Edit: A year after I found out it was the rescue helicopter that nearly killed me! th-cam.com/video/N8XvaQjeDPY/w-d-xo.html There is no footage of the crash! I explain why in my follow up video th-cam.com/video/0LNh9gU8pSg/w-d-xo.html Thank you for all your comments, I haven't responded to any (this is my first / only comment in nearly three months) because there are so many but I do read them.
I sustained a C5/6 level spinal chord injury. Nothing as exotic as yours - but equally disabling. I was out at a friends 50th b’day party when I didn’t feel well - so a few hours later we drove home. I went to my ensuite bathroom and standing in front of the mirror I suddenly fainted. In losing consciousness I couldn’t break my fall in any way. As I collapsed I broke my neck which impinged my spinal chord. I was paralyzed instantly. I woke up 2 days later to a surgeon asking me to wiggle my toes. When I couldn’t he simply said it’s doubtful you will ever walk again. He was right. My accident was in 2011. I’ve accepted it - we have little choice. So it’s best we do. I have a family - husband and 2 sons who have been and are exemplary. I’m very fortunate I can feel everything - but it’s muted. I can stand enough to pivot from one seat to another without assistance. And I still have full bowel and bladder control. My injury is incomplete as they term it. Thanks for sharing your story. Best of luck and good wishes from Toronto ❤
Really sorry to hear about your injury but I’m glad you have a lot of support. My mother passed out unexpectedly also, she fell face forward on the ground and completely shattered her jaw, knocking out almost all her teeth. The recovery took more than two years of her jaw wired shut, significant bone grafts, and resulted in her being numb from her nose to her neck (but thankfully she can talk and eat normally). The doctor said she was actually lucky that she had no spinal damage. I mention this because it’s not in the public consciousness how much damage you can take just from falling over from a standing position. Just regular passing out and falling over can change your life forever.
@@river8760 Thanks for your interest. I have predominantly low blood pressure that had never posed any such problem in the past. So I was never treated. Low blood pressure can cause you to faint. It plummeted and so too did my level of consciousness. And that was that.
Thank you for sharing. After about 15 years myself, mostly competitive, I finally called it quits in 2021 after COVID and not flying enough hours to justify it anymore. Even though I'm very, very familiar with the Alps, even there I didn't feel comfortable anymore. I've lost too many friends and I've seen too much go wrong to just keep going. Eventually, it got to my head and it's never a good choice to continue when it does. That's why I stopped. Your story is the one that I dread finding myself in and it solidifies my choice. Very sorry for how it ended; paragliding has been part of my identity and life for such a while that I can't imagen what you're going though. Take care!
Wow. I was thinking it looks like something I’d like to get into but maybe not. I thought as long as you didn’t do things that are obviously risky that it’s pretty safe. But looks like you can have catastrophe even when being safe
That’s my point. Is the rest of your life worth a few thrills when you’re younger? Missing playing with your kids, your grandchildren? Enjoying retirement? I don’t think so. I used to race cars on the track and that’s plenty of thrills without leaving the ground but even then you can still lose your life
@@cornkobmansanto17 living is risky. Getting out of bed is risky. He was paragliding close to rocks at quite high mountains, the Aravis is 2700m high. He doesn't remember what happened and how he reacted. He was flying with his new wing since a month, which is a D class wing, a high performance racing wing. There are much safer and easier to pilot wings. Its like saying you wont drive a car because you saw a formula one crash on TV. It emphasize the safety of the group. If he was flying alone, it could have been even worse.
@@niconico3907 What blows my mind is how an experienced pilot flies his two liner with the tourist hand position on the brake handles. How do you feel a surge or deflation coming with fat gloves and that decoupled grip? Call me a control freak, but I can't fly my glider in thermic air without a finger on the line.
The hospital report is consistent with a major impact to the thoracic vertebrae. What often happens is this stretches the aorta, which normally tears and then you just go to sleep. You have been very fortunate to survive this.
In my 20 years as a Professional Firefighter/EMT I’ve seen 3 people with Acute Aortic Aneurysm’s or Triple A’s and countless people die in car crashes. The Triple A’s all screamed and writhed saying they could feel their insides tearing right before they passed away and the only people who aren’t crying for help in fatal car accidents or traumatic events either have massive head trauma, a basal skull fracture or are internally decapitated. In short, traumatic injury fatalities either have head trauma and can’t respond to painful stimuli or are in the hurt locker then slowly let go, they don’t just go to sleep. I’m not entirely convinced people “peacefully die in their sleep” either, maybe they feel intense pain but can’t move to let anyone know before they pass.
@@PaulWashington.. yeah that’s what they’re sayin, cuz he’s clearly felt pain on an unbearable level probably unyielding and for a unceasing period of time … Death is peace in my opinion, we go back to being pure energy with no more physical body and no more pain.. I believe we still exist as a soul so to me that’s something to look forward to
This positive attitude can change over night. I hope not, but that was the case with my buddy. He was very lighthearted after his motorbike crash- only one arm will work for life. He was joking with EMT's. We all commented how great his attitude was. Not anymore. He is basically suicidal. Pain 24/7 and no hope. Docs say he will only get worse. This guy seems to be in better shape. I wish him well.
@@shinrapresident7010 It did not help that he was doing 150mph at the time of the impact either. I would say he is lucky to be alive but he would strongly disagree with that. I sold my bike.
Thanks so much for posting this video! When you said; ”that was gonna be my last walk I ever did” wow I f****ing choked up right there… It brought up my own memories from my crash, october 2020. I broke my back in 2 places, broke my arms, all my ribs, couldt breath properly, almost died right there, but was saved by super fast rescue team… Close to never walk again, but made it. It been 2 years now and I am 99 % back to who I was before my accident, greatful for that. Again thanks for beeing strong sharing your accident, I know the feeling… Stay Strong!
just be careful in the future. from recent reading about incidents it isn't usually the first incident that leaves them paralyzed.. it's the 2nd/3rd spinal injury shortly after that initial one.
@@odin8807 Is that a question for me? If so, yeah, I fly again, my first flight was 10 months after my accident, even 10 min before takeoff I didn't know if I was gonna make it, the start location was the same as where the accident happened... But for me it was important to finish that flight that I crashed, in my mind it was like I never landed, I just had to land, no matter what... I did the flight, flew for 10min, and finally landed, in a way a ten month long flight....
Wow. One of the hardest to watch PG accidents reports I have seen. Must have been tough to make, even though I guess you have also been going through this in your head many times. I have often told you how inspiring your attitude is mate, but it keeps blowing my mind, both pre- and post-crash. On a different subject, I am looking forward to your pack-rafting videos :D
I had an accident just few weeks ago and am still in recovery now. My spinal fracture was less serious and stable from the beginning but it was traumatic for me. Your story is really inspiring!! I couldn't image having a much worse case like yours and yet stay so brave and positive!!! Hope you recover soon!!
