really crappy day at the lake....

[STANG KILLA SS]

man should have stayed home today.

Part 1: rollers
Skiers alley was friggin packed. all jet skis and tubers. water was a nightmare. i dont understand why they all come to the one patch of good water on the lake. arg!

Part 2: the crash
was on my first set probly 30-40 minutes in or so. a boat comes out of a cove, and we cross behind him at about a 45* angle. i decide to cut out and jump/ollie its wake as we cross it. i hit the second roller and get a HUGE 4'-5' pop i wasnt expecting. made the mistake of looking down...i start to go over the front... by the time i hit the water my body was parrallel to it and shoulder and front tip of board faceing straight down. the tip of the board hits first and of course accellerates my body and i hit the water forehead first. knocked me whoozy good. i couldnt move, open my eyes, or talk and could barely breath. i didnt know where i was, i kept asking that over and over. i still cant remember any of my ride before that, and i still dont remember anything after for awile. but i do remember every second of the crash.

Part 3: the gash
well since i was semi "not there", audrey lassoed the rope around me and i could hear her saying to grab it so she pulled me in. well with my eyes closed and slightly immobile, the board hit the gel coat and put a nice gash in it. 3 month old boat :( . not her fault she saved my ass. i still have no clue how i got in the boat or any recollection of the following 15-20 minutes laying in the boat floor.
ive started useing polishing compound on it. but its not gonna cut it. gonna have to do the full wet sand smooth proccess to get this one out. and now the gel is hazy around it where the polishing compound "scratched" it.
http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/7225/img1449d.jpg

Part 4: the stump
after we had each riden twice. we were gonna take a 15 minute break at the sand bar just up from skiers alley. well the lake is already SUPER low. no rain at all this year. stumps showing everywere and docs all up on the rocks. well came across a shallow part and hit a submersed stump. bent up the prop real good. lots of vibes. we idled back and loaded up.
on the way home we stoped by a local prop shop and they pulled the prop for me so i can send it to Nettle. it will become my backup and ill get a acme ordered tonight to help with the added ballast.
http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/4740/img1455ga.jpg


arg what a tough day. should have stayed in bed. im sure ill wake up tommorrow with a hell of a headache and sore all over.

[Grant M]

The scratch and prop can and will be fixed, but sounds like you've had a bad concussion, if I were you I would NOT risk getting a second one for a while! Don't risk getting another concusion for at least 3 weeks as it sounds like you had a bad one with the memory loss and other symptoms. I'm here to tell you that they don't make you smarter!

[Razzman]

Wow, what a day! Try buffing that scratch out with some 3M Diamond Cut or similar first. You'd be suprised how easy a buffer can remove those. Just make sure to buff an area much bigger than the scratch or you'll see a depression.

X2 on the concussion, take it easy for awhile. Another one of those too soon and your in trouble.

[wolfeman131]

Yep, that's a tough day but glad you're OK. the boat can be fixed.

[rdlangston13]

i third the concussion. we were thinking of going to belton in a couple weeks, looks like we are headed to livingston instead if belton is that low. we need rain!!

[STANG KILLA SS]

yeah ive noticed ive been struggling alot tonight with memory, just little things, like going to do something, then getting to that room and having no clue why. or totalling forgetting was i just did or was about to do. but brains heal. even though the prop will be the most costly the scratch really bothers me the most. :(

[brain_rinse]

The scratch will come out, no worries. And you'll have a better prop for the rest of the season!

I'll echo what everyone else is saying since you probably don't remember. :) I had a bad concussion like that 2 years ago. The memory loss was enough to make me go get it checked out. No internal bleeding but they said another one, especially in the following few weeks might result in permanent problems. I wear a Shred Ready helmet every time I ride now.

Make sure you have Audrey watch you very closely the next couple of days. Any pressure or headache and you'll need to get to the ER to make sure you've got no hemorrhaging. Take care of your brain!

[Ian Brantford]

yeah ive noticed ive been struggling alot tonight with memory, just little things, like going to do something, then getting to that room and having no clue why. or totalling forgetting was i just did or was about to do. but brains heal.

They don't heal quickly or always entirely. You need medical attention. Seriously.

More information keeps being uncovered about concussions and it's all bad news. You should rest in the most boring possible manner (no exertion or brain stimulation) for a week and give up riding behind the boat for a good 3-4 weeks. The effects of this kind of injury can be felt more seriously decades later.

Please, give up some pleasure now and protect yourself. Acting optimistally right now is not a good choice.

If you start wearing a helmet for when you get back on the water, it has to fit well. It will be of great benefit over being helmetless if it does. If it has any "play", it's harder than water and will have room to smack you harder in a crash.

