Stab Magazine | Shawn Dollar Breaks Neck in four places

EAST with Harry Bryant is here

743 Views

Shawn Dollar Breaks Neck in four places

Renowned professional big wave surfer and holder of the Guinness World Record for largest wave ever surfed Shawn Dollar suffered serious injuries yesterday whilst surfing off California’s Central Coast. While the great eye of the surf world was focused on the hi-fi Labour Day shootout that was Trestles yesterday, further up the coast the strong southerly swell was producing waves in the twenty foot range. Shawn broke his neck in four places, and incurred head trauma and concussion. He remains in hospital in a stable condition, and is expected to make a full recovery. “I’m so thankful I’m alive and present today,” said Shawn, “Being surrounded by my loved ones through this time has been paramount for me. I’m so grateful for those who where there in my scariest and darkest hour and who acted on my behalf to get me to safety and reach the hospital in time. I’m thankful to learn that even with these severe injuries I will make a full recovery. They will be met with challenges but with my family’s support and community encouragement I will be back in no time.”

news // Mar 8, 2016
Words by stab
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Renowned professional big wave surfer and holder of the Guinness World Record for largest wave ever surfed Shawn Dollar suffered serious injuries yesterday whilst surfing off California’s Central Coast. While the great eye of the surf world was focused on the hi-fi Labour Day shootout that was Trestles yesterday, further up the coast the strong southerly swell was producing waves in the twenty foot range. Shawn broke his neck in four places, and incurred head trauma and concussion. He remains in hospital in a stable condition, and is expected to make a full recovery.

“I’m so thankful I’m alive and present today,” said Shawn, “Being surrounded by my loved ones through this time has been paramount for me. I’m so grateful for those who where there in my scariest and darkest hour and who acted on my behalf to get me to safety and reach the hospital in time. I’m thankful to learn that even with these severe injuries I will make a full recovery. They will be met with challenges but with my family’s support and community encouragement I will be back in no time.”

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

Stab Interview: Shane Dorian Doesn’t Want to Want Jaws Anymore

“I’m going to send it until I’m 45. Then I’m done.”

Aug 25, 2026

2026 Surf100 Challenge Series Presented By Pacifico, Episode 07

One right, one left, and an air decide our fourth finalist.

Aug 24, 2026

The Makings Of ‘Hossegor Beach Cocaine’ | StabMic Ep. 28 | Paul Evans

“Oh, by the way… did you happen to find 11kgs of the cartel’s cocaine on…

Aug 24, 2026

Rain… With A Chance Of Thunder?

Your 2026 Fiji Pro Preview, beamed direct from Tavarua.

Aug 23, 2026

Hossegor Beach Cocaine Episode 3: Peaking

“It’s all very easy being the man when you’ve got the best cocaine known to…

Aug 22, 2026

Watch BLACKBALL: The Hardcore World of Wedge Bodysurfing

"I've spent my whole life hating rules. This is the only time I actually back…

Aug 21, 2026

Padang’s New Management: Gen Z

Rajo Barrel and Lucy Darragh can’t legally drink beer, but they can whip some of…

Aug 21, 2026

Why British Surfing Is Shit(e)

The Great British sewage problem.

Aug 21, 2026

We Brought In Two Proper Heavyweights For Our Surf100 Finale

A World Champion and freesurfing’s reigning MVP join the final four, with $100,000 on the…

Aug 20, 2026

Replay: Rip Curl Cup Padang 2026

Quite the show.

Aug 19, 2026

Watch: EAST Starring Harry Bryant, Episode One

10 non-conforming surfboards vs your favorite blonde mop.

Aug 18, 2026

We Will Never Run A Live Surf Event In The Ocean

Mother Nature remains undefeated.

Aug 18, 2026

Kolohe Andino Is Sick Of Watching Surfers Eat Breakfast | StabMic Ep. 27

"We need to make surfers look cool again."

Aug 17, 2026

Want A Free Trip To Kandui With Some Custom Boards In The Mix?

Benji Brand can vouch for goofy season on Karangmajat island. 

Aug 17, 2026

Why There’s “No Free Ride Anymore”In Pro Surfing

Ian Crane on modern Surfenomics, bigger airs, and why creativity still matters

Aug 16, 2026

Hossegor Beach Cocaine Episode 2: The White Tide

What happens when a sleepy surf town is flooded with sniffly white powder?

Aug 14, 2026

Shaper Reveal: EAST With Harry Bryant

10 shapers, hand-picked and delivered blindly to our first goofy-footed test pilot.

Aug 14, 2026

The Underdogs Shall Inherit The Earth

Low seeds reign on Teahupo'o finals day.

Aug 14, 2026
Advertisement