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theabortionator
April, 2025

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6 months after broken neck

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Ian_Fitz
Posts: 826 - Karma: 6,509
It's been 6 months since I broke my neck. I had to wear the brace for 3.5 months and I'm finally cleared to do almost all activities. I went and saw a specialist today and he told me that I can do all activities but then I asked about flipping and skiing and he basically said there is a bigger risk of getting a spinal injury for the rest of my life if I decide to park ski and even more flip.The risk is there and really low. Anybody who has gotten spinal surgery or injury's is at a big risk likley even more at risk then me. He said I'm super lucky to not be paralyzed from the neck down like I'm 1 out of 100 who get the type of break and suffer no spinal compromise. My question is what should I do? I know and have heard a ton of skiers and football players pro and none pro still do what they love after having a higher risk from a spine injury...but idk what to do. I won't stop skiing but idk I just want to get back to everything as soon as possible! I don't want to take it easy but idk if I should. Any answers will be great! Sorry because I've posted a couple threads about this. :Live, Love, Ski, Repeat-Ian
9 years ago
156 87
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Rennis_Deynolds
Posts: 2739 - Karma: 19,059
I guess steven hawking is pretty cool.
9 years ago
8 21
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the.hellion.
Posts: 861 - Karma: 698
You've got to be kidding me. You broke your neck and now after your doctor tells you that you're really really fucking lucky to be able to WALK - you're like ... "Idk lol .. I mean, flipping and park man !"

Grow the fuck up. Skiing is so much more than park and if you can't see that you're missing the fucking point.

There's a guy at Loveland, who was on the volunteer patrol and a few years ago, in flat light (not flipping or skiing park) he crashed and broke his neck. He's now in a motorized wheelchair, can't walk and his pee is emptied into a water bottle. Think on that and reevaluate.
9 years ago
13 25
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the.hellion.
Posts: 861 - Karma: 698
Dennis_ReynoldsI guess steven hawking is pretty cool.




At least Stephen Hawking didn't do it to himself by breaking his own neck twice.
9 years ago
0 18
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Swandog7
Posts: 4957 - Karma: 9,033
take a break from the park man
9 years ago
14 1
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KravtZ
Posts: 6637 - Karma: 2,629
In a few years you won't have hte ability to ski park. How many grown men do you see ripping park? Your lucky to still be walking let alone skiing. Just shred all mountain. Take some mellow park laps.
9 years ago
8 2
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Ian_Fitz
Posts: 826 - Karma: 6,509
Swandog7take a break from the park man

It's more like the risk will be the same for the rest of my life and it's small. It's the same for anybody who gets spine surgery or suffers an injury like mine.
He said it could be from 1%-10% more and there's no way to tell. Another doctor said it will be as good as new when it heals. So people are saying I should quit park cus the risk is a little greater? I've never hurt my neck skiing. Doesn't mean it won't happen but idk. Thanks for everybody's input btw!
9 years ago
3 2
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Mingg
Posts: 14033 - Karma: 50,611
get into photography or filming maybe?
ease your way back into it... don't act like you can start where you left off. Take it easy, you don't need to prove your abilities to anyone right away.

