Aloha everyone,
If you haven't heard, one of our own in our paddling community, Luke Evslin, was severely injured while making the first change off of La'au Point. He was severely propped and incurred injuries that he stated if it was an inch higher or lower from initial area of injury would have been fatal. Spoke with Luke and he mentioned that he just got out of surgery and is doing fine over at Maui Memorial.
Also, even though we may make risky decisions during moments of competition, SAFETY is the number #1 priority. Prayers are out to Luke for a effective and speedy recovery!
Carlton Helm
Submitted by Bamskii on Sun, 10/10/2010 - 7:23pm
I'm going to swing by and visit him tomorrow.
#1 Sun, 10/10/2010 - 7:48pm
Keep strong Luke.
aloha,
pog
#2 Sun, 10/10/2010 - 8:35pm
Aloha Carlton,
Mahalo nui for the update, the New Hope Canoe Club will Keep him in prayer!
Godspeed LUKE!
#3 Sun, 10/10/2010 - 8:54pm
Fast recovery Luke and please let the paddling community know if there is anything we can do!!
#4 Sun, 10/10/2010 - 9:02pm
Luke, you are our hero! This one's for you!
#5 Sun, 10/10/2010 - 9:06pm
Luke, wishing you a speedy recovery
#6 Sun, 10/10/2010 - 9:40pm
Hi Luke - Thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery!!
#7 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 6:53am
Thanks for the update! Take care and have a speedy recovery Luke. Archie at C4 is developing a revolutionary new sled for boats that will be used on escort boats for long distance races. I am going to buy one and meet with some of the head coaches debut this new technique in water changes and how safe it will be thus preventing this kind of mishaps to our paddlers. I'll keep posted in the next year of progress. Stay safe and Godspeed all!
#8 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 6:57am
Thanks for letting us know Carlton! Thinking of you, Luke! Sorry to hear the news but so glad you are on your way to recovery. Puts it all into perspective.
#9 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 7:01am
We are so saddened to hear of the accident and pain you are going through. We keep you in our thoughts and wish you a fast recovery. Pacific Paddler is here for you if you need our assistance.
Ropati & ohana
#10 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 8:07am
So sorry to hear of your injury Luke.
I cannot imagine the shock of yesterday. Going from the excitement of the start of the race with your friends one minute to the split-second events of the accident. Thank you to the Leandros and the rest of your crew.
Much Aloha
#11 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 8:36am
Horrible news.
Fingers crossed and good thoughts go out for a full and quick recovery.
#12 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 8:50am
Luke, jc9 came over yesterday and told me the news. Thoughts are with you, take care.
#13 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 8:56am
Prayers and lots of positive thoughts going your way Luke. Speedy recovery, I am looking forward to seeing you racing again!
#14 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 9:14am
prayers and thoughts with you Luke. Godspeed on the recovery.
#15 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 9:48am
Hey Luke,
I don't know you but I've met you a few times (stopped by and bought a shirt while visiting from Nor Cal/finished way behind you in Half Moon Bay). I am wishing you a speedy recovery! In 2005 I had an accident and spent 2 months in the hospital..I thought I would never get better, thought I would never get back on the water, I thought lots of bad and little good. In '08 I did the channel again and now it is all a distant memory. Focus on the good, feed off the Aloha of you friends and family. Someday this will just be part of your past and the future is way bright!
There are positive vibes being sent you from everyone you have touched!
Aloha,
Josh
#16 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 10:50am
My prayers are with you Luke and I wish you a full speedy recovery, you are an intricate part of paddling now and what it is going to be in more ways that you can imagine or thought of. I am sure I will see you again at the halau as soon as you can return. We also had a paddler (David) cut up badly on the legs by the prop in this race and it really puts in perspective how dangerous it is when we are out there. Congratulations to all who participated in the race and speedy and full recoveries for all the injured. I hope to paddle with you again!
#17 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 11:19am
Luke,
Wish you get a fast recovery
Aloha,
Alex
#18 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 11:27am
Luke,
So glad to see that you are on your way to a speedy recovery! Take care and God Bless see you on the water soon! Now to inject a little humor...@ least you neva mu'umu'u your alaz!
Aloha,
Kevin Kahikina
#19 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 12:30pm
Luke,
When I heard the news my heart sunk. I'm so glad to hear that you are recovering and so relieved that you escaped what could have been. My prayers are with you and your family and hope for a speedy and complete recovery.
Aloha,
Tim Awaya
#20 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 12:43pm
Thoughts and prayers to Luke and his family. I agree with Bamskii, safety is really the number one priority. Always. When you break it down, the competition really means nothing. It's the people: your family and friends that mean everything.
Get well soon Luke.
