Stab Magazine | Russell Bierke Hospitalized While Surfing With Kelly Slater
619 Views

Russell Bierke Hospitalized While Surfing With Kelly Slater

They were surfing in Victoria at the time.

news // Apr 20, 2017
Words by Photo
Reading Time: < 1 minute

While the CT was enjoying the dextral lines of Bells during finals day, something much more sinister was happening just west along the Victorian coastline. Teenage charger Russell Bierke was hospitalised yesterday while surfing with Kelly Slater and several other CT’ers who had previously dropped out of the Rip Curl Pro. 

According to eyewitness reports, the 2016 Red Bull Cape Fear Winner fell after stepping into a massive hanger. Apparently hitting his head on his fibreglass, reemerging after a solid hold down. He was eventually pulled onto a ski by (apparently) Kelly, Ross Clarke-Jones and Ryan Hipwood.

Bierke is currently recovering in intensive care at the Warrnambool Base Hospital and is reportedly in stable condition.

Stab has massive respect for Russell’s no fear approach to surfing, and we’re happy to hear he’s in stable condition. We wish him a speedy recovery and all the best.

Comments

Comments are a Stab Premium feature. Gotta join to talk shop.

Already a member? Sign In

Want to join? Sign Up

Advertisement

Most Recent

Where Are Surfing’s Next Male Superstars?

Young women are dominating pro surfing, while the men’s tour ages. Why?

Mar 9, 2026

John Florence Is About To Capture The Attention Of The Entire Surf World (Again)

This is why the 3x World Champ won't be returning to the tour.

Mar 9, 2026

Do It For Your Postcode

Pros and Joes delivered a thrilling ABB Grand Final, in a format that remains undefeated.

Mar 9, 2026

A Dane Reynolds Extended Cut Of Craig Anderson + Ben Howard In Chile

*Instantly adds Defective Units Vol.1 soundtrack to Spotify playlist.*

Mar 8, 2026

Those Who Can’t Remember The Past Are Doomed To Repeat It

A second Newcastle Challenger preview — and a CT qualification update.

Mar 8, 2026

Dan Mann Won Stab In The Dark X — Now What?

Was Kelly Slater handed a frozen envelope?

Mar 7, 2026

Profile: Taro Kelly Slater Watanabe

Brad Gerlach, Jon Pyzel and Quinn Graham on the 23yo from Topanga.

Mar 7, 2026

Inside The Mind Of Kelly Slater, With Sam McIntosh | StabMic Episode 04

Stab co-founder joins Dane Reynolds and Damien Fahrenfort at the desk.

Mar 6, 2026

Why Shane Dorian Is Still Sponsored And Still Wrangling Massive Pipeline At 53 Years Old

“In life, you have to adapt or die. Period."

Mar 5, 2026

Medina’s Sponsor Search Takes A Clever Turn

Higher education enters the sport of homeschooling.

Mar 5, 2026

The Most Controversial Stab In The Dark Ever

174 waves and 14.5 hours in the brine later.

Mar 4, 2026

WSL Drops New 2026 Challenger Series Schedule… With A Twist

Pipeline: out. Cloud 9: in?

Mar 3, 2026

Watch: The Finale Of Stab In The Dark X Starring Kelly Slater

The winner is...

Mar 2, 2026

Kelly Slater + Dane Reynolds Talk Lineup Psychosis And The Untold Stories Of SITD X | StabMic Episode 03

The 11x World Champ rings in from NZ.

Feb 27, 2026

SEOTY: Liam O’Brien Stars In AMALGAM

Surfing's beloved intellectual lunatic takes a tour of the Southern Hemisphere.

Feb 26, 2026

“Everyone Knows I Was A Motherfucker At One Time. I’m Not Afraid To Own Up To That.”

Makua Rothman on catching the wave of his life while high on Oxys, the issues…

Feb 25, 2026

Stab In The Dark X Predictions From Mason Ho, Jake Paterson, Joe Turpel And More

“Some good history there. If it happens we are truly in the year 2026.”

Feb 25, 2026

Filmmaker Andy Woodward’s Front-Row Seat To The Aftermath Of El Mencho’s Death

"There's cars on fire everywhere. It's war zone shit."

Feb 25, 2026
Advertisement