Surfing, and capturing exciting images in some of the most beautiful places in the world, is Nathan “Nate” Adams’ life, but a surf-related freak accident on Dec. 28 in Jamaica has him recovering from a broken neck.
Surfing as a teen growing up in Satellite Beach, Adams, now 45 and living in Melbourne Beach, understands the sport can be dangerous, having experienced broken ribs at age 17 as the result of a surfing accident.
He learned of more deadly dangers on much bigger waves throughout his career as a traveling surfing photographer associated with and later as the eight-year photo editor of Eastern Surfing Magazine (no longer in print).
Being on shore these days shooting surf contests with a camera, most recently for the Jamaican tourism board, would be safe – or so he thought.
Normally held in July, the Myakka Pro International Surf Contest was held in Jamaica this year on Dec. 29-30. Adams was there a day early to catch some friends on practice waves, but the conditions were not ideal with gusting winds.
Shooting with his 500mm lens on a tripod, Adams did not notice workers setting up the metal framework for a 20-by-20 tent upwind directly behind him. A huge gust of wind caused two workers to be thrown into the air as the unstaked tent and frame came crashing down directly on Adams. He was knocked unconscious, suffering a large gash on his head and the compression of three vertebra (C-6, C-7 and T-1).
“They had built the frame and were waiting for the straps when the gust of wind came up. They should have never put the top on it. It was touch-and-go for a while there,’’ Adams said.
Amazingly, initial X-rays taken in a Jamaican hospital were said to not show the neck fractures. However, those serious problems were very visible when a highly-trained Jamaican surgeon took over and performed a stabilization procedure Jan. 1 using hip bone. Dr. Peter Charles was hired by Adams’ dad, George Adams, a retired military pilot who had rushed to the island when he heard the news.
Adams praises his friend Icah Wilmot, first responders and others who came to his aid quickly and helped with post-op care. Later, another friend hired an air ambulance to fly Adams and his father all the way home in about two hours.
Adams’ friend and fellow surf photographer Jon Steele of Texas was there shortly after the accident. He was very concerned when Adams was released initially, waking him up every 30 minutes through the night in case of concussion.
“I think he got saved because his head was down shooting when the frame hit him. Two miracles happened: one, he is alive, and two, he has feeling in his arms and legs,’’ Steele said.
The prognosis is good but the recovery assessment process has really just begun, with advanced testing required by the VA, for which he is eligible after serving in the U.S. Army from 1996-2000. There may be additional surgeries required to ensure he returns to equal strength on all extremities.
“I straight-up could have been dead if my head had been a little bit to the side either way. Everybody took as good of care of me as they could, and especially my dad,’’ Adams said. His new goal once well? “I want to go back to Jamaica.’’
A Gofundme.com page has been set up for Nate Adams of Melbourne Beach.