Keep in mind that even if you do recover, it will come back when you're about 65 and take you down. That's what happened to me. Lived an active life, injured several times, but I was young and strong, and just kept going. In my 60s it all started catching up with me, and now I can barely walk. Take care of yourself.
@@rickerhart907 ok but whats the alternative…? Some die healthy, some die sick. But it’s over for all of us some day. I’m in my fifties, and probably my body will start to hurt me one day, actually it has already started. But I won’t stop doing the things that give me most pleasure like surfing or kitesurfing. I want to live my life yo the fullest and now, even if it costs me some (painful) years at the end.
As I'm paragliding myself (Grenoble area) I remember that a friend told me that there has been a PG accident close to Annecy this day. I can't say that I'm glad to have found out who it was - as your story is quite shocking, but your positive attitude is more than amazing. You are still rather young, so I hope that science will find a way to make you walk again some day (soon). We have a guy in our PG club who had a climbing accident years ago and is also in a wheelchair. He built himself kind of a trolley for takeoff and landing and is one of our best pilots. Best wishes, H
WOW, Nick you are such a positive person, very inspirational. I also had a serious accident 4 years ago, 6 spinal fractures, 8 ribs, 3 serious pelvic fractures and some complications with internal bleeding but was lucky enough to fully recover. Like you no memory of the accident, could only evaluate IGC file. Realised that it was my mistake. You are a brave man, have always enjoyed you videos. Would be nice to catch up sometime. Let me know if you are every heading to Australia.
if he is inspirational to you why don't you tell your kids to do the same thing he did? or many you should be breaking some bones yourself and tell us how positive you feel about it. Dude this is the joke with the salt rock. When your stupid and life gives you lemmons. You think its apple. Idiots. This will last a lifetime. What about being stupid and lost it? no? I guess its better if you say its inspirational but you don't mean it. be straight dude,.
So brave of you to show your incredibly unfortunate accident to everyone, Nick. You’re so brave and I wish you all the best for your future. You’ve done things most people only ever dream of and will therefore never be able to look back on and remember. You can remember because you were brave enough to experience your passion. Well done Sir! 👌👍❤️
@@shinrapresident7010 None of those words is the opposite of "unfortunate". The opposite of "unfortunate" is "fortunate". Surely you're not suggesting he was fortunate to have suffered such a life-changing catastrophe!!?
@@shinrapresident7010 "@shinrapresident7010 2 days ago Paralyzing yourself while trying to fly down mountains as a thrill is the exact opposite of the word ''unfortunate''." The above (copied) is precisely what you said! You used the term, "Exact Opposite of the word "unfortunate"". Ever heard the term, "You don't know what you're saying"?
My nephew, who was up until his canopy lost air, a world renowned record holder in several competitions, and has flown the Pakistan Himalayas many times, which is where the accident occurred. Even though he had comprehensive travel insurance, it took a GoFundMe campaign to raise the necessary $150000AU to fly him by air ambulance back to Australia, but by then the damage had been done and was irreversible. The footage of the rescue clearly shows his neck was not immobilised during the rescue, which may have caused a great deal of damage to his spinal cord. He is now a quadriplegic. He went from being superfit to needing round the clock full time care. Thinking of you Alex.🙏
It was sent to the people that were going to take him. Like "he tested positive to COVID because it's the hospital policy to test everyone right now, maybe keep him away from old sick people" You're pathetic...
Yeah so pathetic a hospital is trying to identify a patient's health issues... I'm guessing you just have no clue about how hospitals work. Sorry, not everything is a fucking conspiracy. They needed to figure out if he had COVID since he had a lung contusion. This is all relevant and has nothing to do with whatever you think it does. Get bent.
I've been paragliding 25years and lost a good friend at Annecy the same week as your accident, I must say my enthusiasm has been dented lately seeing the consequences from when it goes wrong, though the British weather has a big part in that too. Good luck, hope you can walk again some day.
Hello David, what was the nationality of this friend? It seems I cannot find this accident in the report made by the French federation. Do you have any more information about it ? docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wxVhd0yYPexm0K1kTjykO-dWz9CoVrVmmgAS2jh-m3Y/edit#gid=1687522515
As somebody with a spine injury that has affected my ability to walk and do simple things, I'm sorry to hear about about your crash, and your injuries. I always LED an active life and did a lot of crazy things, but eventually it always catches up with you. Good luck and stay positive.
incredible video... not entirely sure how I stumbled across it but am glad I did.. makes me sick to see / hear of these types of accidents and as others mentioned, you are doing a great service by sharing your story and hopefully helping others to prevent further accidents. Thank you and all the best with your continued recovery
I live ten minutes from a paragliding/hang gliding club. I went up there to check it out and I asked what the most dangerous thing that could happen was. The woman I spoke with said if the wind folds your sail it's a bad day, then she said if you fall into your folded sail it's your last day.
I quit paragliding 5 years ago. Have been flying for 17 years and had 3 crashes. I have always been aware, that I could end my life in that hobby. The reason to quit was not fear. I hope, you will recover! thanks for sharing!
My thoughts and prayers for you mate!! Bugger!! Have quietly being enjoying your videos, after stopping paragliding when our twin girls were born. Real joy in having you take me (us along) on your adventures. I get a sense you'll continue to find joy going forward. Much aroha to you Gary from Christchurch, NZ
However stunning and adrenaline inducing this sport is, I just couldn't justify the risk of the pure terror and pain an accident like this would cause, and how much it has impacted the rest of your life. This has sealed the deal for me, I will never have the kahuna's to do this. I hope your mental scars are healing well my friend.
Man, a fellow foot launcher is sorry to hear you went, and are going, through this terrible crash. Glad you survived! Appreciate your thoroughness describing your ordeal. And I wish you the very best, and hope and pray that in time you will fully recover walking and the rest of it.
I don’t know why this video came across my account, but I decided to watch it and I am absolutely amazed with your story and survival. I wish you the best with your remaining time on this earth or even above it.
I highly recommend you watch all of Nick's other videos and his blog if you are just coming across this. Nick shares so much both in valuable information and in just beautiful writing and videography. Amazing human he is!
I flew into Rotor top landing in July 2016 in Cumbria. I also have no recollection of the actual accident! . Broke 3 vertebrae and my coccyx but class my self as VERY lucky. It took me 4 years to pluck the courage up to return to Paragliding. Thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully others will take whatever lessons they feel appropriate from your video and story. I shared my story on our local club site so others could learn from my mistakes, Only to end up being ridiculed by 1 person! That person's comments have ended up staying with me and hurt me more than the actual accident!! Please be careful how you comment on this thread.Good luck with your recovery Nick, thanks for sharing your video and story.
