photos by: AT

2007Shralpfest....PRO-AM DIVISION

Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz, California  June 2, 2007

Competitor Wayne Kelly... after a long, potentially fatal break from competition.

This was the first competition I did since the 2005 Oneill Coldwater Classic.

speed-blur

Making it through with a first round win was a sweet return to comp.

Setting up the inside section.

shot 1

shot 2... Wayne gets a sweet barrel in the first round, sealing a first-place finish.

shot 3

shot 4

WK moves into the next round, moving ahead of young hopefuls and seasoned pros.

WK finishes up the inside section with a small punt.

The last event Wayne Kelly competed in was in Oct. during the 2005 ONEILL Coldwater Classic. In early 2006 WK was attacked by a terrier, and had to undergo surgery in June 2006. He then contracted a hospital-borne strain of Staph infection in his spinal column after surgery. Despite the potential of being paralyzed or dead, WK maintained a positive attitude and underwent a strict regiment of injecting himself twice a day for six weeks with a powerful antibiotic, which WK described as "shooting up battery acid". The medicine was so nasty it collapsed veins and burned the whole area when injected.  To this day Wayne experiences pain 24/7.  The fact Wayne Kelly is walking is amazing considering the odds. Surfing at this level under these circumstances really cant be explained, other than powerful will and outright sacrifice to pain.

This event was more than a contest. It was a slice of surfing life. The Shralpfest provided a place for kids, friends, and surf families to gather. It was a day for a small counter-culture to congregate, with a goal to excel performance and live the dream. Generations of surfers from age 0 to ancient, all gathered to relate with each other and the ocean.

Wayne is starting to come back, despite life-changing circumstance. Pain management and maintaining with exercise helps, but mental-strength is what keeps you alive.