Tahitian surfer Tuhiti Haumani is in a critical condition after suffering a wipeout this afternoon at Pipeline. He was pulled unconscious from the water after reportedly falling on a wave and striking his head on his board.
A strong current made it difficult for North Shore lifeguards to rescue him. Once pulled from the water lifeguards performed CPR for a lengthy period of time before finding a slight pulse. He was immediately rushed to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
Tuhiti is a Volcom team rider and a familiar face around the North Shore, especially at Pipe. He was of the stunt surfers who took part in the filming of the Point Break sequel filmed last year at Teahupoo.
His accident immediately sent shockwaves through the surfing world as an outpouring of support flooded social media.
Pipe specialist Jamie O’Brien took to Instagram “Praying for @tuhitihaumani stay strong my friend!”
Also on Instagram Brent Bielmann posted “As many of you know @tuhitihaumani is in critical condition after a surfing accident today in Hawaii. Please everyone say a prayer for him and his family.”
“Thinking of you @tuhitihaumani one of Tahiti’s best barrel riders an nicest guy you will meet! He hit his head surfing in Hawaii today. Praying for you mate.” Added Laurie Towner.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tuhiti and his family and friends during this time.
More to come.
