injury, he won the Australian Para Surfing title. He went through a very horrifying accident at Hawaii’s Pipeline in 2001 where he had a major back injury. And this incident made him acquainted with a wheelchair. The memory of him being hit by a large and very strong wave is still instilled in his mind.

Taylor relived the experience, he said it was his first big swell of the season and as he caught the first wave of the set, there was no water on the reef. It was a very dangerous feeling for him, and this made him forget the love he had for the ocean. He expressed, “I just lost interest in surfing.” He further added, “I was 21 years old and did not go in the ocean for 20 years.” However, this was not the end of his career, Australian Para Surfing pulled him back to where he deserved. It was a very special moment for him when he was announced the winner.

Joel Taylor speaks about his win in Australian Para Surfing

After the major accident in his life, he lost all hope. However, his two sons became his best motivation to get back in the water. He wanted to attain the prone division at the national titles. And had the wish of giving his children the same lifestyle he had. He wanted them to enjoy the beach and nature like he did, so he got back into the waters. Taylor encouraged the surfing community and his athletes for being there for him.

According to ABC News, Joel Taylor expressed, “Everyone has your back and it is a great community to be in.” And he had the support even after he won the title. He said, “It was really so special.” Teza McKenna who was Joel Taylor’s former coach had full faith in him. He was very emotional at Taylor’s win, he expressed, “I nearly cried as I have known Joel for so long and this Australian title is another life-changing moment for him.”

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Taylor is all set for his upcoming competitions. He is very proud of himself as he has the best willpower of getting up after such a brutal accident. Everyone is quite sure that Taylor will do amazing in the ISA World Championships at Huntington Beach in November. Life will push us down but getting back stronger is what one should aim for.

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