



Basque country charger Kepa Acero almost drowned after breaking his neck and back at Mundaka, northern Spain’s premier left hand barrel.

You may recall that just the other day we brought you word that Mundaka had been firing for New Year’s Day. But it was the day after when Kepa took a horror fall, blacked out and was unable to swim to the surface. Kepa's perhaps one the most experienced surfers at Mundaka.

Luckily, a strong crew of locals, including Natxo Gonzalez, were on hand to pull him to safety. Upon being examined at hospital, Kepa says he had broken his neck and back during the wipeout yet, miraculously, his spinal cord was not damaged as a result of the fall.

It's difficult to talk about Mundaka and not mention Kepa. Here he is from a shoot with the Endless Winter II crew a few months back. © 2020 - Lucia Griggi/Endless Winter II

This is a rough translation, but Kepa said: ‘’I can only start this post thanking everyone who has accompanied me in these hard days. Especially Lander and Iñigo who saved my life at the Mundaka bar. I will be eternally grateful.

"On January 2, at noon, I had a fatal fall in Mundaka. I fell headlong into the background and at that moment I lost consciousness. The only moment I can remember was under the water, wanting to reach the surface, but my hands and my legs were not taking orders.

"Then I thought I'd never go out.

"I do not remember anything else. Then I learned that Gaizka and Iñigo got me on the board and I was removed from the impact zone. I lost sight of it.

"My friends ❤ @ natxogonzalez1 @nando_arostegi @eukenimasa and @aletxugironi got me out of the water and after hours of agony I arrived at Cruces hospital.

"I was told that I had broken my neck, with a broken-shifted cervical and a broken back.

"Miraculously the spinal cord was not damaged, so I can give thanks for being able to feel and move my body, legs and arms.

‘’I have the feeling of being born again twice in one day, and my thanks go to all those who have accompanied me, those who rescued me, doctors, you who have encouraged me. At random that he has wanted it and life, especially life.

"Thank you very much again and now, more than ever and really, enjoy life, eat it that is yours. I have surgery on Wednesday. Huge hugs to everyone."

We wish you all the best with the recovery Kepa.