My Reply to Nathan Florence on My NEAR DEATH SITUATION in Hawaii

FOR THE DREAM TICKETS! www.ticketmast...
A lot of people told me to go check out the Nathan Florence analysis on my near death situation in Hawaii ( • STUCK BETWEEN A RIP CU... ) I already had a lot of respect for Nate as a surfer & a business man, but it was great to see how he came across on the video with the utmost of respect and speaking about the situation in a way that will actually help people if they watch this video. He goes into a backstory about a session in which he was STUCK BETWEEN A RIP CURRENT AND A SET WAVE & then touches on my situation. All in all a great video & I hope you enjoy my reply! Thanks!!
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El Equipo Del Norte

[@NathanFlorence]

Ben! Love how this little series came together! So cool to here your in depth thoughts during that situation after viewing and breaking down from outside perspective! Awesome vid dude! If im in east coast at some point lets hang! Or vise versa and you here! Always welcome! 🤝 yew!

[@FreeEditsForYou]

LETS GOOOO, collab time, Legends meet legends

[@Everyday-Jay]

Dope

[@joelfinney2314]

nice nathan

[@patrickbrown9527]

That collab would hit 1M views in the first day and I’d be responsible for a lot of it

[@SarahCassell]

Collab!!!!!!

[@Yelnats87]

Dude.... Guys, these are my two favourite channels interacting with one another... that's epic in itself! It's Soooo dope you appreciate and are willing to by-pass embarrassment and any ego, to fully tell this specific story. The ocean anywhere is NO joke, but to hear you guys acknowledging that she can break and take any lives in just a millisecond is awe inspiring! The narration with the visuals is great and absolutely needed to be seen. Like you say Nate and B-G, there are surfers that have no idea of that area. Whether they are new or extremely experienced, it's just awesome to see to two elite surfers have a open convo about this area and their experience which the viewer can understand and experience live on the actually day and more specifically in that particular area! Nice job Ben with the response mate!

[@barne3668]

well said Yelnats87!

[@koldonibane]

Same for me bro! When I saw Nate's vid I was like whaaaaaat? Now Ben, that's so sick! 🤙🤙🤙 Yew!

[@IAMREIKI]

Amen

[@nicholsjason7490]

I had a serious experience on the west side of Kauai, my first trip to Queens Pond. I can say for sure I would have died if my leash broke. After that I spent the next 25 years becoming a very proficient body surfer. If you intend on putting yourself in waves of consequence I can’t emphasize enough how important being skilled at bodysurfing is to making it out of a situation like this.

[@TrewlPatrol]

Love the fact that you mentioned about maybe being embarrassed to have to signal for help, particularly when your knowledge of the water is very significant. Can’t stress enough, never let your ego get in the way of your safety. Much easier to swallow your pride and live to see the next days sunrise rather than swallow a few gallons of water and that’s it. The ocean is unforgiving and has zero conscious when it comes to claiming a life. Deserves every ounce of respect, 100% of the time.

[@ETYSURF]

I think Nathan’s video was so helpful to everyone who hits that spot again

[@kahuna2]

I can relate to this. More than once I've been in heavy situations on Maui's north short where I didn't know if I could get back in. Broken gear on big days, windsurfing, surfing, and standup paddling. One early morning I was surfing the outer reefs by myself, took a fall and felt an electric shock sensation on my leg. When I surfaced I looked down and had a 6" V shaped cut deep in my calf muscle that almost went down to the bone. It was nasty with a huge flap of flesh hanging down, blood and tissue everywhere. I think I went into immediate shock. It didn't hurt too much because whatever hit me severed the nerves. It could have been a shark, or the worst fin cut ever, we still don't know. The ER doc who did the surgery said he's seen thousands of fin cuts in his career and this was no fin cut. Great. Anyway I was a quarter mile out, all by myself and had to figure out how to get back in. I used my leash to tie a tourniquet around my leg then paddle in, make it over a shallow reef with exposed coral heads, through a rocky channel. I was getting tossed around by the surge, slicing my feet up, stepping thru sea urchin beds. I was fighting the urge to panic. Finally made it in and had some ppl call 911. They hauled me away to the hospital and I spent several months recovering. What a morning. So, when I watched your vid, I was like shit, he's in the rinse cycle, exhausted and I know the exact feeling of helplessness. Sometimes the only way to survive those situations is to not panic. That alone will spare you from loosing the last bit of strength you need to rescue yourself when no one is there to rescue you. It' can be the difference between life and death. Stay safe, and by all means, come back to surf HI next winter. One thing you can take away from your experience is the knowledge that now you're capable of surviving the gnarliest situations. That shouldn't make you hesitant but instead give you increased confidence combined with a healthy level of respect. Stay safe and aloha!