#21 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 1:57pm
Mahalo Son for informing everyone of Luke's incident; because he is a hanai son to our 'Ohana.
Yes, the health & safety of all participants are of the utmost importance. My heart ached when I read Crissy's FB post, and more so when my MICT's & Officers told me what happened. Much Love & Aloha to Luke & his 'Ohana.
#22 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 4:07pm
prayers and thoughts for a speedy recovery.
#23 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 4:21pm
our thoughts and prayers too for a fast recovery
#24 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 4:41pm
Luke,
What a relief to know you made it to the Hospital and are recovering nicely.
I was crewing the Medical Boat who got to you...This Monday 10/11) morning I was relieved to learn you're doing ok.
The Moloka
i Fire team leader and some of the rest of us thought you'd be heading for Queen's Hospital for sure ,,thus making you the race winner, arriving on Oahu hours ahead of Shell Va`a...Kidding aside for a bit...Your calmness helped your teammates who were present , to cope. Hats off to the rest who dedicated themselves to going on to finish (Ironman) the race.
When we got your Captain's radio call, I was glad we were so close by..The young Men who swam to your boat were simply two awesome paramedics. You were in very good hands.
I am very sorry for the extra work you have ahead of you before jumping back on a canoe... I hate to picture you in the gym and locked in the workshop making canoes,,,but I can think of a couple of us who'd be happy to have a brand new "rehab canoe" from such a lucky guy... a lot of Mana in that.
There's an old tradition I am familiar with about cheating the grim reaper. That day gets to be another birthday fpr you ...complete with a cake. I wish you many more years celebrating October 10th...
In the meantime, all the best thoughts and prayers...
Danny.
#25 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 8:48pm
my prayers goes out to you Luke, take care and God Bless...ALOHA - Kona M.
#26 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 8:56pm
heal well, much love coming from the cook islands, take care
#27 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 10:31pm
Get well soon, my prayers are with you.
Glad to hear your are doing better...
#28 Mon, 10/11/2010 - 11:10pm
Very sorry to hear of this accident . My heart sank too when reading Cheances` post on the outrigger yahoo group this morning . Prayers for a speedy , full recovery go up right now....
#29 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 1:03am
Aloha, Luke & Family!
Sending you our thoughts & prayers during this challenging time. We are with you in spirit.
Love,
Byron & Morris
#30 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 7:50am
I'm not a a paddler; just saw the article in The Garden Island paper I get emailed every day and wanted to send my wishes your way. My prayers to you and your family for a speedy recovery.
#31 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 8:14am
Aloha Luke,
We got you in our prayers get well soon... Kihei Canoe Club Open Boyz (Maui).
#32 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 8:15am
sending much love from NYC. we are all thinking of you!! and thanking the world that youre ok! xooxoxo - "evslin's" NYC (Kelly, Marc & Maggie)
#33 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 8:23am
Hey Luke,
Saw the pic's, holy shit!!! We're lucky your still with us. Kia Kaha (stay strong) and i hope to see you back on the water soon.
Maui
#34 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 8:41am
Commenting on Kalei95,
Archie was our escort this pass weekend and his sled helped us out A LOT! If it wasn't for that sled in the back of his boat I'm sure someone in our crew would've got badly injured. It was his first time using it out there so he said he has some adjustments to make regarding weight but it kept us safe the entire Moloka'i Hoe.
Napili Canoe Club from Maui sends there prayers and hope for a speedy recovery Luke. Much love!
#35 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 9:57am
Hi Luke. Heard about your accident all the way up in Canada. Hope you have a full speedy recovery so you can hit the water again!
#36 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 10:01am
Aloha Luke,
I was shocked to hear of the accident, but I am incredibly glad you made it to land and that you are recovering. I hope I will see you back on the water soon.
Dorian
#37 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 10:01am
Hey Luke...you don't know me but I know your brother Noah and his lovely wife Genvieve, and I often hike past your parents' house in Wailua...I heard about your accident and just wanted you to know that you, your fiancee and your entire ohana are in my highest thoughts. Your words regarding your near-death experience are incredibly moving. You have so much to live for and I think you have the strength to make it through this. Thank you for reminding all of us how fragile we are, and what a miracle the gift of life is. In the words of Kahlil Gibran, "Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding. Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that it's hard may stand in the sun, so must you know pain." Wishing you well and sending you and the ohana so much love.
Megan
#38 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 10:08am
Luke,
You're damn tough man, my best wishes. You got plenty of people that would be willing to do anything for you.
Stay strong!
#39 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 10:24am
wishing you a speedy recovery.