I know nothing about paragliding, but your video is extraordinarily brave and I would have thought truly instructive and informative for other paragliders.
Thanks for sharing your story. I started to learn to paraglide but decided there was a bit too risky for me. Incredible sport if you are willing to take the risk.
Thanks for sharing Nick. I followed you in xalps as pilot that so far to take part it showed your commitment. Loved your updates during the races and whilst free flying at other times. I am sure you will continue to live life to the full and i look forward to following you in the future. I bet you will have something special lined up that you can enjoy. Stay safe
It must be so unbelievably frustrating to not really know what went wrong. Hope youre able to keep your head up after all that. What an amazing experience to be able to do paragliding like you did! So beautiful.
He has to know. He has such nice equipment, can review his flight in 3d realtime records and show us the route he did this day. And He can watch the Video unter the crash. I dont know why He stopped it for us at that point (7:24) and telling us "i dont remember where i crashed". Just keep Video playing and u see?!?
Incredibly exciting video about the wonderful world of air and accident. Although permanent physical damage, the experiences in the air are of indescribable beauty and the feeling of lightness and freedom.
I just booked into a beginner paraglider training course, and this video came up in my feed. I've previously flown a few times 10 years ago. This video has made me have doubts about flying. I always felt it was reasonably safe. But you're far more knowledgeable and skillful than I'll ever be, and still it sadly went badly for you.
My impression is that you can mitigate a lot of the risk by glider choice, flying location, weather conditions, and obviously user input. It seems that the location and conditions had a lot to do with this. I'm no expert but it seems like ridge soaring with an A or B glider is considerably less risky than this situation.
I'm a newbie pilot relatively but a month after getting my PG2 in NZ I encountered a dust devil on landing that picked me up 15m and then dropped me breaking my back. Thought it was an absolute fluke so happily continued to fly upon healing. Two weeks ago on a perfect weather evening flight, getting ready to land on a perfectly groomed sports field my headwind abruptly stopped, and then returned at 90 degrees direction change causing me to first sink rapidly and then pendulum into the ground. Luckily, just as Nick mentions I had my legs out but shattered my tibia and fibula needing a 3 hour surgery. I realize how no matter how perfect the conditions how close you are to the potential of serious injury/fatality and as a 49year old I want to enjoy my next 40 years so am quitting the sport very sadly as it is the most amazing form of flying I've ever done. Not trying to scare you off but don't downplay the risks!
Glad your ok… i could move my legs at first too… i pushed myself up on a rock to get my head out of the waves… and then had to disconnect wing as it was in ocean dragging me back into the water. I had L1,L2,L3,L4 fractures and book opened pelvis and central fracture dislocation of hip which made me bleed in my belly.. I wasn’t concussed or KOed… yet I’m😅 sure i could move my legs immediately after the accident… Heamatoma was removed from around the spinal canal at surgery. I had no movement at all in legs for the first month in hospital. Then slowly and miraculously it began to return. Mate Im walking now. I recommend the stem cell treatment as it coincided with benefits to me on a previous broken neck drowning head injury… there is was no down side for me … i think its safe and easy just costly… but you could ask friends for help with that. Well we had similar experiences in some ways… i think you can be better if you avail yourself of these cell based treatments. I can talk to the radiologist if you want me to. Probably know them anyhow.
Thank God you are still here mate he blessed you with another chance at life. I had a major motorbike accident hit by a car im blessed to still be here also, can be hard but you stay strong and look foward this lifes the short game next ones eternal. Enjoy your time with family you have a great mother by sounds of it. God bless.
Chapeau to you for your wonderful attitude which makes me feel confident you will make the most of this next stage of life's adventure. Thanks for sharing your experience in such a generous way. Bon courage.
Wow..!! Thanks for sharing your love and the story that unfortunately went with it.. My own love also smashed me to bits in 2009 near Brisbane.. Love life, play hard. -no regrets.. ❤
Thanks a lot for sharing. In September of the same year I was mountaineering on a ridgeline with two friends when one of them fell down a 30m staggered cliff. When I got down to him I was amazed he was still alive, let alone moving all his limbs. He had severe back pain and until rescue arrived we struggled to keep him still as he was fighting with agonizing pain along his back. Turns out he broke his spine in 3 separate places (along with several other major and minor injuries). Listening to your story about how you were still moving around so much shortly after your accident, the same way he was so keen on sitting up and moving around, I'm glad we managed to restrain him. 2 weeks later he was released from hospital walking on foot, but still in rehab for another couple of weeks. He doesn't remember most of the accident and the state he was in, and I don't believe he knows just how lucky he was. Anyways, sorry for the long comment just needed to air out a bit after watching your well-documented story. Glad to hear you are well and wish you all the best, miracles happen!
I’m sure you’ve heard this, but your attitude in the video is absolutely phenomenal. I’m sorry for you that this happened, but I can promise that this video and your positivity is changing other peoples’ lives in a good way. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your story, and for your positive attitude continuing to choose the positive aspects of your accident and life post-accident. Your helmet manufacturer knows what it’s doing. I agree with those saying it’s better to live your dreams, if it’s a dream with established and proven safety methods and equipment designed to optimal standards. I also agree with those who say it could be anything you do day to day that could drastically and devastatingly alter your life. I’m a physical rehab RN. The patient who I remember most was a 24 year old, recently discharged from the US Navy. Went to a lake party, had a few beers, dove head first into 2 feet of water, now paralyzed from the neck down. Life comes with risks no matter how simple or complex our activities. We try to be as safe as we can and power through adversity. Above all try to look out for our fellow human beings.
There are so many ways to enjoy aviation without risking your life. I’ve seen so many people injured or killed this way and ultralights. I had a guy convince me to go up with him in an ultralight but before I made the decision he crashed and died. In almost every accident I can remember I’ve heard the statement “we were running a bit late” I barely fly commercial these days. And I’ve worked my whole career in aviation
You sustained major trauma and it's amazing the rescue response got to you so fast rendering aid... I have no doubts that if the first responders hadn't arrived as quickly as they did, you most likely would not have survived. Thanks for sharing your story and the details of your injury. Fight on and live another day...
Sorry to hear of the accident, your positivity will continue to push you though your recovery. Wishing you all the best, thanks for all of the inspirational work
Damn, he would make me so nervous. Overly confident and a severe case of ADD, taking his hands off constantly to point things out, “I messaged John and he hasn’t replied back. There he is. This is where dropped my phone last year.” Like, yeah probably because ya damn hands be all over the place!! But respect man ✊ I live an overly cautious life. I have never lived as freely as you have, flying about as a bird high in the Alps (outside of a jet). As careful as I am, noone is immune to accidents. At least you’ve really lived ❤
Whow, you are really a role model how you analyze your accident and your life. Thanks for sharing all your experiences in such an honest and straight way. This requires unbelievable courage. Your attitude is inspiring and I am sure you positivism will be helpful for many others. Wish you all the best - from an unkown follower from Switzerland.
