Terrifying Hold-Down on Chopes
Tom Lowe was slammed by the infamous Teahupo’o foamball last Thursday, trapping him under multiple waves for an estimated two to three minutes. He surfaced coughing up water and blood, with no memory of the accident beyond being underwater.
Quick-Response Rescue
Fellow surfers Sage Burke and Vetea David spotted Lowe’s board “tombstoning” and dove in. Both paddled through bomb sets to reach him, resuscitating him on the spot before rushing him to shore.
Second Near-Death at the Same Spot
This marks Lowe’s second brush with death at Teahupo’o. Just over a year ago, he suffered a punctured lung and multiple fractures after a reef strike—yet still managed to dog-paddle to safety.
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Recovery and Gratitude
Lowe shared from his hospital bed: “I don’t remember anything except coughing up water and blood…Feels pretty scary not remembering.” He added, “I’m just so grateful to be alive and to be with my family.”
Will He Return to Teahupo’o?
Despite the ordeal, Lowe admits the break won’t be permanent: “This magical place calls me back.” For now, he focuses on healing—but few would bet against his return to Chopes’ world-class waves.