All the best, Aloha Jack
#40 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 10:36am
Luke:
I am so glad you are going to recover. When I heard about your accident, I reflected on your accomplishments so far. Putting aside the obvious inspiration you provide by training and competing at the highest level, I have also been impressed with how much you have contributed to the sport of outrigger paddling, and the way you (and your group of friends) are evolving the sport through equipment innovation (Kamanu Composites), and through creating new challenges and metrics for the paddling community with new and different types of races and race courses. You are at the cutting edge of where this sport is going, and you're young. You've got a lot more to do, and I am glad you will be here to do it. See you soon.
Pat Shea
#41 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 10:45am
Hi Luke - just wanted to wish you a speedy recovery. When I was younger, your dad was my pediatrician and I played tennis with Noah & took gymnastics with your sister. Anyway I heard what had happenend and am relieved to hear you're on your way to recovering. I wish you all of the best. You have an amazing attitude and outlook on life.. We're keeping you in our thoughts & prayers here on Kauai. Aloha.
#42 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 11:30am
Luke:
I heard about your accident and I was even more shocked when I read the details in the internet (http://thegardenisland.com/sports/recreation/article_9e7a50d6-d5d1-11df-...)...
From the other side of the world I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery!
Jerome Friedrich
President ORO NUI VA'A, Frankfurt (Germany)
Vice-Prersident of the International Va'a Federation (IVF)
Responsible Ocean Sports / German Canoe Federation (DKV)
#43 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 1:20pm
Luke,
I'm so glad you're in one piece...and alive! Hats off to all of those that helped you, from that split second in the ocean to where you are now and where I know you'll be soon enough...back on the water!
Happy to say I know you,
Butch
#44 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 1:48pm
Stay Strong My Brother, Wer'e praying for You
Aloha,
Kalani Young
http://ksportcompetition.hotlavamarketinggroup.com
#45 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 2:14pm
from a friend of the class of 03 at KHS!
So glad to hear that you are doing well. Brandon at the Kapaa pool told me you are hanging in there and I'm so glad to hear it. The article in the Garden Island was scary! Ms. Newall
#46 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 2:32pm
Our prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. Take one day at a time and it won't be long before you are back to your normal schedule. Time will heal and you will be a stronger person/paddler. Love will console you and give you that push to move on. Stay positive and take care....Mahalo from the Chow Ohana
#47 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 2:48pm
i hope for the best for you luke. i will never forget that scene as i was sitting seat 1 in the canoe next to you guys. there was so much confusion in our boat for a good while as we were not sure what we had just seen. after hearing what had happen the race took on a whole new meaning. once we found out you were stable everyone took a huge sigh of relief. from the whole livestrong family, get better soon and thank you for all you have done in the sport of paddling.
justin
#48 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 3:13pm
aloha Luke,
I dont paddle , but registered for an account just to reach out to show some support to you...I can tell that you love this sport and put everything you've got into it....when I heard of what happened....I was overwhelmed, but more so with your incredible strength and courage. such humbleness....I pray that God will speed up your recovery and have you out there on the waters in spirit and soon , back paddling in no time....God Bless you LUKE...
Aloha no,
Jessie (KIKA)
#49 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 3:19pm
Love, prayers & blessings for a speedy recovery. God bless you Luke!
Aloha,
Shannon
#50 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 3:31pm
Hey! Luke,
I'm pretty sure HIS whatching over you! Cause it could have been worst. You're a good MAN and you've done a lot of good things to this community not just the paddlers but all throughtout young and old. You put smile in peoples face when they know they're Boat is in, older guys start jumping like little kids and can't wait to get to the water with their new BOAT made by KAMANU COMPOSITE... by you!!!! Bhrada!. No doubt about it you'll be in the water in no time, and be doing this Dream of yours with your friends- that is making quality nice boats.( you told me that years ago at the rock pile at Carpet Beach (Redondo beach CA). So, i send you all the Blessings from above and below here, from folks that loves you. Get WELL soon my brother.
EARL
#51 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 3:52pm
Luke, best wishes from Inland Outriggers, Echuca, Australia. :o)---
#52 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 5:01pm
Get well Luke! All the best from False Creek.
#53 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 5:36pm
It's been said a hundred times but I'll say it again.
Get well soon
You truly are an inspiration, even to a lot of people that you'll never meet.
Take care
Rod
#54 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 6:14pm
Dear Luke, healing thoughts are sent your way from Sacramento, California. You are incredibly brave. Much aloha, Robyn
#55 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 7:11pm
My prayers are with you. Take time to heal and know that your family, friends and the paddling community are behind you completely. Life brings us challenges that we never expect, but you are right; hug your loved ones and appreciate life. I hope you are talking about what happened to your loved ones, as trauma not dealt with can be difficult. Take care and God Bless.