Nick, absolutely stunned to see this news. After I saw your flight off Elbert some years ago, you were a huge inspiration for me to start my own paragliding journey in 2018. Just the other day was watching a promo vid of BornesToFly 2022 and saw your ugly mug make a brief appearance LOL... I recall our email exchanges a few years ago about paragliding more Colorado 14ers. You're are a very big personality, and I'm hopeful you can start a solid road to rehabilitation recovery... Stay strong and stay funny....
Ive been thinking of you and talking about you to family and friends alot lately matey and just want to say thank you for shareing as you always do and i hope this little bit of apreciation from me helps in some way. *just watched it all and it isnt easy that theyres some niggleing questions left maybe unresolved ....
Thanks a lot for the share Nick, following you since the accident, impressed by your spirits and personality, and sure you'll do great things and experiences in your future whatever it may be. Wish i was more like you ! Love man
Thanks for putting this synthetic video. Really sad that such an experienced pilot as you, on a standard day, classic flight, got such a bad crash, without particularly exposing yourself. I flew on this very terrain and got similar path ; I would certainly go to the very same spur... It's freaking me out that nasty air / shear near terrain can happen anywhere and have live changing effect. Plz keep sharing your adventures your videos are cool !
Thank you so much for sharing. You are such and inspiration and all the positive vibes from me going your way. I will think about you and your story each time a launch.
Amazing that you are such a realist and that you can analyse the accident so logically. Just as amazing is you don't appear to have been traumatized. "Just one of those things" is how you began this video. Thankyou so much for sharing.
Wow man I wouldn't imagine most people would survive that. Tons of respect for you remaining so coherent and calm, Ive been in combat and was trained for wild situations but I don't think I could've been so calm. I'm sorry man, it's awesome to see you come through it and remain positive. This may be a bit dumb for me to say but hope is important....stay positive at least you're alive and never lose hope, with the insane amounts of gigantic leaps forward were making especially in the medical field, you never know. I'd imagine that we'll come up with a way to restore your spine...it's very goofy to say that I know but it helps mentally to know that there's a chance that we'll come up with a treatment.. but yea man you have my respect for sure
Yes, and actually there is a way to heal the body to help injury, it all comes down to food and how the body can digest it to help with the healing process, i know of two people who had injuries and was able to walk again and that is a goal i feel he can do too.
Jeeze Nick thanks for sharing this. It certainly gives some insight and perspective as to what happened and how your recovery is going. You’re a strong buggar and bloody inspirational. I’d feel sorry for ya but it doesn’t seem appropriate when you don’t seem to feel sorry for yourself. It does make me wonder why we do this sport though where the risks are ever present and often catastrophic.
This was an impressive video for a bunch of reasons. Brave of you to share ALL and impressive use of video, radio and GPS technology to replay the scenario of your accident. You probably did nothing wrong as you were flying in mountains that has very unpredictable weather and wind currents. You sound like a pro but not sure that matters there.
I am heartbroken this happened to you! Although different, I watched a woman flown into a balcony in Acapulco, MX. She hit and was Was killed. We never allowed our guests to go up. I’m just so sorry! I hope you telling your story will prevent further injuries and deaths. Over the years in our condo, we saw many more accidents. Thank you!
thank you for sharing. very sorry to hear about your injury. i have been on the fence on paragliding for years. i may just stick to watching videos. sharing your story may have saved many people from harm
I can only echo the comments below, glad you are alive to talk about this incredible journey, being alive is a great thing because we all be asleep for a very long time, thanks for sharing this
Thanks for that amazing Video Nick so much good will come out and definitely help others! Wishing you the best recovery and stay strong your hear that’s the main thing! ❤
Thank you so much for posting this. Wishing you recovery albeit slow. You’re an amazing person for sharing and being so upbeat in a situation like this. Keep up the spirit.
You are a strong personality! wish you the best of luck my friend A friend did a long haul flight with paraglider. He was a bit low and was looking for an updraft, where 2 valleys come together. There were strong winds, his Paraglider was turned. It carried him into a mountain slope, the device showed more than 70kmh on impact. The legs were badly injured, one had to be completely removed, the other could only be saved with lots of plates and screws. I don't see anything wrong with your flight, it would probably be safer further away from the mountain, but there are probably no updrafts there.
Edit: A year after I found out it was the rescue helicopter that nearly killed me! th-cam.com/video/N8XvaQjeDPY/w-d-xo.html
There is no footage of the crash! I explain why in my follow up video th-cam.com/video/0LNh9gU8pSg/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for all your comments, I haven't responded to any (this is my first / only comment in nearly three months) because there are so many but I do read them.
you should pin this, i was a bit confused until i sorted by 'new' comments
These people don't read well or else they don't understand what they're clearly told them many times!
Dislike for that
Idiot wasted all of our time
I sustained a C5/6 level spinal chord injury. Nothing as exotic as yours - but equally disabling. I was out at a friends 50th b’day party when I didn’t feel well - so a few hours later we drove home. I went to my ensuite bathroom and standing in front of the mirror I suddenly fainted. In losing consciousness I couldn’t break my fall in any way. As I collapsed I broke my neck which impinged my spinal chord. I was paralyzed instantly. I woke up 2 days later to a surgeon asking me to wiggle my toes. When I couldn’t he simply said it’s doubtful you will ever walk again. He was right. My accident was in 2011. I’ve accepted it - we have little choice. So it’s best we do. I have a family - husband and 2 sons who have been and are exemplary. I’m very fortunate I can feel everything - but it’s muted. I can stand enough to pivot from one seat to another without assistance. And I still have full bowel and bladder control. My injury is incomplete as they term it. Thanks for sharing your story. Best of luck and good wishes from Toronto ❤
Please read my comment about people walking again after spinal injuries
Really sorry to hear about your injury but I’m glad you have a lot of support. My mother passed out unexpectedly also, she fell face forward on the ground and completely shattered her jaw, knocking out almost all her teeth. The recovery took more than two years of her jaw wired shut, significant bone grafts, and resulted in her being numb from her nose to her neck (but thankfully she can talk and eat normally). The doctor said she was actually lucky that she had no spinal damage.
I mention this because it’s not in the public consciousness how much damage you can take just from falling over from a standing position. Just regular passing out and falling over can change your life forever.
I’m sorry about that, I hope you can get full feeling and walk again unassisted
What illness caused you to pass out? I’m so sorry that happened to you.
@@river8760 Thanks for your interest. I have predominantly low blood pressure that had never posed any such problem in the past. So I was never treated. Low blood pressure can cause you to faint. It plummeted and so too did my level of consciousness.