Injury shouldn't hold you back. You shouldn't be scared out of doing things. That is a terrible, terrible way to live. In my opinion, you can still ride park. Honestly who the fuck has ever broken their neck on a rail? Jumps are a different story but you can totally still hit rails, no? I wouldn't recommend sending a lot on jumps but you can and should get back to what you want to do. Just don't be an idiot about it.
9 years ago
16 1
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Jon_Taffer
Posts: 1375 - Karma: 5,386
My suggestion, don't ski park for atleast a couple more months. You're young, you have lots of time to ski park when you're older. Learn how to ski the mountain, I mean get that shit down to a science. Learn how to carve like a racer and learn annll the fundamentals as best as you can. If you do decide to come back to park, that will honestly help you more than skiing in the park. A lot of park skiing is being comfortable at speeds. And maybe youll fall in love with ripping the mountain, which is imo better because it's more fun, less risk, and you can continue doing it until you're older as opposed to 30 in park skiing if you're lucky.
9 years ago
4 2
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elcornholio
Posts: 797 - Karma: 1,556
I broke my mid back skiing in april and couldn't do anything until july. It was supposed to be 6 months but my bone healed unusually fast (calcium?). I went straight back to skiing. (Airbag and trampolines) The thing is, that even though I fractured the vertebrae, It was a vertical fracture and didn't go through the spinal cord. Horizontal fractures can be way worse because if it slides out of place, you'll have instant paralysis. I had no chance of paralysis. My suggestion is to really take it easy for a few months. I'd avoid flipping for a while. Good luck.
9 years ago
9 0
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CabbyArrant
Posts: 780 - Karma: 4,129
EbolaIt's been 6 months since I broke my neck. I had to wear the brace for 3.5 months and I'm finally cleared to do almost all activities. I went and saw a specialist today and he told me that I can do all activities but then I asked about flipping and skiing and he basically said there is a bigger risk of getting a spinal injury for the rest of my life if I decide to park ski and even more flip.The risk is there and really low. Anybody who has gotten spinal surgery or injury's is at a big risk likley even more at risk then me. He said I'm super lucky to not be paralyzed from the neck down like I'm 1 out of 100 who get the type of break and suffer no spinal compromise. My question is what should I do? I know and have heard a ton of skiers and football players pro and none pro still do what they love after having a higher risk from a spine injury...but idk what to do. I won't stop skiing but idk I just want to get back to everything as soon as possible! I don't want to take it easy but idk if I should. Any answers will be great! Sorry because I've posted a couple threads about this. :Live, Love, Ski, Repeat-Ian


No one can tell you what you should or shouldn't do. You have to decide what the risks mean and whether the reward is enough for you to continue skiing the same. I suffered a spine injury at the end of last season and I lost all interest in skiing park for a while but I eventually got my stoke back. What I took away from it though is that I'm going to do everything I can to make what I do as risk free as possible rather than stopping altogether. No one caN tell you what the best choice is for you but getting back in the park after my crash was one of the most nerve wrecKing and exhilarating things I've ever done.
9 years ago
2 0
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270on420out
Posts: 7522 - Karma: 51,280
I'd say take it easy until you are 100% both physically and mentally. You're not missing much with this season.

But I'd reccomend that you:

Work out a lot
Work on proper skiing technique (you can never be perfect)
Film your friends
9 years ago
3 0
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marrows
Posts: 399 - Karma: 656
the.hellion.You've got to be kidding me. You broke your neck and now after your doctor tells you that you're really really fucking lucky to be able to WALK - you're like ... "Idk lol .. I mean, flipping and park man !"

Grow the fuck up. Skiing is so much more than park and if you can't see that you're missing the fucking point.

There's a guy at Loveland, who was on the volunteer patrol and a few years ago, in flat light (not flipping or skiing park) he crashed and broke his neck. He's now in a motorized wheelchair, can't walk and his pee is emptied into a water bottle. Think on that and reevaluate.


Hahahahah. You are comedy gold.
9 years ago
2 1
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TOAST.
Posts: 7727 - Karma: 39,327
Nipples was doing flips in a neck brace if i remember correctly. You should probably not follow his example though.
9 years ago
5 0
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McNoche
Posts: 1736 - Karma: 3,619
Keep flipping pussy. Darwinism exhists for a reason.
9 years ago
15 1
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,270
maybe look into a back protector thing? idk. id say ease back into it until the healing process is completely over
9 years ago
0 0
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Plankton
Posts: 3226 - Karma: 6,840
the.hellion.You've got to be kidding me. You broke your neck and now after your doctor tells you that you're really really fucking lucky to be able to WALK - you're like ... "Idk lol .. I mean, flipping and park man !"

Grow the fuck up. Skiing is so much more than park and if you can't see that you're missing the fucking point.

There's a guy at Loveland, who was on the volunteer patrol and a few years ago, in flat light (not flipping or skiing park) he crashed and broke his neck. He's now in a motorized wheelchair, can't walk and his pee is emptied into a water bottle. Think on that and reevaluate.


fuck you

keep skiing park op!
9 years ago
5 2
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Ghost_BLandzV2
Posts: 1037 - Karma: 8,433
THEDIRTYBUBBLEYou're not missing much with this season.