[@1anonlyedwiltshire]

Man that sounds horrific

[@Dankelheit]

What gashed you? Maybe a bite?

[@juanbarraza590]

I admire what you're doing. Met you at Rincon last year you asked what's the claim, I claim that the best surfer in the water is the one having the most fun. Keep the dream alive and stay stoked my friend, because freedom is only available for a brief lifetime. Stay on.

[@30yearoldgrom]

The situation can go from fun to super gnarly real quick. Duuude. Big shout to Nate for reacting to this. Fingers crossed that between his video and yours this gets a message out that keeps people looking out for others. Stay stoked and stay safe big dawg🙌🍍

[@truthseeker6410]

Ben, this happened to me during hurricane Teddy in the Outer Banks. I got sucked into the bowl during a huge set 15-20ft on the faces top to bottom. I thought I was going to die. Literally was fighting for my life. All the energy kept sucking me into the impact zone. I always thought of myself as a big wave guy. That day humbled me.

[@GarlandGay7]

I took 3 on the head WITH my board and realized it was time to go in (Duck on a big day). Just goes to show how strong Ben is, taking 15 on the head at Pipe.

[@ncburner]

Almost exact situation happened to me one morning on a solo surf (error #1) in Chile. Beautiful sunny morning, skipped breakfast (error #2) cause I wanted to get out there. It was really big the day before so the current was already above average. Didn’t bother waiting to see a set come through to really know how big it was before I got in (error #3). Took a small wave and ejected only to turn around and see a way bigger set of waves coming I didn’t expect. Took every one on the head. Was seeing stars, on the verge of blacking out. Felt like I didn’t have an ounce of energy left, literally accepted death. One last massive wave broke much earlier then the ones I took on the head and was able to bodysurf my way in to safety. Took me hours to regain the strength to walk back home. Didn’t surf for a while after that.

[@sebastianm7013]

Pichilemu?

[@brandon7227]

I've been in huge Makapuu 12-15 feet bodysurfing and couldn't get in because of this same situation. Current was pulling me right into the oncoming waves and you don't go anywhere trying to swim to shore. After 2 hours of duckdiving massive waves, luckily, I instinctually tried what Nathan was talking about without the starfishing as a last resort. I just took the waves on the head on purpose and tumbled back to the shore. Seems counter intuitive, but duckdiving is your worst enemy in those situations because that time underwater just pulls you back into the next wave. I probably would have died without fins so Ben's situation was more gnarly for sure. You learn so much from those situations, which is why testing your limits is extremely beneficial but risky.

[@paulhunter8486]

Nate, is just a genuine good human. His empathy shows both his experience and maturity.

[@sharktooth64]

Losing your board on a day like that is intense as it gets..I saw the footage a few times. Nathan broke it down real well . Big respect Ben. 🙏

[@ElliottLaw]

Glad we can talk about this and learn from it. We all need to look out for each other.

[@hunterdavis3003]

I freaking love Nate Florence, what a cool dude

[@canopybreezesoutdoors4916]

Ben, glad you’re OK. Just said a prayer thanking God you are safe. I’ve worried over the years as your wave choice level has increased, but your experience has also increased. This happens to most athletes that push themselves to the limits, but That’s why we’re glued to BGTV. You’ll be even more prepared next go round. Maybe surfers should threat some monofilament line through the leash? #ForTheDream!!!!!!

[@cruzthompson1504]

Ben its always good to talk about that kind of thing man, be it to us viewers or friend, professionals, councilors whoever. Respect for sharing this with us brother alot of us could relate to the feeling for sure!

