Wind Ripped My Arm Off

[Will]

How windy was it monday? So windy a gust ripped my arm out of the socket. I think they call it a dislocated sholder. I wasn't sure what happened but I didn't have any strenth left so I floated in to shore. After I got to shore I tried to move it and it just went back in. Didn't hurt as much as you would think it might. Big thanks to Dave and another guy I didn't recognize for helping me get my gear in.

Anybody else had this problem? How long before I can get back out? I wonder if I had been back in the harness would I just have been catipulted and kept my arm intact?

Hope I heal up before it gets too cold.

[Coach]

Took me weeks for my dislocated shoulder to heal up... Felt better within a day or two of slipping into place, though.

Mine didn't go back into place until 5 days later. Hurt like hell for that 5 days until I was pulling my ski boot on when slipped back in.

It's still sore sometimes, even 12 years later. I have trouble sleeping on it. Shoulder problems are almost as bad as knee problems...


-Coach

[Randy]

I agree with Coach...be very careful about shoulder injuries. I've known many a sailor sidelined for season(s) because of shoulder irritation. Fortunately, the advent of the harness was crucial to reducing all the problems we had in the early '80's. Perhaps the best thing you can do is always make sure your lines are balanced to a point where you can sail no-handed. A lifetime of sailing injury-free commands attention and balance and a keen awareness of when to 'let go'.

Almost six months ago a monster wave collapsed on top of me. I heard the mast snap immediately and knew that the last thing I wanted was a separtation from my rig. I held on with an iron grip through several more rounds in the wash cycle and couldn't sail for almost three weeks due to the damage to my shoulders. They're still sore and somewhat limited in motion. So should I have sacrificed the gear to the reef? Should you have 'let go' for the big catapult? Should I have kept my mouth shut when someone presented a political view opposite mine? I guess these are all key life lessons...when to fight, flee, freeze, let go, hang on, etc.
I think it's one of the main reasons we love these windsports.

Hoping your shoulder heals quickly. I highly recommended a strong program of yoga and maybe getting a referral to physical therapy. Looks like today's shaping up to be another great one, whether going to Duluth or heading a little west. Unbelievable season!!!!