Thanks for reminding mee
9 years ago
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Park.
Posts: 2480 - Karma: 4,587
I broke my shoulder and almost lost my arm skiing, so it wasn't as serious as yours but I know the feeling of taking some life changing risks.

The advice I was going to give is already in this thread. It is your choice 100%. Risk is in every part of life. Your injury should tell you that you are fragile and could die sooner than you plan to so enjoy whatever you like and don't let fear hold you back. If you enjoy park, then ski park. The people saying there is so much more to life are right if they are talking about them. The people telling you not to ski are wrong because they are letting their fears consume them.

Live a life you won't regret. Don't start this when you are older because you don't know if you will even make it to being old.
9 years ago
1 0
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willysworld
Posts: 2116 - Karma: 5,485
Move to nth japan.. shred pow and eat sushi.. Skiing icy park is for kids and is boring.. go shred pow pow. Living your life in a wheel chair ain't worth it..
9 years ago
4 1
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Deforestation
Posts: 1606 - Karma: 3,194
the.hellion.There's a guy at Loveland, who was on the volunteer patrol and a few years ago, in flat light (not flipping or skiing park) he crashed and broke his neck. He's now in a motorized wheelchair, can't walk and his pee is emptied into a water bottle. Think on that and reevaluate.


that's because he probably fucking looked like this:

9 years ago
4 3
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UilyJeff
Posts: 394 - Karma: 1,482
THEDIRTYBUBBLEI'd say take it easy until you are 100% both physically and mentally. You're not missing much with this season.

But I'd reccomend that you:

Work out a lot
Work on proper skiing technique (you can never be perfect)
Film your friends


This is what I am doing this year also. Doc has cleared me for light skiing only until the end of January with my new acl and meniscus. I've decided to just shred and butter around and not hit any big features this season. Instead, I am filming my boys. It will be different, but I will not get bored and give my body time to heal.

Good luck op
9 years ago
0 0
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Ian_Fitz
Posts: 826 - Karma: 6,509
Swandog7take a break from the park man


Planktonfuck you

keep skiing park op!


I plan on it! I'm not gonna ski till my neck feels 100% and more!! And I'm not gonna ski park till the end of the season likely. I won't be hitting jumps or big rails.
9 years ago
0 0
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Bennett.
Posts: 176 - Karma: 945
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/778959/Ian-Fitzgerald-Fail-Edit

After seeing this I can tell you right now that you need a better understanding of the risks you're taking, especially at Pewits. It's unfortunate that you had such an extreme injury and I'm glad you're okay, but you definitely need to take smaller steps when you get back into it. Reckless attempts these are the main reason why the big jumps got flattened at my home hill, and also why enforcement has been cracking down on cliff jumping around the Dell's area.
9 years ago
4 0
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SSteezle
Posts: 9458 - Karma: 2,357
the.hellion.You've got to be kidding me. You broke your neck and now after your doctor tells you that you're really really fucking lucky to be able to WALK - you're like ... "Idk lol .. I mean, flipping and park man !"

Grow the fuck up. Skiing is so much more than park and if you can't see that you're missing the fucking point.

There's a guy at Loveland, who was on the volunteer patrol and a few years ago, in flat light (not flipping or skiing park) he crashed and broke his neck. He's now in a motorized wheelchair, can't walk and his pee is emptied into a water bottle. Think on that and reevaluate.


grow the fuck up? The kid just broke his fucking neck
9 years ago
1 0
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,673
the.hellion.You've got to be kidding me. You broke your neck and now after your doctor tells you that you're really really fucking lucky to be able to WALK - you're like ... "Idk lol .. I mean, flipping and park man !"

Grow the fuck up. Skiing is so much more than park and if you can't see that you're missing the fucking point.

There's a guy at Loveland, who was on the volunteer patrol and a few years ago, in flat light (not flipping or skiing park) he crashed and broke his neck. He's now in a motorized wheelchair, can't walk and his pee is emptied into a water bottle. Think on that and reevaluate.