[@mulletoutdooradventures6286]

I'll never forget when I was like 10 or 11 paddling out off LBI during my 1st real charge of a hurricane swell. I was with a bunch of older dudes and it was huge. I got so hammered on my 1st try and failed. I got back in walked back down the beach to try again but now I was alone. Dude at 11 about to paddle into solid closed out 8 to 10ft sets I was terrified. I finally thought I had enough strength and lull to get out. I made it to the impact zone to get crushed right on my head. My leash plug popped so I lost my board. Never found it again BTW, although I did 4 years later at Holyoke under some kids arm 😆🤣😂. I got so held down it wasn't even funny. With no leash to climb I was screwed. Plus I was prolly only like 70lbs. I finally got washed onto 106th st jetty. I started at 76th st jetty 😆.

[@JBT4233]

Glad you made it out of this one Ben. The danger in the water is real for anyone out there. Keep the stoke going! 🤘🤙🍍

[@kalikokahoonei4781]

the pure excitement in your voice when mini slammo was wedging is priceless !

[@jeffpieper1]

Such a heavy situation, so glad you made it out safely Ben! I’m blown away with the insight that both you and Nathan provide here. Such valuable information that is very relatable and practical for many of us. Thank you for sharing! You are both Legends!!

[@JohnS-gf4sz]

Sometimes it's a good thing when mother nature checks your okole...keeps you humble...keep living the dream Ben!!!

[@ramonsean9170]

Thank you Nathan and Ben for all the tips I've being started surfing at 47' waves 'n the Netherlands as City boy Amsterdam now living in San Fran, being in gnarly situations at ocean Beach doubling up waves after sunset. Watching your videos about getting out made me going in safer brother.... Thank you. Nathan & Ben your legends!

[@joshmccredie1881]

That was a very nutty situation your in I’m glad your still shreddin

[@cameronbahar2871]

Bro u didn’t even watch the whole video 💀

[@WyldRhino]

I love that they are reminding everybody to always be cautious and keep your eyes out to help people out. I’ve definitely had a time where I’ve been saved by a surfer when I was out at Huntington Beach when the waves were 5 to 7 and the set crashed on my head and swept my board right off my body and took the leash with it. I waved down a surfer and he let me hold onto his board until I had enough energy to swim back to shore.

[@HikaruPT]

Waiting for Nathan's reply about your reply to his reply

[@stephenlepore4476]

stoked all is well! Ben and Nathan legends!!!!

[@dannyryanlannon784]

Dam, no joke. My friends little brother downed at ocean beach in SF his friend was watching and thought it was fine until it wasn't. Definitely better to help someone who doesn't need it than to not help someone who does. Glad your ok Ben.

[@rjpilgrim]

sorry for your friend

[@rumeal3838]

obsf is brutal. worse than any hawaii break imo

[@WeekendPirate]

A float suite in big waves maybe like Jamie always wears

[@postworld1185]

I really felt for u when I saw your original vid. I've been in that exact situation-leash broke-stuck in the impact zone forever. Its weird how even if you're highly experienced and in shape - the exhaustion eventually shuts down your muscles and lungs from working. You can barely wiggle your toes and wave your hands and you're sipping air like its through a straw because your lungs are shutting down too . At that point you're just trying to keep your mouth exposed while you're at the mercy of the current. Again-nothing is working - no muscles or lungs. And if u don't black out your brain is working perfectly - you fully understand your predicament, but your body can do nothing to save itself. Very strange and scary.

[@PlaySA]

Yep. I'm a strong swimmer and reasonably good surfer and one day out at about ten to twelve foot beachbreak I just got mashed, and then it never ended. Short period so a wave comes down on you ever time you get up, while a rip current sucks you in and prevents you from escaping. My board pulled its leash plug and I just vaguely remember blacking out, struggling to the surface one more time and I guess getting worked by a wave hard enough that I moved out of the worst rip zone. Eventually struggled to the beach and fell down, losing consiousness. It's so scary to think that a couple more waves or blacking out at the wrong time and I'd be drowned, no one was looking for me I was out alone at this gnarly beachbreak but I thought I could handle it like I had in the past. Just a bad rip and a bad sandbank nearly killed me.

[@cathyohlhausen6796]

Glad you made it out ok 🙏🏻been in similar situation laguna cliffs Calif 1978 lifeguard said the wave was close to 20ft we were already out in big waves turned around and saw a wall so big couldn’t get away . I was slammed 5 times by big waves . I was drowning had drank so much water .I saw the white light and a tunnel and hands pulling me towards a bright light 😩I said god please don’t take me yet my parents already lost one child then my prayer was answered a light pushed me up enough to get my arm out and the guy I was swimming with was looking for me saw my arm and pulled me in . I had so much water dripping out of my mouth and nose I had a pond couldn’t talk for a day I was so stunned . I was a good swimmer and had lifeguard training but no match for big waves . I have to say once I gave up the struggle while drifting farther down it was very calm and peaceful floating towards light 😇

[@evangeorge5898]

Tumultuous is a awesome word , gnarly situation dude ! It happens and we learn from them for sure!

