Surfer Maz Quinn Photo: Source: Instagram/Maz Quinn
Surfer Maz Quinn is in intensive care having been airlifted to hospital after suffering a serious surfing accident in Mahia yesterday.
Quinn who was a four-time national surfing champion retired from international competition in 2009.
In 1999 he became the first New Zealander to win an event in the World Surf League qualifying series, taking out the Anglet Pro in France.
Two years later he qualified for the World Championship Tour.
Quinn has posted on social media that he was surfing at Mahia Beach in Hawke's Bay when a "solid wave....picked me up and drove me into the rocky ledge bottom".
"Got washed in and couldn't walk up beach. Had to crawl for 20 minutes as had to go so slow as pain was intense.
Maz Quinn has suffered several broken libs. Photo: Source: Instagram/Maz Quinn
"Luckily a guy Pat saw me came to help and even luckier a off duty paramedic was in the car park. At first they thought it was my pelvis so they called the Rescue Helicopter from Gisborne. Over night in ICU, still in here."
Quinn said he has four broken ribs and "multiple broken Transverse processors little bones at base of spine."
"Good lesson no matter how comfortable you are surfing a wave, always have to be extremely mindful. Big thanks to all that helped onsite and the rescue helicopter.
"Will be back out to my favourite wave as soon as I can."
-RNZ