And that was that.
Thank you for sharing. After about 15 years myself, mostly competitive, I finally called it quits in 2021 after COVID and not flying enough hours to justify it anymore. Even though I'm very, very familiar with the Alps, even there I didn't feel comfortable anymore. I've lost too many friends and I've seen too much go wrong to just keep going. Eventually, it got to my head and it's never a good choice to continue when it does. That's why I stopped. Your story is the one that I dread finding myself in and it solidifies my choice. Very sorry for how it ended; paragliding has been part of my identity and life for such a while that I can't imagen what you're going though. Take care!
Wow. I was thinking it looks like something I’d like to get into but maybe not. I thought as long as you didn’t do things that are obviously risky that it’s pretty safe. But looks like you can have catastrophe even when being safe
That’s my point. Is the rest of your life worth a few thrills when you’re younger? Missing playing with your kids, your grandchildren? Enjoying retirement? I don’t think so. I used to race cars on the track and that’s plenty of thrills without leaving the ground but even then you can still lose your life
@@cornkobmansanto17 living is risky. Getting out of bed is risky.
He was paragliding close to rocks at quite high mountains, the Aravis is 2700m high.
He doesn't remember what happened and how he reacted.
He was flying with his new wing since a month, which is a D class wing, a high performance racing wing. There are much safer and easier to pilot wings.
Its like saying you wont drive a car because you saw a formula one crash on TV.
It emphasize the safety of the group. If he was flying alone, it could have been even worse.
@@niconico3907 What blows my mind is how an experienced pilot flies his two liner with the tourist hand position on the brake handles. How do you feel a surge or deflation coming with fat gloves and that decoupled grip? Call me a control freak, but I can't fly my glider in thermic air without a finger on the line.
@@Vindolin exactly, nearly all paragliding crash videos start with people piloting with this hand position.
The hospital report is consistent with a major impact to the thoracic vertebrae. What often happens is this stretches the aorta, which normally tears and then you just go to sleep. You have been very fortunate to survive this.
In my 20 years as a Professional Firefighter/EMT I’ve seen 3 people with Acute Aortic Aneurysm’s or Triple A’s and countless people die in car crashes. The Triple A’s all screamed and writhed saying they could feel their insides tearing right before they passed away and the only people who aren’t crying for help in fatal car accidents or traumatic events either have massive head trauma, a basal skull fracture or are internally decapitated. In short, traumatic injury fatalities either have head trauma and can’t respond to painful stimuli or are in the hurt locker then slowly let go, they don’t just go to sleep. I’m not entirely convinced people “peacefully die in their sleep” either, maybe they feel intense pain but can’t move to let anyone know before they pass.
@@randumdude5824 I agree with you completely. I have never experienced any serious accidents and it is so typical to take good health for granted.
@@randumdude5824 My friend ,are you saying that it is sometimes better to die?
@@PaulWashington.. yeah that’s what they’re sayin, cuz he’s clearly felt pain on an unbearable level probably unyielding and for a unceasing period of time …
Death is peace in my opinion, we go back to being pure energy with no more physical body and no more pain.. I believe we still exist as a soul so to me that’s something to look forward to
@@sophritoh hope you know Jesus
Really appreciate your spirit, Nick! It takes a strong person to mentally comeback from an injury like this.
This positive attitude can change over night. I hope not, but that was the case with my buddy. He was very lighthearted after his motorbike crash- only one arm will work for life. He was joking with EMT's. We all commented how great his attitude was. Not anymore. He is basically suicidal. Pain 24/7 and no hope. Docs say he will only get worse. This guy seems to be in better shape. I wish him well.
@@shinrapresident7010 It did not help that he was doing 150mph at the time of the impact either. I would say he is lucky to be alive but he would strongly disagree with that. I sold my bike.
Thanks so much for posting this video! When you said; ”that was gonna be my last walk I ever did” wow I f****ing choked up right there… It brought up my own memories from my crash, october 2020.
I broke my back in 2 places, broke my arms, all my ribs, couldt breath properly, almost died right there, but was saved by super fast rescue team… Close to never walk again, but made it. It been 2 years now and I am 99 % back to who I was before my accident, greatful for that.
Again thanks for beeing strong sharing your accident, I know the feeling… Stay Strong!
and good for you too, dude!
just be careful in the future. from recent reading about incidents it isn't usually the first incident that leaves them paralyzed.. it's the 2nd/3rd spinal injury shortly after that initial one.
Whats your Plan, will you Fly again or is too Risky for you?
Wish u a good recovery ro 100% my Friend!
@@odin8807 Is that a question for me? If so, yeah, I fly again, my first flight was 10 months after my accident, even 10 min before takeoff I didn't know if I was gonna make it, the start location was the same as where the accident happened... But for me it was important to finish that flight that I crashed, in my mind it was like I never landed, I just had to land, no matter what... I did the flight, flew for 10min, and finally landed, in a way a ten month long flight....
Wow. One of the hardest to watch PG accidents reports I have seen. Must have been tough to make, even though I guess you have also been going through this in your head many times. I have often told you how inspiring your attitude is mate, but it keeps blowing my mind, both pre- and post-crash. On a different subject, I am looking forward to your pack-rafting videos :D
I had an accident just few weeks ago and am still in recovery now. My spinal fracture was less serious and stable from the beginning but it was traumatic for me. Your story is really inspiring!! I couldn't image having a much worse case like yours and yet stay so brave and positive!!! Hope you recover soon!!
Keep in mind that even if you do recover, it will come back when you're about 65 and take you down. That's what happened to me. Lived an active life, injured several times, but I was young and strong, and just kept going. In my 60s it all started catching up with me, and now I can barely walk. Take care of yourself.
Read my previous comments. For now I will just say. " and another one!"
did you have a spine protector?
@@MOAB-UT no. 🙁
@@rickerhart907 ok but whats the alternative…? Some die healthy, some die sick. But it’s over for all of us some day. I’m in my fifties, and probably my body will start to hurt me one day, actually it has already started. But I won’t stop doing the things that give me most pleasure like surfing or kitesurfing. I want to live my life yo the fullest and now, even if it costs me some (painful) years at the end.
As I'm paragliding myself (Grenoble area) I remember that a friend told me that there has been a PG accident close to Annecy this day. I can't say that I'm glad to have found out who it was - as your story is quite shocking, but your positive attitude is more than amazing. You are still rather young, so I hope that science will find a way to make you walk again some day (soon).
We have a guy in our PG club who had a climbing accident years ago and is also in a wheelchair. He built himself kind of a trolley for takeoff and landing and is one of our best pilots.
