Eli Olson Gets Arm Broken By Aquaman, Still Surfs Vans Pipe Masters Heat

A few days ago, Vans Pipe Masters Invitee and Pipeline standout Eli Olson broke his arm while working as a stunt double on the upcoming Aquaman film.

While filming a scene with Polynesian heartthrob Jason Momoa, Eli ended up getting tossed onto lava rocks instead of the prescribed safety mat.

With a busted wing and a bunch of stitches, Eli still surfed his Round 1 Heat at the Vans Pipe Masters. Michael Ho (a former broken-armed Pipe Master) would certainly be proud. But Eli took it one step further and surfed without a cast.

Here’s what Eli had to say:

“I started doing stunt work about five years ago, and it started taking off in the last year or two. We do a lot of hard stuff on the body, but we’re usually safe and professional. It was just a freak accident, I got tossed by Jason, and came up short of the pads onto lava rocks. It happens, I don’t blame him, we’re dance partners when you’re filming choreography. He was super bummed, he really cares about everyone and he’s so passionate about the project.

I got nine stitches, a fracture in either my tibia or my fibula, and I fractured my pinkie. It’s my first time in the Vans Pipe Masters, I’d have to be in a wheelchair not to go out. Even then I’d just have someone push me.”

In other words, ’tis only a flesh wound.

Eli attempted multiple waves today (with surprising dexterity, considering his broken fucking arm) but acquired no scores of note — more a product of the conditions than his ability. He’ll be back and ready for R2 tomorrow.

Onya Eli.