Attention pinknames.


Refrain from posting on newschoolers while on your period.


The kid just broke his fucking neck, fuck you.
9 years ago
4 1
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steezburgereddie
Posts: 1059 - Karma: 1,945
Dennis_ReynoldsI guess steven hawking is pretty cool.


Ive been on ns for 5 minutes today and im comfortable in saying that is the stupidest comment of the day
9 years ago
1 0
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AK_
Posts: 60 - Karma: 247
I broke my neck (C-7) and back (T-5). It was a year and six miunths before I touched my free ride sticks again. The first winter I did nothing more than mild day tours in the BC focusing on hippy pow turns on mellow slopes. To get me back to freestyle condition it took about 18 mounths of staying very active and sports physical therapy.

Take this Shit slow my G. This is the type of injury that can Fuck the rest of your life.

My advise find a dope physical therapist that you don't mind spending a Fuck tone of time with. Hit him/her up 2-3 times a week and invest in some touring gear and an avy class. This will help you from going through skiing withdrawals. (You'll have enough of them from the meds)
Good luck. Keep the dream alive
9 years ago
3 0
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MARCOOO
Posts: 105 - Karma: 279
Minggget into photography or filming maybe?
ease your way back into it... don't act like you can start where you left off. Take it easy, you don't need to prove your abilities to anyone right away.

Injury shouldn't hold you back. You shouldn't be scared out of doing things. That is a terrible, terrible way to live. In my opinion, you can still ride park. Honestly who the fuck has ever broken their neck on a rail? Jumps are a different story but you can totally still hit rails, no? I wouldn't recommend sending a lot on jumps but you can and should get back to what you want to do. Just don't be an idiot about it.


I 100% agree with this. Don't quit skiing because of an injury, just ease yourself back into it. Most doctors will say to stop because they kinda have to. Just wait it out, stay fit and take it easy until you feel 100% better. Just do what you feel comfortable with, and don't get too sendy.
9 years ago
1 0
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theabortionator
Posts: 52524 - Karma: 173,278
Do whatever you gotta do. Think about your situation and make the best choice for you. Skiing is dangerous, but that doesn't mean you should stop. Also flipping isn't really any more dangerous than throwing spins or hitting rails. Be careful regardless though and best of luck.

the.hellion.You've got to be kidding me. You broke your neck and now after your doctor tells you that you're really really fucking lucky to be able to WALK - you're like ... "Idk lol .. I mean, flipping and park man !"

Grow the fuck up. Skiing is so much more than park and if you can't see that you're missing the fucking point.

There's a guy at Loveland, who was on the volunteer patrol and a few years ago, in flat light (not flipping or skiing park) he crashed and broke his neck. He's now in a motorized wheelchair, can't walk and his pee is emptied into a water bottle. Think on that and reevaluate.


Jesus. Fuck this shit.

There is a lot to skiing beyond skiing park. That's true, but telling somebody to grow up because they want to ski park? Who the fuck are you? Are you Jesus? Are you his Mom?

Why is it your place to say. Hell I'm not supposed to ski/board anymore at all. Definitely not supposed to hit the park in anyway. That said fuck it. I take things really easy because I really can't fall at this point, but I still love it. If I got the next few years working and riding in parks, that's better to me than quitting and just riding groomers, or quitting entirely even.

Some of the worst accidents can happen just riding down the slope. Hit a bump wrongs, catch an edge, somebody crashes into you. Obviously some things are riskier than others, but life is a calculated risk. You could quit all extreme sports, and on some ice walking to the grocery store, or get hit by a buss. Life is too short to be so aggressive. Just enjoy it, make the most out of it and live.

Maybe it's not your thing, maybe you don't give a fuck if you ever skied park again. That's fine, do what you want, just don't tell people how to live their lives, and if you do, try not to be such an asshole about it.
9 years ago
2 0
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Ian_Fitz
Posts: 826 - Karma: 6,509
Bennett.https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/778959/Ian-Fitzgerald-Fail-Edit

After seeing this I can tell you right now that you need a better understanding of the risks you're taking, especially at Pewits. It's unfortunate that you had such an extreme injury and I'm glad you're okay, but you definitely need to take smaller steps when you get back into it. Reckless attempts these are the main reason why the big jumps got flattened at my home hill, and also why enforcement has been cracking down on cliff jumping around the Dell's area.