Best wishes, H
WOW, Nick you are such a positive person, very inspirational. I also had a serious accident 4 years ago, 6 spinal fractures, 8 ribs, 3 serious pelvic fractures and some complications with internal bleeding but was lucky enough to fully recover. Like you no memory of the accident, could only evaluate IGC file. Realised that it was my mistake. You are a brave man, have always enjoyed you videos. Would be nice to catch up sometime. Let me know if you are every heading to Australia.
if he is inspirational to you why don't you tell your kids to do the same thing he did? or many you should be breaking some bones yourself and tell us how positive you feel about it. Dude this is the joke with the salt rock. When your stupid and life gives you lemmons. You think its apple. Idiots. This will last a lifetime. What about being stupid and lost it? no? I guess its better if you say its inspirational but you don't mean it. be straight dude,.
So brave of you to show your incredibly unfortunate accident to everyone, Nick. You’re so brave and I wish you all the best for your future. You’ve done things most people only ever dream of and will therefore never be able to look back on and remember. You can remember because you were brave enough to experience your passion.
Well done Sir! 👌👍❤️
@@shinrapresident7010
What would you call it then? 🤷🏼♂
@@shinrapresident7010
None of those words is the opposite of "unfortunate". The opposite of "unfortunate" is "fortunate". Surely you're not suggesting he was fortunate to have suffered such a life-changing catastrophe!!?
@@shinrapresident7010
"@shinrapresident7010
2 days ago
Paralyzing yourself while trying to fly down mountains as a thrill is the exact opposite of the word ''unfortunate''."
The above (copied) is precisely what you said! You used the term, "Exact Opposite of the word "unfortunate"".
Ever heard the term, "You don't know what you're saying"?
My nephew, who was up until his canopy lost air, a world renowned record holder in several competitions, and has flown the Pakistan Himalayas many times, which is where the accident occurred. Even though he had comprehensive travel insurance, it took a GoFundMe campaign to raise the necessary $150000AU to fly him by air ambulance back to Australia, but by then the damage had been done and was irreversible. The footage of the rescue clearly shows his neck was not immobilised during the rescue, which may have caused a great deal of damage to his spinal cord. He is now a quadriplegic. He went from being superfit to needing round the clock full time care.
Thinking of you Alex.🙏
It's so pathetic of the doctors to make a point about covid when they have a patient with a broken back.
It was sent to the people that were going to take him.
Like "he tested positive to COVID because it's the hospital policy to test everyone right now, maybe keep him away from old sick people"
You're pathetic...
@@jerryboics9550go get your booster
Yeah so pathetic a hospital is trying to identify a patient's health issues...
I'm guessing you just have no clue about how hospitals work. Sorry, not everything is a fucking conspiracy.
They needed to figure out if he had COVID since he had a lung contusion. This is all relevant and has nothing to do with whatever you think it does.
Get bent.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Good luck with your rehabilitation. Super brave of you to share.
I've been paragliding 25years and lost a good friend at Annecy the same week as your accident, I must say my enthusiasm has been dented lately seeing the consequences from when it goes wrong, though the British weather has a big part in that too. Good luck, hope you can walk again some day.
Hello David, what was the nationality of this friend? It seems I cannot find this accident in the report made by the French federation. Do you have any more information about it ? docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wxVhd0yYPexm0K1kTjykO-dWz9CoVrVmmgAS2jh-m3Y/edit#gid=1687522515
As somebody with a spine injury that has affected my ability to walk and do simple things, I'm sorry to hear about about your crash, and your injuries. I always LED an active life and did a lot of crazy things, but eventually it always catches up with you. Good luck and stay positive.
incredible video... not entirely sure how I stumbled across it but am glad I did.. makes me sick to see / hear of these types of accidents and as others mentioned, you are doing a great service by sharing your story and hopefully helping others to prevent further accidents. Thank you and all the best with your continued recovery
I live ten minutes from a paragliding/hang gliding club. I went up there to check it out and I asked what the most dangerous thing that could happen was. The woman I spoke with said if the wind folds your sail it's a bad day, then she said if you fall into your folded sail it's your last day.
I quit paragliding 5 years ago. Have been flying for 17 years and had 3 crashes. I have always been aware, that I could end my life in that hobby. The reason to quit was not fear. I hope, you will recover! thanks for sharing!
Proper time to exit the sport and not have ego lie you into staying.
I don't understand the reason.
We love you Nick!!! So sad but glad you survived. Youre an insipration to my flying and many others im sure 🙌
My thoughts and prayers for you mate!! Bugger!!
Have quietly being enjoying your videos, after stopping paragliding when our twin girls were born. Real joy in having you take me (us along) on your adventures.
I get a sense you'll continue to find joy going forward.
Much aroha to you
Gary from Christchurch, NZ
However stunning and adrenaline inducing this sport is, I just couldn't justify the risk of the pure terror and pain an accident like this would cause, and how much it has impacted the rest of your life. This has sealed the deal for me, I will never have the kahuna's to do this. I hope your mental scars are healing well my friend.
So glad you survived your crash. A very good friend of mine wasn't so lucky and lost his life parasailing in NZ in 2018... he sure loved the sport.
Man, a fellow foot launcher is sorry to hear you went, and are going, through this terrible crash. Glad you survived! Appreciate your thoroughness describing your ordeal. And I wish you the very best, and hope and pray that in time you will fully recover walking and the rest of it.
I don’t know why this video came across my account, but I decided to watch it and I am absolutely amazed with your story and survival. I wish you the best with your remaining time on this earth or even above it.
I highly recommend you watch all of Nick's other videos and his blog if you are just coming across this. Nick shares so much both in valuable information and in just beautiful writing and videography. Amazing human he is!
So lucky to be alive. I hope you make full recovery and walk again some day.
Hi Nick Ive been watching you for years mate and have always enjoyed your vids. Keep sharing bro you still have lots to give. thanks again for update.
Youre one tough bloke. So much respect. truly inspiring story, it brought a tear to my eyes.
I flew into Rotor top landing in July 2016 in Cumbria. I also have no recollection of the actual accident! . Broke 3 vertebrae and my coccyx but class my self as VERY lucky. It took me 4 years to pluck the courage up to return to Paragliding.
Thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully others will take whatever lessons they feel appropriate from your video and story. I shared my story on our local club site so others could learn from my mistakes, Only to end up being ridiculed by 1 person! That person's comments have ended up staying with me and hurt me more than the actual accident!! Please be careful how you comment on this thread.Good luck with your recovery Nick, thanks for sharing your video and story.
I know nothing about paragliding, but your video is extraordinarily brave and I would have thought truly instructive and informative for other paragliders.
Sorry for what happened. Bummmer. Thanks for sharing. Is a good video.
Thanks for sharing your story. I started to learn to paraglide but decided there was a bit too risky for me. Incredible sport if you are willing to take the risk.
Thank you for posting your video mate, I wish you all the best, take care !