[@ODL957]

Really love how Nate cover your event and how you took the time to discuss the event even deeper. Great knowledge sharing to many of us, thank you so much

[@thomastarner8683]

DUDE!!! I had a similar situation at Sebastian Inlet last November when I went out in the water to photograph surfers. The current bellow the surface was pulling me down and I could barely keep my head out of the water. Obviously I made it back to the beach, but the scariest part was when I hit the beach I started blacking out, like tunnel vision everything started going black from the outside in. I was sooooo winded I puked and couldn't catch my breath for literally 30 to 45 minutes. It was the craziest 15 minutes I have ever had in the water, and I can usually kick around out there for a couple hours at a time. Never take the ocean for granted, she will slap the shit out of you just to remind you how mortal we really are.

[@Foodforestculture]

My homebreak, it can get powerful out there

[@bigbird2451]

I'm really glad that he didn't just call you a weakling or something. I was worried when I saw the title. Brotherhood, friendship. My favorite piece of trivia that I've surprised everyone with so far, is that the term Gung Ho means teamwork in Korean. It came back with soldiers from the Korean War. "Are we Gung Ho" means "Are we a team?" The answer it seems in the world of surfing is that Yes, we are Gung Ho! Glad to have with us still Living The Dream!

[@psalmsurfer1]

Nate doesn't seem like that type of dude from what Ive seen from his vlogs

[@bigbird2451]

@@psalmsurfer1 I come from the Gravy side and don't really know Nathan. Seems to me you're right. He's pretty down to Earth. Or perhaps down to Water is more appropriate.

[@Oh_its_Sheaf]

Mad respect given by both of you gentlemen is truly a beautiful thing!

[@carlosantoniotabernilla]

glad you made it man!!!

[@livejoyfully6426]

Similar thing happened to me while body surfing in Laguna Beach on a 12 foot day in cold water with no wetsuit. I called for help, but the lifeguards didn't hear or see me. After that situation, I bought a plastic whistle that I strap to my wrist when I go in the water so that if I'm in trouble, someone can hear me.

[@kerryabruzzo5297]

The ocean truly has no back door. Thanks for being honest and sharing.

[@miketuccini]

Shout out to society for teaching us to be embarrassed about asking for help when we're drowning. Pfft. I was in 6-8ft lake michigan waves, there's no flat period between those. It took me till the very end to yell for help and get rescued.

[@pcm7315]

When you are not going where you want to go in the water - no matter what you do - it's time to seek help. If you see a situation that looks sketchy check it out if you can; if not, tell a lifeguard. Why are we reluctant to ask for help? - People want to help.

[@chrisone8283]

I would think fresh water would make this even harder

[@camrendewaard1323]

You're a legend Ben! Watching you watch Nathan watch you almost die was very enjoyable (knowing the outcome was positive that is). Stoked to see this video title pop-up and even more stoked after watching it.

[@rocknjock9300]

That’s very cool of Nat’s input, he was so insightful, respectful & genuine. For the Dream

[@Punt_tv]

Unreal, what a killer vlog ! That was awesome to watch. Love the way Nate broke down that situation. I personally haven’t been in that exact situation, but I have come out the back of a beautiful wave at backdoor & your looking at sets stacking out the back, and it goes from the best experience to the worst in seconds. I was duck diving literally under the lip, the second I’d pop up there’d be a bigger, heavier, farther wave out the back & your scratching praying your don’t get drilled. See backdoor is a closeout section, that’s why they call it backdoor, cause your literally sneaking out the backdoor ! That was so heavy ! Glad your ok buddy ! As always much love, The Dream is real, Alive & Well 🙏🏼🤝🤙🏼 Alby,

[@turtlesarecool1488]

You guys saved my life with these videos because I found myself in the exact same near-death situation at Ehukai beach park. Surfline said 4-6ft, but somehow a 2nd reef wave of rolling white water swept through the lineup midway through my session stealing my board. I was right in front of the lifeguard tower and it still felt like signaling for help was futile and not a good use of energy. I didn't want to starfish into big whitewater over the reef on my first session ever at Pipeline, but that's what I had to do to survive.

