During a decent-sized sized day of surf at Pipeline on Sunday, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., native and professional surfer Evan Geiselman got caught way too deep in a barrel on what was ultimately his last wave of the day. Geiselman was sent crashing over the falls of the more than head high wave, straight into the reef below and knocked unconscious. The following footage of the incident captured on Oahu’s North Shore will bring you down to earth real quick, and to be honest it’s terrifying to watch.
After Evan Geiselman suffered a three wave hold down, two-time world bodyboarding champion Andre Botha managed make his way over to him and keep the lifeless surfer’s body aloat taking multiple waves on the head before a calvary of surfers, including world champion shark puncher Mick Fanning, made their way over to help with the rescue. Eventually, North Shore Lifeguards arrived to the scene and Evan Geiselamn was brought to shore where pictures of the incident show a group of people working to save him on the beach before he was taken to The Queen’s Medical Center.
Straight-up, Andre Botha is responsible for saving the 22-year-old’s life.
Thankfully, reports indicate Evan Geiselaman is expected to make a full recovery in large part to the heroic actions of Andre Botha and the responders who later joined him.
Geiselman took in Instagram to thank the Bro he’s now calling his “guardian angel.”
The champion bodyboarder turned life-saver responded with some beautifully humble remarks himself as well.
“It makes me so happy that Evan Geiselman is doing well and throwing a Shaka! What a strong young man! Thank you so much to everyone for all the support and encouragement. Not sure I’m worthy of such praise but for once in my life I can honestly say that I’m proud to be a human being,” added Andre Botha.
“I also think it’s important to thank all the people that are saving lives everyday and don’t get the recognition and pats on the back that they deserve. Thank you North Shore Lifeguard Association. You guys are the true heroes! Thank you everyone for your kindness. Lots of love!”
Just, whoa. So much respect for Andre Botha here.
[h/t The Daytona Beach News Journal]