Thanks for sharing Nick. I followed you in xalps as pilot that so far to take part it showed your commitment. Loved your updates during the races and whilst free flying at other times. I am sure you will continue to live life to the full and i look forward to following you in the future. I bet you will have something special lined up that you can enjoy. Stay safe
It must be so unbelievably frustrating to not really know what went wrong. Hope youre able to keep your head up after all that. What an amazing experience to be able to do paragliding like you did! So beautiful.
He has to know. He has such nice equipment, can review his flight in 3d realtime records and show us the route he did this day. And He can watch the Video unter the crash. I dont know why He stopped it for us at that point (7:24) and telling us "i dont remember where i crashed". Just keep Video playing and u see?!?
Thank you for sharing buddy. I'm glad you're alive and cognitive:) this stuff is important to help others. My respect to you and your friend
Incredibly exciting video about the wonderful world of air and accident. Although permanent physical damage, the experiences in the air are of indescribable beauty and the feeling of lightness and freedom.
I just booked into a beginner paraglider training course, and this video came up in my feed. I've previously flown a few times 10 years ago.
This video has made me have doubts about flying. I always felt it was reasonably safe. But you're far more knowledgeable and skillful than I'll ever be, and still it sadly went badly for you.
My impression is that you can mitigate a lot of the risk by glider choice, flying location, weather conditions, and obviously user input. It seems that the location and conditions had a lot to do with this. I'm no expert but it seems like ridge soaring with an A or B glider is considerably less risky than this situation.
I'm a newbie pilot relatively but a month after getting my PG2 in NZ I encountered a dust devil on landing that picked me up 15m and then dropped me breaking my back. Thought it was an absolute fluke so happily continued to fly upon healing. Two weeks ago on a perfect weather evening flight, getting ready to land on a perfectly groomed sports field my headwind abruptly stopped, and then returned at 90 degrees direction change causing me to first sink rapidly and then pendulum into the ground. Luckily, just as Nick mentions I had my legs out but shattered my tibia and fibula needing a 3 hour surgery. I realize how no matter how perfect the conditions how close you are to the potential of serious injury/fatality and as a 49year old I want to enjoy my next 40 years so am quitting the sport very sadly as it is the most amazing form of flying I've ever done. Not trying to scare you off but don't downplay the risks!
So glad you made this video. Thank you for taking the time to work this through.
I’m sorry this has happened to your life. Hopefully you have lots of love and support to help you get through this. Prayers for healing.
Thanks for sharing this Nick, stay positive and hopefully you'll be able to have some new, albeit different, adventures before too long.
Glad your ok… i could move my legs at first too… i pushed myself up on a rock to get my head out of the waves… and then had to disconnect wing as it was in ocean dragging me back into the water. I had L1,L2,L3,L4 fractures and book opened pelvis and central fracture dislocation of hip which made me bleed in my belly.. I wasn’t concussed or KOed… yet I’m😅 sure i could move my legs immediately after the accident…
Heamatoma was removed from around the spinal canal at surgery. I had no movement at all in legs for the first month in hospital. Then slowly and miraculously it began to return. Mate Im walking now. I recommend the stem cell treatment as it coincided with benefits to me on a previous broken neck drowning head injury… there is was no down side for me … i think its safe and easy just costly… but you could ask friends for help with that. Well we had similar experiences in some ways… i think you can be better if you avail yourself of these cell based treatments. I can talk to the radiologist if you want me to. Probably know them anyhow.
You’ve had two spinal/neck injury crashes?
Born again! Congrats! You have got a very good Buddy - Hammed. All the best to him.
The YT algorithm brought me here. And then I watched the full video. Wow. All the best to you!! Thanks for sharing all that so honestly.
I've watched this multiple times. Thank you for sharing this, it will help others. I'm so sorry this happened and i wish you all the best.
thank you for sharing, really heartbreaking to watch , really hope your rehabilitation is going well
Thank God you are still here mate he blessed you with another chance at life. I had a major motorbike accident hit by a car im blessed to still be here also, can be hard but you stay strong and look foward this lifes the short game next ones eternal. Enjoy your time with family you have a great mother by sounds of it. God bless.
Chapeau to you for your wonderful attitude which makes me feel confident you will make the most of this next stage of life's adventure. Thanks for sharing your experience in such a generous way. Bon courage.
Thank you for sharing your story in full detail. The flying community appreciates your candor. Prayers for best recovery, cheers.
Wow..!! Thanks for sharing your love and the story that unfortunately went with it.. My own love also smashed me to bits in 2009 near Brisbane..
Love life, play hard. -no regrets.. ❤
Thanks a lot for sharing. In September of the same year I was mountaineering on a ridgeline with two friends when one of them fell down a 30m staggered cliff. When I got down to him I was amazed he was still alive, let alone moving all his limbs. He had severe back pain and until rescue arrived we struggled to keep him still as he was fighting with agonizing pain along his back. Turns out he broke his spine in 3 separate places (along with several other major and minor injuries). Listening to your story about how you were still moving around so much shortly after your accident, the same way he was so keen on sitting up and moving around, I'm glad we managed to restrain him. 2 weeks later he was released from hospital walking on foot, but still in rehab for another couple of weeks. He doesn't remember most of the accident and the state he was in, and I don't believe he knows just how lucky he was. Anyways, sorry for the long comment just needed to air out a bit after watching your well-documented story. Glad to hear you are well and wish you all the best, miracles happen!
you sir are blessed, glad to have you with us still!
I’m sure you’ve heard this, but your attitude in the video is absolutely phenomenal.
I’m sorry for you that this happened, but I can promise that this video and your positivity is changing other peoples’ lives in a good way.
Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your story, and for your positive attitude continuing to choose the positive aspects of your accident and life post-accident. Your helmet manufacturer knows what it’s doing. I agree with those saying it’s better to live your dreams, if it’s a dream with established and proven safety methods and equipment designed to optimal standards. I also agree with those who say it could be anything you do day to day that could drastically and devastatingly alter your life. I’m a physical rehab RN. The patient who I remember most was a 24 year old, recently discharged from the US Navy. Went to a lake party, had a few beers, dove head first into 2 feet of water, now paralyzed from the neck down. Life comes with risks no matter how simple or complex our activities. We try to be as safe as we can and power through adversity. Above all try to look out for our fellow human beings.
There are so many ways to enjoy aviation without risking your life. I’ve seen so many people injured or killed this way and ultralights. I had a guy convince me to go up with him in an ultralight but before I made the decision he crashed and died. In almost every accident I can remember I’ve heard the statement “we were running a bit late”
I barely fly commercial these days. And I’ve worked my whole career in aviation
You sustained major trauma and it's amazing the rescue response got to you so fast rendering aid... I have no doubts that if the first responders hadn't arrived as quickly as they did, you most likely would not have survived. Thanks for sharing your story and the details of your injury. Fight on and live another day...