[@paulricciardi9388]

I love the "Don't You Want Ben Gravy?" song.

[@BenGravyy]

Hahaha thanks

[@josephm40]

I was afraid for you. Brought back memories of my hairy situation long ago. Thanks for sharing.

[@josephm8306]

North Shore?

[@josephm40]

@@josephm8306 No. Outside Tijuana sloughs.

[@tiffanynagy5952]

Loved this vlog! Can’t wait for the premier next month. 🤙🏻 yewww

[@scottburrow8717]

I watched this on Nate video. This was crazy scary. I’ve been in that same situation in California when I used to surf there. Glad your good.

[@arnoldlueders7500]

Hey Ben... please don't get dead

[@simplejim-il7mg]

Man - the editing just keeps getting better and better! Thanks for the vid!!! 🤙💯

[@ronedwards2157]

About a year before I surfed Pipeline. I was on an outer island surfing with my bro Gorge K. We were talking about pipe n heavy waves and ill never forget what he said! "Brah you know the difference from pipe and other good waves"? "When you eat it at pipe? You go in sit on the beach and think about it for a while"!!!! Glad you made it back to the beach brah!

[@1010AD]

Both channels I watch and to see Nathan and Ben respond on each was so interesting listening to the situation being broken down was an awesome watch 🤙🤙

[@FrankM-w7k]

Scary stuff. I'm 62 and watching this brought me right back to North shore winter 77. I was 16/17 years old and similar situations..yes plural . Good Samaritan swimmer/ extraordinary athlete saving me one time etc. But the memories are like it happened yesterday. And its deadly serious when you no longer are awake or as ben said. You don't care what you look like in front of friends/ girlfriend etc. Let me live..please god .

[@jama33333]

Ben! Eye opening video mate. Must be pretty triggering for you to rewatch it the event. Hope you’re all good! Also wanna say thank you, as you’ve encouraged me to upgrade my leggy to a more sturdy model 👏

[@connormelvin6472]

Loving the new intro man, you've fully nuked it 🤙🤙 #forthedream

[@JMH33SD]

Ben, there's only 2 times I've seen you like this after getting out of the water. One is this time at Pipe, the other was that river wave somewhere in the middle of the country. I forget which State, Missouri or Tennessee? I think it was before the dream of 50 States, you had the green 4Runner and you were alone and it's a crazy river wave known for that cycle where it doesn't release you. I think you called your Mom right after and went home to rethink the mission. Yes I've been watching you that long.... both were very serious but thinking back which was worse? 2 totally different situations but both crazy how close to the edge you came in the pursuit of the dream...

[@standupforgood7810]

The words you used that were the most telling was "...all the feelings of embarrassment went out of my head. I just wanted to survive". Lego your Ego. We all have a bit of ego and its GOOD to be humbled once in a while. This will make you a better surfer.

[@n8dawg85]

Gnarly dude! I’ve never been in a situation like this but some great advice from both you and Nate. Glad you’re ok🙌

[@Kyntai]

Jax Beach Pier surfer here so we usually have no waves of consequence. But every year without fail we pull / aid swimmers out of the ocean. I've seen a drunk couple nearly drown right in the middle of a group of surfers who had no idea they were in trouble. Thanks to you both for the humility of sharing your experience.

[@nrgplay26]

Great vid and share. Remember when Ben was super scared at OB in SF? 2 things, I saved a dad swimming after his son caught in a rip on my longboard. It felt great to help them, explain what was happening and get them in. 2nd, I’ve been so scared so many times…. It is a part of it. Even when taking it easy, things can get weird fast. If I’m doubt, don’t paddle out :)

[@andrewdrummond4172]

New intro has grown on me Benjamin, lovin it, for tha dream chief

[@IAMREIKI]

You Guys Radiate the Spirit and Feeling of Aloha . Greetings from the Space Coast Fl .

[@wallyvoight659]

You don't know, til you experience it first hand. Listen closely to the concerned comments by Nathan Florence, and Ben Gravy....... It WAS life threatening. ....yet everything seemed so "Pleasant" to the un-aware in and out of the water. Thank you Nathan for sharing your personal experience for safety and concern for those around you. So glad Ben that you survived what could have turned tragic.