Best wishes

[skylar18]

Hey Stang, Were you on Belton or Travis or another one. Travis is real low right now as well and that is beofore they take 20 feet out for the irrigation down South.

I concur with everyone else, don't do anything to risk another head impct for the next few weeks. The next one is much easier to get, and can do much more damage.

I think you can buff that gash out. I would try that before the wet sanding route.

Nettles has fixed my prop a few times! I havent done damage to it but my marina has bent it 3 times.

Get well. When things start going South on the lake, they seem to get really bad and it quickly turns into one of those days!

[mmandley]

Sorry to hear about that bro.

As for the gash we have had a couple pretty nasty ones and they will buff out pretty easy and you wont know its there.

As for the Helmets me and Claudia starting wearing them last year, me more then anyone because i have been trying to learn switch and w2w and taking some nasty face plants.

The helmet works really well and the face plant is a lot less painful now. When i ride behind Als bot i don't take my helmet but then when im behind his i don't do anything to crazy lol.

Take it easy for the next few weeks, be the driver and do the Surfing.

[zabooda]

stang, you got yourself a mild concussion. I got one of those for the first time last year on a easy fall on my dirt bike. I got back up and caught up with my friend and took a break and after looking around I couldn't remember how I got there and it was a surreal feeling also like the days of having a hangover. I took it easy the rest of the day and everything came back the next day.

[Grant M]

Since this type of injury to the head is common with these types of water sports I took this info off of the University of Missouri website for info:

Concussion

The brain is composed of soft, delicate structures that lie within the rigid skull. Surrounding the brain is a tough, leathery outer covering called the dura (door-a). Within the brain are (cranial) nerves that are responsible for many activities, such as eye opening, facial movements, speech and hearing. These nerves carry and receive messages that allow the person to think and function normally. There are also centers that control level of consciousness and vital activities, such as breathing. The brain is cushioned by blood and spinal fluid. There is very little extra room within the skull cavity.

An injury to the head causes the brain to bounce against the rigid bone of the skull. This force may cause a tearing or twisting of the structures and blood vessels of the brain, which results in a breakdown of the normal flow of messages within the brain. The damage to the brain generally is found deep within the brain tissue. Because of this damage, the normal function of the brain signals are interrupted.

Concussion categories

Grade 1
The mild concussion occurs when the person does not lose consciousness (pass out) but may seem dazed.

Grade 2
The slightly more severe form occurs when the person does not lose consciousness but has a period of confusion and does not recall the event.

Grade 3
The classic concussion, which is the most severe form, occurs when the person loses consciousness for a brief period of time and has no memory of the event. Evaluation from a health-care provider should be performed as soon as possible after the injury.

A concussion can happen to anyone, at any time. The most common causes of concussion include a blow to the head from a motor vehicle crash, fall or assault. People at higher risk are those who have difficulty walking and fall often, those who are active in high impact contact sports and those who are taking blood thinners, such as coumadin. Mild head injury, such as concussion is a frequent cause for hospital admission, with an estimate of more than 600,000 cases per year in the United States.

Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a concussion include severe headache, dizziness, vomiting, increased size of one pupil or sudden weakness in an arm or leg. The person may seem restless, aggitated or irritable. Often, the person may have memory loss or seem forgetful. These symptoms may last for several hours to weeks, depending on the seriousness of the injury. Any period of loss of consciousness or amnesia of the head injury should be evaluated by a health-care professional. As the brain tissue swells, the person may feel increasingly drowsy or confused. If the person is difficult to awaken or passes out, medical attention should be sought immediately. This could be a sign of a more severe injury.

Diagnostic tests

If your health-care provider suspects a concussion, the following tests may be ordered.

•CT scan
This is a special X-ray image of the brain. The test is performed by having the patient lie on a flat X-ray table that slides into a round, open scanner. The X-ray images are taken as the patient is lying still on the X-ray table. Often, this test involves the injection of a contrast dye to obtain better images of the brain structures (be sure to tell the technician if the person is allergic to contrast dye).
•MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
This is a special non-X-ray image of the brain to examine the structures. No X-rays are used in this test. The test is performed by having the patient lie still while in the scanner, as the pictures are very sensitive to any movement. There is a machine-like sound while the pictures are being taken. The space inside the tube is quite snug; therefore be sure to notify the technician if the person has claustrophobia or is uncomfortable in tight places. Because this test is performed with a special high-power magnet, it may not be performed on anyone with a metal implant (i.e. artificial limbs, artificial joints, aneurysm clips, shrapnel or metal heart valves).
Treatment

The treatment for a concussion is usually to watch the person closely for any change in level of consciousness. The person may need to stay in the hospital for close observation. Surgery is usually not necessary. Headache and dizziness are common, but if the headache persists or becomes severe, it is best to seek medical attention.

