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Written by Matt Pritchard
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Thursday, 17 September 2009 |
It has been a while since I last blogged it for you guys out there but a lot has been going on to say the least…… the biggest news is that I am now officially a dad! That is one of those things that you can’t really explain until it happens to you. I have done some pretty cool stuff in my days and nothing really comes close to this one. Smacking a 50 foot lip at Jaws or jumping a 90 foot triple jump on a dirt bike are not even in the same ballpark. I thought I had done most everything, but this raises the bar! I’m sure all you dads out there know what I’m talking about.
Needless to say, I have been pretty busy adapting to changes…. Not just diaper changes- that is pretty easy! All my friends that have had kids were telling me, “JUST YOU WAIT, YOUR LIFE IS GONNA CHANGE!!!” That kinda scared me because I have a pretty dang good life and didn’t want to change too much!! Well a little less sleep at night and spending more time loading up for outings is all worth it so far. I’m looking forward to teaching the little dude everything my dad taught me- we had so much fun growing up, I think I never really have grown up! Well ok, maybe a little….
The other big news is that I finally got myself back on the water after breaking both my legs pretty badly over 6 months ago!!! Talk about a year full of excitement- wow! 2009 goes down in the record books that is for sure! I can’t say I’m back to 100% yet, but I can feel it coming. My right leg feels totally fine, the left side was a much more complicated break and I’m still gaining movement from all the other muscles and tendons that all clamped up for being immobile for so long. Considering the damage I have done, everyone is pretty impressed with my recovery. My first day back on the board was just for a 45-minute cruise. I went out with Kev and watched him out training buoys with the North boys. I was sporting my new Tabou 3S 96 and a 4.7 Manic- I wanted some stability with the bigger board in case things didn’t work how I wanted them to. I jumped up and sailed off the beach no problem. Just like riding a bike! For the last 3 months, that is all I have been doing- pedaling my bike. It is great rehab for getting that joint to move!!! I talk to my left ankle all the time- we are pretty tight, ha ha! Since day one on the water, I have been out about 6 times and getting better each time. I went out at Hookipa with a buddy from New Zealand the other day- I didn’t really want to go out there because it was actually firing…. Head high surf and full power 5.0 wind with 3 other guys out???? I thought the world had ended or something- In any case, I did pick off some waves and made some turns and got that adrenaline pumping once again. I was pretty sore the next day but new movement has come since then…. Nothing like water therapy!!!
Life is good without a doubt. I have had an awesome last 6 months even though I was in some serious pain for the majority of that time! If you haven’t been following my career, I have chosen to lay off the pro tour and just be at home more. To fill my days, I have been distributing Gaastra/Tabou for the USA as well as keeping up with the new Shop at Pritchard Windsurfing- oh yeah, and learning how to master the diaper change! I’m getting pretty good, only got peed on a couple times- little man has a good aim! Not only are we selling stuff, we also have a full service gear rental operation going on- all the latest/greatest Gaastra and Tabou/Starboard gear- comes with 100% carbon masts and carbon booms, and all the top notch stuff that Kev and I use! We have been ramping things up and people are getting new and used goods from us almost everyday!!!! The late spring/summer months have been very busy- thanks everybody for all your support! I’m just about ready to get back into doing the private lessons- I have done some lessons from the beach with the video camera and that has worked pretty good.
There is nothing like being on the water- I love it! Hope you haven’t fallen asleep after all the blah blah- see ya out there!
» 7 Comments
1Comment
at Thursday, 17 September 2009 10:16
Hi Matt,
Great news - I wanna see some pictures!!! Take care and say hi to Erin.
Davor Avsec
2Comment
at Thursday, 17 September 2009 15:08
Well done Dude, all on fronts. Wicked feeling I bet.
We will see you next summer with our little one.
3Comment
at Thursday, 17 September 2009 15:08
Matt, Congrats on all fronts....glad you're getting back on the water. As a windsurfing dad of three young kids, its pretty cool to see you become a dad. Soak it in...they grow up fast!
4Comment
at Thursday, 17 September 2009 21:43
Congrats Matt!!! Go Matt go!
5Comment
at Saturday, 19 September 2009 09:25
Right on, brutha. Keep up the hard work. When you're too busy for the little guy, remember that there will be a day when he will not let you hold him anymore. Carpe Diem.
6Comment
at Saturday, 10 October 2009 04:33
Congratulations Matt! Fantastic news on both fronts. Bein a dad is gonna sooo enrich your life.....
7Comment
at Friday, 09 July 2010 01:34
Matt, thanks for posting this!! I broke one leg 2 months ago. Your story gives me hope and strenght. Yes! I will be on the water again in soon! I do wonder if the accident still influences your life psychologically when your on the water?
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