#HighFivesAthlete Justin Pines joins the High Fives Foundation in Santa Cruz for the 2nd adaptive surf camp hosted by the foundation this year!
WRITTEN AND CREATED BY PROGRAM SERVICES MANAGER, STEVE WALLACE
Justin Pines suffered multiple injuries following a ski crash at Squaw Valley in April 2016. He was skiing with friends when he found himself off balance while landing off a cliff drop, causing him to crash into a tree well in the Headwall region of Squaw Valley. Following a ski patrol extraction, Pines was flown to Renown Medical Center where he was told that he had suffered fractures of his T4/5 vertebrae, a punctured and collapsed lung and a fractured sternum. Pines was paralyzed from the chest down.
Growing up a competitive distance runner, a frequent biker and skier, Pines expressed early in his recovery that it was important that he get back to recreational activity in what ever capacity made the most sense. One year after his injury, Pines was able to get back out on the mountain at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows with assistance from Achieve Tahoe. Though challenging on his first time skiing in an adaptive fashion, he was able to regain the free feeling that skiing provides…much like the sense of freedom that surfing provides.
When Pines received an invitation to the High Five the Wave Santa Cruz Adaptive Surf Camp he was thrilled. He was excited not only to explore a new adaptive avenue, but to meet some amazing inspiring individuals as well.EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER, ROY TUSCANY
Justin Pines suffered multiple injuries following a ski crash at Squaw Valley in April 2016. He was skiing with friends when he found himself off balance while landing off a cliff drop, causing him to crash into a tree well in the Headwall region of Squaw Valley. Following a ski patrol extraction, Pines was flown to Renown Medical Center where he was told that he had suffered fractures of his T4/5 vertebrae, a punctured and collapsed lung and a fractured sternum. Pines was paralyzed from the chest down.
Growing up a competitive distance runner, a frequent biker and skier, Pines expressed early in his recovery that it was important that he get back to recreational activity in what ever capacity made the most sense. One year after his injury, Pines was able to get back out on the mountain at Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows with assistance from Achieve Tahoe. Though challenging on his first time skiing in an adaptive fashion, he was able to regain the free feeling that skiing provides…much like the sense of freedom that surfing provides.
I was struck especially by the humility of the Paralympians and mentors. Despite all of their world-class achievements, seeing how genuinely stoked they were to see the newer crew progress, both in and out of the waves, was truly inspiring. It was just awesome seeing these heroes pumped about building relationship and passing on all that they've learned.#HIGHFIVESATHLETE, JUSTIN PINES