[@jhavajoe3792]

Whew! That's the North Shore rip currents. Knew 2 long time excellent N. Shore surfers. Both had to be rescued by helicopter ( Way back before jetskis were common ). One friend said- "It was a humbling experience." Thanks for sharing, that it can be dangerous for anyone!

[@JorgeGonzalez-xt3jb]

Great vid!I think Nathan should do a reply video of Ben's reply video on the metavers

[@mikemoloney506]

Great to see Ryan mack sign autographs.. he deserves some limelight too... his drone footage captures the essence of the vlogs.... yeeew!

[@lilme6328]

Found this video whilst googling advice on how to get over the fear this exact situation has left me with. Like keeping me awake level anxiety from it days later. Literally any advice anyone has on getting over it, getting back out, and surviving these scenarios would be hugely appreciated. Stay safe 🤙

[@r6shorts479]

So cool to see my community in one of your vlogs!

[@marcopelliccia4892]

Hey guys this is INSANE. Happy you made it Ben...i just have one (probably stupid) question. Minute 20.59 WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED if you swam OUTSIDE without your board?! I mean could you go outside and swim to one side or another and then get back to the beach without ending in that nightmare??? let me know if you can, I'm so curious :) greetings from Italy

[@mariogismondi7712]

Thats what I would have done. You can see the other surfers really close when the leash first broke. Go to them, they have boards for flotation and can offer you a hand and get help. In surf lifesaving in Australia here, they teach to go to the outside and look for a safer passage back in between the rips.

[@LibertyJustice-fu1nq]

Glad you're good Ben.. one thing about the Ocean that I learned growing up at Silver Strand beach in Ventura county ,California is that Davy Jones is always looking for company.

[@whittyg2010]

Love all the in depth talk about the ocean and what to do out there (only surfed once in maui on basically white wash but would like to learn for real soon, the ocean is gnarly!) stay safe out there! 🤙🏼🏄🏼‍♂️

[@deanhoeger8975]

I enjoy watching your videos and my son loves them as well since he surfs in Wildwood Crest!

[@bloot_0]

yay so glad you visited el slammo today

[@frankizm]

Man... this makes me so happy!

[@mikejackson8963]

Great content from both Nate and Ben.

[@grahamrushall6044]

Heavy stuff. So glad you are ok. Nate and Ben are right, as a former lifeguard, if someone in the water appears to have the least amount of problems, ask if they are ok. You would not believe how fast things go from not good to deadly. Seconds, literally seconds sometimes.

[@firedchiefpaul]

It happened to me at Playa Hermosa, CR. So grateful you survived too.

[@eganc1976]

Good to keep an eye on each other. Buddy system🤙

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

NF is my favorite surfer! love this video. You are up there my brother

[@dr.burnquistxoidel5388]

I thought about something after watching both of these videos...so Nathan talks about how far apart the lifeguard stations are, and that between backdoor and pipe are not in great view from either .first why don't they put another just for this situation, and second falls on the drone pilot..maybe they should rig the drone with a special light indicator and fly to the nearest station to signify that someone is in distress. I think all drones should have this and the guards be made aware that when drone flies right in their face and sees the light they can move into action....glad to see you alive brother but can be prevented for possibly the next one who might not make it.

[@dr.burnquistxoidel5388]

I also just had a few more thoughts and maybe I'm going overboard with it but maybe a small pocket on the wetsuit with an indicator flag of the same color of drone light to signify I'm done instead of a waving arm, as to not confuse that "I'm ok or help"...one other thing but might hinder performance is, a mini mouth tank just in case you get stuck, at least you have O2 so you don't pass out....yes probably to much but life is more important.

