“My Leg Spun, Twisted and Then Pressed at the Same Time”: Nerve Wrecking Femur Injury Taught Surfing Legend Nathan Fletcher an Enlightening Lesson Although Through Dark Times

Born in 1974, Nathan Fletcher began surfing when he was young. Nathan grew up surfing some of the most enormous and dangerous waves. However, Fletcher suffered the most nerve-wracking injury while surfing a mammoth wave. He broke the longest bone in his body, the femur bone.

In December 2021, Nathan appeared on the Midlife Health Moments YouTube channel. During the conversation, the big-wave surfer revealed how the injury became an enlightening lesson. 

The injury that led to self-reflection for Nathan Fletcher

During the conversation, the interviewer asked Nathan how he broke his leg. He also enquired if Nathan had a previous injury. Nathan said while “the Fletchers were super stiff,” his lack of flexibility didn’t play a role in the accident. The water hit the bottom of his surfboard in a way Nathan didn’t expect. “My leg spun, twisted, and then pressed at the same time,” said Nathan.

While Nathan thought his knee would blow out, his femur bone broke instead. The surfer immediately began going into shock. The interviewer said the lifeguards rescued Fletcher. However, Nathan corrected him. The surfer said he somehow swam back to the beach. “I felt like I was gonna die because shock was kicking in,” said the daredevil surfer. However, there was a “flip side” to the injury.

The surfing legend said the nerve-wracking injury was the most physically traumatizing thing to happen to him. However, Nathan also said it gave him time to self-reflect. “I needed to break my leg to sit on the bench and watch and see what was important to me,” said Nathan. The daredevil surfer said he’d lived a reckless life before the injury, not caring about his personal life or mental health.

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Instead of being a burden during dark times, the injury helped Fletcher deal with personal demons. “The beginning of healing,” said Nathan. Fletcher returned to surfing after nine months. However, with a clear mind, Nathan reached new heights. “Coming back, like from that era, (I surfed) the biggest waves in my life,” said Nathan.

The big-wave surfer wouldn’t wish it on his worst enemy

The legendary big-wave surfer had a difficult childhood. During the same interview, Nathan talked about witnessing substance abuse. “My parents were addicts, alcoholics growing up… They only quit when I was five,” said Nathan. His brother also developed an addiction later in life.

However, Nathan lived through difficult times. “I wouldn’t wish drug abuse or addiction upon my worst enemy because it is no joke,” said Nathan.

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Nathan suffered a horrific injury that sidelined him for a month. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.