Bede Durbidge has withdrawn from the first event of the WSL world tour as he continues his rehabilitation from a broken pelvis. The 12-year veteran of the tour suffered the horrific injury at the Billabong Pipe Masters in December. The impact with the reef left Bede with a shattered pelvis that required two metal rods and screws to stabilise the injury and has a lengthy rehabilitation ahead of him.
This morning, the WSL released a statement and indicated that Bede would be part of the 2016 commentary team at the Quiksilver Pro Snapper Rocks.
“Heading into my 12th season on the World Tour, I’m unfortunately pulling out of the Quiksilver Pro due to the injury I suffered at Pipeline,” Durbidge said. “I’ve always prided myself with looking after my physical health, and in the 11 years on tour, I’ve been fortunate enough to never miss an event due to injury until now.”
“Even though I won’t be competing at the Quiksilver Pro, I’ll be down at the event commentating and supporting my mates,” Durbidge continued. “I’m 10 weeks into my injury and the last three weeks have been filled with a lot of pool therapy, which I’m making great progress at in my rehabilitation. I’ve been overwhelmed with all the support. I can’t thank everyone enough for their well wishes and look forward to putting a jersey back on in the near future.”
“Bede (Durbidge) is one of the most rock solid surfers of the last decade and it was horrific watching what he went through at Pipeline last winter,” Kieren Perrow, WSL Commissioner, said. “We’re thankful that he is okay and his rehabilitation is moving forward. While we look forward to him returning to the water very soon, we’re very excited to have him join the WSL commentary team as an analyst at the opening event of the season.”
“Durbidge’s announcement comes on the heels of this morning’s announcement from compatriot Owen Wright (AUS). Durbidge’s position at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast will be filled by Stuart Kennedy (AUS)”.
