Dusty Payne’s Heartfelt (And Altruistic) Instagram Message

As you probably already know, Dusty Payne suffered a near-fatal crash at Backdoor exactly one month ago. He proceeded to spend two-and-a-half weeks in the Queen Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and had has since been resting, enjoying the fact he’s alive, and gathering his thoughts for the following Instagram post: 

The caption reads:

It’s hard to even start this and put it all into words..Let me start by expressing my deepest gratitude and thanks to @photokeoki , @uluboi , @_mikey_redd, @tai_vandyke and @northshorelifeguardassociation for saving my life … without these God sent angels, I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this today. I am overwhelmed, humbled and so grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, support, cards, and messages that have been sent from all over the world. All of the positive support from everyones messages has helped me get better everyday…I’m so grateful to be alive and finally back home on Maui to continue my healing and start rehabbing…
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This has been a surreal and life altering experience for me. I don’t remember the day of the accident or really any of the 2-1/2 weeks in ICU.. My head is still pretty scrambled, but I know I’m blessed to be here and just need time to heal. I know things could’ve turned out way different without the help that came to me as quickly as it did. I’m thankful for the ICU doctors and nurses at Queens and the surgeons who put me back together. Especially grateful for my family for being with me every step of the way.
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A lot of people have asked me how they can help/what they can do… my family and I have created a Go Fund Me account (link is in my bio) to which 100% of the proceeds will go directly to supporting the @northshorelifeguardassociation. More funds are needed for these guys to be able to offer more training in proper CPR, water extraction and first aid. These heroes put their lives at risk everyday for the publics safety, and unfortunately they don’t really get the support and recognition they deserve.
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Thank you again to everyone who played a role in saving my life. I can’t wait to get back in the water and back to doing what I love.

Surviving the injury was huge. Coming back to surfing after this traumatic event will be incredible. But using his own personal tragedy to promote the underpaid North Shore Lifeguards, rather than helping to offset his own extensive medical fees, well that’s downright heroic of Dusty. 

At time of posting, the GoFundMe has reached $10k of its $25k goal to support the people who save surfers’ lives on a daily basis. 

We hope you’ll pitch in to the cause, and we look forward to seeing Dusty back in the water soon.