James Casey Survives Brutal Impact During Foil Training Session
Australian waterman and two-time Molokai to Oahu SUP foil champion James Casey found himself in a terrifying situation during a training session that nearly ended in disaster. Attempting a rock jump—a notoriously dangerous entry for surfers—Casey was caught on camera crashing hard onto the rocks.
Watch the Shocking Footage Below
“It Doesn’t Look Great” — Casey Recalls the Horror
In the now-viral clip from @kookslams, Casey attempts the jump with his foil in hand, trying to land sideways to avoid a direct hit. Unfortunately, he mistimes the entry and gets slammed onto the rocks by a wave, dragged across the jagged terrain.
Reflecting on the accident, Casey said, “After watching this video back, I was like, ‘how am I still alive?’” The video shows the full force of the impact as he struggles to paddle away before being swept over the rocks again.
Minor Injuries, Major Lesson
Remarkably, Casey escaped with only a few scratches on his heel. “I got incredibly unlucky here, but also incredibly lucky at the same time,” he said. He added that in hindsight, bailing early might have saved him from the worst of the drag.
Another Reminder of Surfing’s Hidden Risks
While surfers often train in extreme conditions, this serves as a chilling reminder of how dangerous the entry point alone can be. The rock jump remains one of the most treacherous parts of the sport—even for world-class athletes like Casey.