Accident Database

Report ID# 2907

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  • Impact/Trauma
  • Head Injury / Concussion
  • Other

Accident Description

 I went to the doctor 10 days after a run on the Skykomish because I took a major neck hit kayaking on Dec 7. I ended up breaking a 1/2" piece off my C6 vertabrae in my neck. Quinn and I were paddling the skykomish river at around 4800 cfs. It was a lot pushier at this level than the previous day I boated it(3300 cfs) but just a freak accident. I got flipped in the waves between the 2 large rocks 25 yards below airplane. Quicly set up to roll. I went over a ledge upside down while setting up and hit the back of the neck extremely hard. Instantaneous damage was felt. When I hit I was in the roll position; chin close to deck and paddle to the side. Prognosis is good. I just have to wait 6 weeks and see how it feels.I never really thought about getting hit on the back of the neck and I have been boating a long time and taken alot of head hits but never direct neck. Pretty scary. be safe.

quinn

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