#56 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 9:34pm
Aloha Luke. The Ohana and I will continue to pray for your recovery. Your mana has touched many lives and now it will take of you... Mahalo for your fine example...Keao Meyer and Ohana
#57 Tue, 10/12/2010 - 10:04pm
Luke,
Even though we've never met, I've known your name for awhile and we have a lot of mutual friends. Sorry to hear of your injury. And at the same time, happy to hear your spine didn't take a hard hit. I wish you a full speedy recovery. Keep your spirits up. I know if will be a long recovery road, but many people are pulling for you. I know you will come back stronger than before. Life changing events have a way of doing that to people.
Brad Gill
Lanakila Outrigger
Redondo Beach, CA
#58 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 4:44am
Luke,
When I first met you I was a stranger but I felt your " kind spirit " you make the quiet person "speak" and the talkative ones " listen", even through this challenge you continue to inspire us, our crew this morning at practice join hands for your speedy but patient recovery, Let your " kind spirit " once again bring you back to the starting line.
Thank you Luke!
Healani's 55's - Harvey, Gary, Ben, Daniel, Jeff and Rod.
#59 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 4:56am
God bless you, Luke! I am so proud of you for your courage and bravery. Stay strong! Many prayers for your comfort and quick recovery! Rest in Him who loves you best! We're all pulling for you!
Much aloha, Cheryl Lewis, 60 women, New Hope Canoe Club Ministry
#60 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 5:59am
Luke,
Good luck to you with your recovery, with all of your strength and support of your ohana, I'm sure you'll be back sooner than expected. You cheated the grim reaper, be sure to continue to cherish the people around you and savor all that life has to offer! And a big congratulations to all those that helped you, your teamates, paramedics, doctors, nurses, and others...in times like this you really learn how truly great people can be.
all my best to you...good luck!
Steve
San Diego
#61 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 8:56am
I am deeply moved by the outpouring of love for Luke. Along with CJ & my son Donovan, Luke has been one of the most inspiring paddlers I have coached. I always knew he was tough but on Sunday he was unbelievable. All Donovan, Makana & I could do was to keep him wrapped tight with towels & tee shirts to stop the bleeding as he painfully endured the very bumpy upwind run back to Hale O Lono. In our crew meeting the night before he said "if you're not dead at the end of the race, you could have gone harder". Well, Luke went as hard as he could for over an hour laying on the floor of that escort boat, that's for sure.
I would like to thank the race organizers for their very expedient & professional assistance. The medical boat got to us immediately after our call & had 2 medics aboard in a short time. The very rough conditions prevented us from transferring Luke to the medical boat so we motored back to Lono & the medics & medical boat stayed with us all the way. The Maui Fire Department came down to Lono & got Luke out of the boat & into their pick up truck, re-stabalized him & then drove him out to where the chopper landed. One race official boat stayed with our starting crew CJ, Julz, BJ, Kekai, Justin & Jordan for over 4 hours, giving them water until we were able to get back to them outside of Portlock. Thank you to all the OHCRA volunteers & staff, the U.S. Coast Guard, & the Maui-Molokai Fire Department. Thank you again everyone for all your kind & encouraging words of support, love, prayers, & well wishes for Luke. It's all of your Mana & Ha from Hawaii & all over the world that is helping Luke to full recovery.
Hank
#62 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 10:36am
To Luke from Randy Naruo:
Oh My GOD!! Our prayers go out to you and your loved ones.
GOD is GOOD...
Take care and God Bless.
New Hope Rec paddlers
#63 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 11:20am
Hi Luke. I'm a fellow Kailua CC paddler....don't know you too well...but admire your strength and passion for the ocean and sport. I was so shocked to hear of your injury during the Molokai Hoe race. However, It's nice to hear that you are recovering in good spirits. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God continue to Bless you!!
#64 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 12:52pm
All Tahitian Paddler community prayers to you.
Take care and God bless you.
#65 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 2:22pm
we miss you Luke and wish you a speedy and healthy recovery.
#66 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 2:44pm
aloha no Luke Ke Akua pu
malama pono
#67 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 3:09pm
Luke, met you in New York and shook your hand at Molokai before the start of the race, stunned when i found out it was you that sustained those horrific injuries. Get well mate, the paddling community needs you.
Cheers Rambo
#68 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 3:42pm
Luke, Recover fully and quickly.
#69 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 4:27pm
I was lucky enough to see Luke and talk to him today. He seemed in great spirits and is working hard to be able to leave the hospital and begin his rehab. It is amazing how well his body is handling the injuries he sustained. Very inspiring to talk to him. More so than ever he is my hero. (sorry Makana and Keizo, you had nearly achieved hero status.) Luke is very inspiring and has a great new outlook on life. I'm honestly lucky to be able to call him a friend.
#70 Wed, 10/13/2010 - 5:01pm