Post-concussion syndrome may occur in some people. The syndrome generally consists of a persistent headache, dizziness, irritability, memory changes and vision changes. The person may seem overly emotional or unable to control their emotions. Some people experience unexplained depression. Difficulty with concentration or problems with thinking and planning ahead also are reported. Symptoms may begin weeks or even months after the initial injury. Although the symptoms generally resolve over time, some people need a rehabilitation specialist to oversee a program for recovery.

It is important to keep in mind that recovery from a traumatic brain injury can be very slow. Sometimes several days can go by without seeing any major visible change. This is not unusual, and it is best to ask the health-care providers if any changes have occurred. It is also important to try to get enough rest and nutrition while waiting for the patient to recover. It is normal to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, lonely and worried. Sometimes a friend, or support group can help. Before your stress gets out of control, tell someone who can help.

An excellent source for further information or support is

Brain Injury Association
1776 Massachusetts Ave.
NW Suite 100 Washington, DC, 20036
(202) 296-6443
(800) 444-6443

[you da man]

Crazy day Corey. Glad me and the little lady went for a motorcycle ride instead of the lake today.

[zabooda]

Good information Grant. Thanks for sharing.

[sandm]

sucks. sorry to hear about that..

[danomite81]

Take care of your noodle Stang ,you don't want drain bramage . Hope you have a speedy recovery

[sailing217]

Get that head checked out. Glad you're doing good. Sounds like the boat is broken in (trying to stay positive). You should borrow a surfboard for a few weeks.

Mostly rain the past 4 weeks here and Everyone has pent up boating. Kinda scared when the weather breaks on a weekend and everyone is letting loose. I'll try to just chill for the day and enjoy the water and save boarding for a smooth weekday.

Not looking forward to that over capacity parking lot and yahoos' at the boat ramp for the first time! IF it ever stops raining

[rc5695]

Glad you're alright Stang. Sorry about the bummer day :(

[STANG KILLA SS]

well i just got a acme 1433 prop ordered from Nettle. i have the clearance for the 1235 (1-1/4") but just decided to stay with the smaller prop for some reason. should be a HUGE difference from my cast 14x18 OJ stock prop.

head is feeling alot better. only hurts when i move it fast or shake it (brushing teeth etc) i never got the memory back from before or after the crash though.

big thanks to AJ (you da man) for the stock prop loaner. but if things go good i should have the new prop before the weekend and wont have to use it.

next i got to keep working on that scratch.

[you da man]

Too bad the weather went from 90 to 55 in a few hours Sunday so no use of my spare prop. You'll the the Acme, your new 2011 boat will feel even better as far as performance goes. See you guys this weekend.

[rdlangston13]

let me know what kind of top end difference you experience with the 1433 vs the stock. i really want to give one but am having a hard time justifying the expense right now.

[STANG KILLA SS]

i wont be your man for top end testing sorry.
by boats never see over 3500 rpm or 33mph.
defeats the purpose of being at the lake to me, (being in a hurry to get somewhere)

im am anxious to see what fuel consumption changes are like. acme said they will for sure go down. but our boat with the nose heavy setup doesnt spend much time getting on plane so ill be curious to see if it goes up or down. loosing 4 pitch is a huge difference.

[mmandley]

I normally cruise to and from the dock at 25 maybe 30 with a short burst of WOT but that's normally on the way to the Wake boarding area once the engine is warmed up. On the way back at the end of the day its normally 25 with tunes cranked and everyone singing and drinking there last beer.

[rdlangston13]

I will sometimes get a bit of a need for speed and open it up for a 10 secs or so. i opened it up a couple of weeks ago pulling my lil sis on a tube. im sure she had fun on a tube at 43 mph.

ill probably be running wfo more it the water is smooth when its just me and im going across the lake to pick someone up, or if we are trying to get to a good boarding spot.

[rc5695]

i wont be your man for top end testing sorry.
by boats never see over 3500 rpm or 33mph.
defeats the purpose of being at the lake to me, (being in a hurry to get somewhere)

im am anxious to see what fuel consumption changes are like. acme said they will for sure go down. but our boat with the nose heavy setup doesnt spend much time getting on plane so ill be curious to see if it goes up or down. loosing 4 pitch is a huge difference.

Now that I'm back in a skiboat I don't run too fast very often either...Run about 36 waterskiing, bur rarely go over that. I'll open 'er up every once in a while just to clean her out though :p Probably a good thing it doesn't crank 180's like Dad's old Nautique, Malibu, and Brendella used to :rolleyes: (don't try it in an older Supra unless you want to get wet...)

My last outboard was pretty fun blasting around wot :cool:

Back to the -4 pitch prop, will you still be able to run ~36 to ski? Probably yank the handle right out of your hands getting up!