Your attitude is commendable.
Sorry to hear of the accident, your positivity will continue to push you though your recovery. Wishing you all the best, thanks for all of the inspirational work
May God bless you, and give you a wonderful rest of your life
That's a major bummer dude. I'm sorry that happened.
Thanks Nick, you where one of my inspirations to get into flying, and you still are. Wish you all the best.!
Damn, he would make me so nervous. Overly confident and a severe case of ADD, taking his hands off constantly to point things out, “I messaged John and he hasn’t replied back. There he is. This is where dropped my phone last year.” Like, yeah probably because ya damn hands be all over the place!! But respect man ✊ I live an overly cautious life. I have never lived as freely as you have, flying about as a bird high in the Alps (outside of a jet). As careful as I am, noone is immune to accidents. At least you’ve really lived ❤
I'm glad you are alive!
Thank you for uploading.
Whow, you are really a role model how you analyze your accident and your life. Thanks for sharing all your experiences in such an honest and straight way. This requires unbelievable courage. Your attitude is inspiring and I am sure you positivism will be helpful for many others. Wish you all the best - from an unkown follower from Switzerland.
Love your humor and spirit❤
Nick, absolutely stunned to see this news. After I saw your flight off Elbert some years ago, you were a huge inspiration for me to start my own paragliding journey in 2018. Just the other day was watching a promo vid of BornesToFly 2022 and saw your ugly mug make a brief appearance LOL... I recall our email exchanges a few years ago about paragliding more Colorado 14ers. You're are a very big personality, and I'm hopeful you can start a solid road to rehabilitation recovery... Stay strong and stay funny....
Very brave to share this to help others! I know you’ll come back stronger💪
So sorry this happened to you man. You seem like a genuinely nice dude. Stay positive 💪
Ive been thinking of you and talking about you to family and friends alot lately matey and just want to say thank you for shareing as you always do and i hope this little bit of apreciation from me helps in some way. *just watched it all and it isnt easy that theyres some niggleing questions left maybe unresolved ....
Thanks a lot for the share Nick, following you since the accident, impressed by your spirits and personality, and sure you'll do great things and experiences in your future whatever it may be. Wish i was more like you ! Love man
You r a legend! Speedy recovery and get well soon so u can be back up in the air 🙏🙏🙏
Wow ❤️ Thank you for sharing your story
Thanks for putting this synthetic video. Really sad that such an experienced pilot as you, on a standard day, classic flight, got such a bad crash, without particularly exposing yourself. I flew on this very terrain and got similar path ; I would certainly go to the very same spur... It's freaking me out that nasty air / shear near terrain can happen anywhere and have live changing effect. Plz keep sharing your adventures your videos are cool !
Thank you so much for sharing. You are such and inspiration and all the positive vibes from me going your way. I will think about you and your story each time a launch.
Thank you for being willing to share your experience through this accident.
Wow, this story is inspirational in many ways.Take care, man.
Your story caught my interest, I broke both my legs in a skydiving accident. Best of luck
Amazing that you are such a realist and that you can analyse the accident so logically. Just as amazing is you don't appear to have been traumatized.
"Just one of those things" is how you began this video.
Thankyou so much for sharing.
Wow. Sir I hope you are doing better. You are amazing.
I was just in Annecy in May watching them come off the mountain by the lake. But I was eating perch at a restaurant not flying.
Wow man I wouldn't imagine most people would survive that. Tons of respect for you remaining so coherent and calm, Ive been in combat and was trained for wild situations but I don't think I could've been so calm. I'm sorry man, it's awesome to see you come through it and remain positive. This may be a bit dumb for me to say but hope is important....stay positive at least you're alive and never lose hope, with the insane amounts of gigantic leaps forward were making especially in the medical field, you never know. I'd imagine that we'll come up with a way to restore your spine...it's very goofy to say that I know but it helps mentally to know that there's a chance that we'll come up with a treatment.. but yea man you have my respect for sure
Yes, and actually there is a way to heal the body to help injury, it all comes down to food and how the body can digest it to help with the healing process, i know of two people who had injuries and was able to walk again and that is a goal i feel he can do too.
Glad you made it out of that. Super scary. Thank you for sharing with great detail.
Jeeze Nick thanks for sharing this. It certainly gives some insight and perspective as to what happened and how your recovery is going. You’re a strong buggar and bloody inspirational. I’d feel sorry for ya but it doesn’t seem appropriate when you don’t seem to feel sorry for yourself. It does make me wonder why we do this sport though where the risks are ever present and often catastrophic.
This was an impressive video for a bunch of reasons. Brave of you to share ALL and impressive use of video, radio and GPS technology to replay the scenario of your accident. You probably did nothing wrong as you were flying in mountains that has very unpredictable weather and wind currents. You sound like a pro but not sure that matters there.
One of first things you are taught in flight school is watch out for rotors coming off terrain(trees and mountains). Sorry it happened!!!
Your outlook is your saving grace....
Peace to you sir
"I just became conscious" Tough as nails. Already working out solutions after awakening to trauma.
So sorry for your injuries, pray a miracle someday will allow you to walk again. God bless!
I am heartbroken this happened to you! Although different, I watched a woman flown into a balcony in Acapulco, MX. She hit and was
Was killed. We never allowed our guests to go up. I’m just so sorry! I hope you telling your story will prevent further injuries and deaths. Over the years in our condo, we saw many more accidents. Thank you!
So scary, glad you survived.
Thank you for sharing it. Sorry a lot your accident..
thank you for sharing. very sorry to hear about your injury. i have been on the fence on paragliding for years. i may just stick to watching videos. sharing your story may have saved many people from harm
thank you for sharing this🙏
I can only echo the comments below, glad you are alive to talk about this incredible journey, being alive is a great thing because we all be asleep for a very long time, thanks for sharing this
I feel so sorry for you and I hope you will get better with the time. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for that amazing Video Nick so much good will come out and definitely help others! Wishing you the best recovery and stay strong your hear that’s the main thing! ❤
Thank you so much for posting this. Wishing you recovery albeit slow. You’re an amazing person for sharing and being so upbeat in a situation like this. Keep up the spirit.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am impressed by your resilience and positive attitude.
You are a strong personality! wish you the best of luck my friend
A friend did a long haul flight with paraglider. He was a bit low and was looking for an updraft, where 2 valleys come together. There were strong winds, his Paraglider was turned. It carried him into a mountain slope, the device showed more than 70kmh on impact. The legs were badly injured, one had to be completely removed, the other could only be saved with lots of plates and screws.
I don't see anything wrong with your flight, it would probably be safer further away from the mountain, but there are probably no updrafts there.
im blown away by your demeanour. i feel crushed by trivial setbacks. wew.