[@WillPage]

Anyone who has surfed Gunnamatta on the Mornington Peninsula's coastline in Australia will understand the power of the rip currents. On a solid 6ft offshore day in April 2021 my leash snapped when I was already drained from some heavy paddling and 3 hours in the water. I was out the back when a monster set came through and I literally bailed under a huge wave that broke right in front me. I knew immediately that my board was gone (tail plug ripped straight out) ... It's a strange feeling to be in that position and the nakedness you feel on your own. Despite being very tired I swam as hard as I ever have knowing if I wasn't in a position to catch a wave and get smashed first chance I got, I was in serious trouble. Luckily I did, but I was so far out, and after catching a wave I was pulled straight out by the rip in the channel and was already seriously exhausted. I was fighting the rip for only 1-2 minutes before thinking this will never work and eventually swam sideways towards another break along way off and was soon 60-80 metres too far out but I eventually was in a position to swim inward albeit slowly and barely able to move my arms. The feeling of relief when I was able to eventually catch a wave and wasn't in a rip anymore is undescribable ... I have never been so happy to tumble down the face of a 6 ft wave and a minute to two later I finally felt some reef under my feet. I still had ten minutes of pretty draining swimming / drowning to do but I was alive.

[@oldsoul141]

"Giving me sweet little tube props" lol.. Love the humility man lol

[@antoniorivera1646]

Hello Ben, You guys should put a whistle attached to the wetsuit or flag or something to signal trouble. Is crazy that your camera man wasn't aware of the situation you need a camera/lifeguard with you all the time. I am glad you're ok. All the best!

[@elohiearthmedicine]

i dont think u would hear a whistle out there.

[@latentsea]

If you can blow a whistle, your doing fine

[@elohiearthmedicine]

@@latentsea good point. plus u could drown blowing that thing

[@antoniorivera1646]

@@latentsea yeah is ideal to blow it before passing out. 😂

[@blitztim6416]

You never know. Situation can look benign. Next thing you know, you’re in trouble. Good on Nate for backing up your story.

[@timwestcott361]

Totally post modern and surreal - taking it all to the next level. Just goes to show - the power of nature to baffle and discombobulate.. Great collaborative wisdom.

[@reddiver7293]

I like Nathan's detailed narrative. I grew up surfing in the days before leashes. Ben's experience here was a common part of riding waves. Lots of swimming and reef dancing.

[@TinTin21872]

SINCERE stuff from Nate and Ben, respect to both.

[@gunga_galunga8390]

Sooooo bummed you were at my local break and I missed it ! The claim is you’re story is so inspirational and you make great content !! For the dream….

[@midliferising]

Awesome video!! I learned a lot about more advanced surfing just from these two videos!!

[@nancykunik4370]

Glad to see it coming full circle back to el slammo!... Everyone at home break especially the Viking kayak legend...

[@jasonpaz]

This is giving me anxiety. Been in situations like this before and now I hesitate on big ones.

[@JohnJohnCrusher]

Smart

[@georgelamb8074]

VeriScaryIndeed! A lonely place in da ocean when troubles come, been there a few times in the past sixty years of surfing. No cords no fitness training but tons of stoke take me forward to get many “ wave of the day “ come my way and I get it! Hang in there bruddah make da Dream go farther!!

[@mikel9524]

Sucks you had to go through that but on the bright side you just added years to your life, congrats

[@michaelh3992]

Steep beaches, like that stretch, and big waves can be super scary. Once all that water has run up the beach gravity turns it into a river trying to get back to level, and that’s what you’re trying to get through to get in. This phenomena is why so many tourists drown in Hawaii bc it doesn’t have to be that big to wear out a casual beach goer.

[@ascotia]

For my money, pro surfers are the best swimmers/water men on Earth and I love it when they briefly step out of their 'chill surfer personas' to get serious about describing the minutia of surfing waves of consequence. If you've ever spent any time in and around the ocean, you recognize and appreciate just how much knowledge people like Nate have of their home break.

[@santadam]

Only 10 ft from shore, you're in the wild. We're all SO stoked Ben made it out to tell the tale.

[@Wayne--O]

What a cool bro & solid breakdown. Glad you're alright, still charging.

[@jeffwente9331]

Glad you're OK bruddah!

[@daneck5337]

I met Nathan today on a jetty in New Joisey.... when the surf gets big ...I put a few sheets of foam I cut out from a life vest , stick them down my back under my spring suit ...a Wallah.!!!! my wetsuit floats me like a life preserver No hinderence, not uncomfortable..and I'll never drown , get winded, or lose my energy, Hurricane surf be Damned !!

[@boddysurfer]

I would say that your leash was cut on the damaged section of your board that you show at the beginning of the original video. I'm guessing you now own the strongest leash money can buy! Great analysis and teaching moment by Nate and yourself. Hope you guys get to surf together sometime.

[@jadoriffic]

Glad you're okay, bro.