Ya I made that edit to kinda deal with everything idk it made me feel better after I made it. Also I have an ok grasps of risks I kinda felt pressured into doing a flip and I didn't think that I could break something if I landed in the water wrong. right after I knew it was stupid and ive been paying for it for almost the last 6 months. I got cleared for all activities so ill talk to you more about it at tyrol if you want. I wont be putting on skis for a little while tho let alone park.
9 years ago
0 0
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theabortionator
Posts: 52524 - Karma: 173,278
Hmm, if that edit was you it might not be a bad idea to take things a bit slow when you get back out, especially on the flips.

If you have them dialed already it's not really anything to just bust one out, but if they're still a struggle take it easy for a bit. Same with anything, even grinder barz.

Be safe and have fun
9 years ago
0 0
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nipples
Posts: 4 - Karma: 17
Metal is stronger then bone bro! I've done it twice (see attached). Barely waited any time to get back on skis the last time. If you believe it's worth it then it is.
9 years ago
0 0
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.otto.
Posts: 3495 - Karma: 12,909
nipplesMetal is stronger then bone bro! I've done it twice (see attached). Barely waited any time to get back on skis the last time. If you believe it's worth it then it is.


Weclome to ns! first post and congrats.

How did you break it if i may ask
9 years ago
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nipples
Posts: 4 - Karma: 17
First time 6 years ago diving into the ocean and put my chin my chest in the sand. Last march is on film so here ya go.
9 years ago
0 0
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nipples
Posts: 4 - Karma: 17
Hopefully it works this time.
9 years ago
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nipples
Posts: 4 - Karma: 17
https://www.facebook.com/slarick/videos/vb.1072722066/10205132316162180/?type=3&theater
9 years ago
0 0
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Mingg
Posts: 14033 - Karma: 50,611
nippleshttps://www.facebook.com/slarick/videos/vb.1072722066/10205132316162180/?type=3&theater


Oh my god that was brutal. Fuck dude.
9 years ago
0 0
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Ian_Fitz
Posts: 826 - Karma: 6,509
nipplesMetal is stronger then bone bro! I've done it twice (see attached). Barely waited any time to get back on skis the last time. If you believe it's worth it then it is.


Don't have metal but thanks!
9 years ago
0 0
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ModMommy
Posts: 10871 - Karma: 58,089
Chubz.Attention pinknames.


Refrain from posting on newschoolers while on your period.


The kid just broke his fucking neck, fuck you.

First off, fuck off chubz. Periods make woman more in men's Hormone levels.

Second, OP. you broke your neck. The doctor says you could do it again easily.
Take that into consideration when doing things. I had a TBI, and have definitely had to mellow out my skiing. It took about a full season before I could hit rails again. Take it slow, and judge what you can do by listening to your body.
If in the end you can't hit park again, no big deal. That's life. There's more to ski g than going 2 extreme in the park.
9 years ago
0 0
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
the.hellion.You've got to be kidding me. You broke your neck and now after your doctor tells you that you're really really fucking lucky to be able to WALK - you're like ... "Idk lol .. I mean, flipping and park man !"

Grow the fuck up. Skiing is so much more than park and if you can't see that you're missing the fucking point.

There's a guy at Loveland, who was on the volunteer patrol and a few years ago, in flat light (not flipping or skiing park) he crashed and broke his neck. He's now in a motorized wheelchair, can't walk and his pee is emptied into a water bottle. Think on that and reevaluate.


hahaha wtf you suck
op you might not want to get too rowdy with the send game
but then again maybe you do
9 years ago
0 0
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Chubz.
Posts: 13918 - Karma: 25,673
safarisamFirst off, fuck off chubz. Periods make woman more in men's Hormone levels.


U mad ;)
9 years ago
0 0
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