This reminded me of my story so much. Had a boating accident on june 2, 2015. Shredded the patella tendon in both knees. The snap of both tendons was so severe that it shot both knees caps into my thighs. After two weeks in the hospital the same thing happened... Terrible diarrhea and no way to move. Again, the same thing happened... Fluid started building in the lungs, I couldn't breathe and my pulse rate skyrocketed. None of the doctors seemed to take me seriously. I called my orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Grumet and to this day credit him for saving my life. He arranged to have me transferred to another hospital, had emergency lung surgery where the doctor had to place a "window" in the lungs to drain fluids. Was in the hospital for three months and it took me 16 weeks total before I stood again. I still have mobility issues but thank God I am still alive and can walk. You're an inspiration Billy Kemper.
@@moleisrich1 total fluke situation that I don't blame anyone but myself for. Fell 6-8 feet, knees first directly on the aft deck from the fly bridge. Always be aware of your surroundings and swell conditions. Keep on safe boating.
This Moroccan wave in Safi is extremely fast, heavy and aggressive !! The local called rass lafaa (the head of the snake 🐍) it can hit you at any time. I'm so glad you make it Billy
I remember the first time I went to beautiful Morocco ❤ (FY-Co19) ...and saw those big waves, I decided to never really go swimming their lol. They were huuuge and kinda scary but beautiful at the same time. However. Always going back to this beautiful country ❤
@David Sedlacek mate how can you say that when there has been 525k covid deaths in the US. that's not a prediction, it has already happened. yes there are adverse effects due to lockdowns such as what happened to billy unfortunately but they are the only effective way of controlling virus numbers before vaccines come into play.
When you are really....REALLY...sick, the feeling of being home with your tribe is very powerful. Your mind can comfort amazing amounts of pain and restore hope to your attitude towards survival and it makes PHYSICAL difference in your recovery.
Man, these are BROTHERS, TRUE BROTHERS!! Dude, I’ve never heard of you but I’m so amazed by your courage and strength. You have a beautiful wife, and I know you scared the shit out of her.
I'm living this story every day. I fight to get out of bed everyday. Back 5 spinal a double hip replacement. Double shoulder surgery from Fallin because of ny spine. Billy I was so happy to see you up and surfing again. It gives me hope. Support structure is nice but over time even they tend to disappear. Same old story everyday gets old. Thank you for the share. Brother you give me hope.
Crazy how life can change in a blink. That feeling of invincibility being replaced by vulnerability is humbling. Thank God for great friends like Koa. Super epic friend right there.
Really? You think it's "crazy" that if you go out and challenge nature and tons of water, your life can change in a blink? I think it's fairly logical.
Billy you are surrounded by some incredible people who love you no matter what the situation. This is a story of how all the planet's aligned. Your a lucky man Billy Kemper.
Yea true, but also remember those weren't your regular leisure trip waves or spots, but some heavy tracked waves by pro-surfers which an average smarts-average joe would think twice before sailing out on alone.
The Last Wave I Ever Surfed I Crushed My Spine & Tore My Neck & Shoulder I Can Walk But I Will Never Surf Again Meanest Wave Ever Saved The Best Till Last
“I guess I gotta go now,” he says as his friends decide to go. He didn’t listen to his own voice saying he was tired but listened to the voices of others. Easy to say- but a hard lesson learned any of us can face. I hope he recovers fully to surf another day.
He's a pro and needs to record footage so there's more pressure involved than a normal average joe surfing with his buddies. You're right but it's a trickier scenario.
Billy is a great example of a good man. He is an excellent role model for many people and it reaches all the way over here in Florida! We are all pulling for you to be on the water for a long time. Thank you for being you Billy!
Wow! Glad that he had that kind of support and structure. Imagine how many people face situations like that and even worse and die with no help. Koa you are such a true friend for a life! RESPECT.
Man this was difficult to watch, imagine having to deal with that first hand, or even worse having to deal with that if you don't have the help that he was so fortunate to receive.
For sure! Most people probably would not have survived that injury in that place without the friends and financial support Billy was fortunate enough to have
I hate to say it...... watching this and hearing Billy's very vivid experience, while in the water going from possibly paralyzed to feeling an unimaginable pain is a good thing. Pain lets you know among all the bad things.....that your nervous system is functioning perfectly, the tone set to a recovery is from how your nervous system reacts to the injury and gives your receptors all that pain to feel. The body is a miraculous thing, it knows how to heal and what Billy Kemper went through is nothing short of mythic. The whole thing, this man is an inspiration and a literal ambassador to how every human should be. God bless you Bill man and much MUCH love to you and yours💙🏄✊
After listening to this story, when he talks about the emotions bombarding him, I felt like crying myself. I can’t imagine being told NO, they won’t accept the plane into the US. Horrific story but such a relief in the outcome. Bless all you out there that dare fight the sea for fun. It’s got to be the most adrenaline rush I can imagine.
From Morocco and I live in LA. I don't know what hospital he was taken to, but there are good hospitals in both Rabat and Casablanca. I think as he stated he was very emotional and wanted to get home more than anything else, and that can make your pain and agony worse. In all glad he made it, and speedy recovery.
Dr. Koa for mental and emotional emergency care. Because the body cannot live without the mind. Hectic experience. Hats off to all involved in getting Billy home.
Wow!! That was heavy!! I remember when I first heard about it ,that it wasn't that bad. But now hearing this story, it puts it all in perspective!! Thank God Billy is still with us!!
My mother fell off a 3rd floor window in Morocco back in 1994. She had a broken pelvis shattered bones everywhere, she is 75 years old today and walks just fine of course was hospitalized for close to 9 months. She had a kinesiologist that visited her 3 times a week to keep blood circulation, a special circulating water bed, the nurses were giving her daily massages etc. This guys experience is different in a sense that he is an athlete and maybe refused the surgery once he consulted his doctor maybe his French friend took him to his wife’s hospital and it’s a smaller non specialized hospital.
Thank you WSL for putting this together. Thank you Billy Kemper for sharing your story, and showing us the insides to the most gnarliest survival story out there. And Koa Smith, you are a true friend, everyone should have a Koa Smith in their corner.
I understand your feelings of pain and emotional desperation. I broke my neck in 1976 on Yokahama beach, Oahu's NW most beach break. (C-2 the hangmans break) Eventually after many failed attempts to get me off the beach, was helicoptered to Tripler Army Medical Center. Eight months later returned to duty as an Airplane mechanic. Strange lands, unknown disposition of live or die. My friends stood by me as much as they could. I feel your pain just watching you in this video. I feel the need to tell Koa Smith ty and that you two will no doubt remain friends for life. I live in NJ, not far from Ben Gravy. I am still in ocean every chance I get. At 63y/o it gets tough to perform the everyday, but everyday in the sun is a good day. You have learned about the fighting spirit of a warrior. Big love to all who care about Billy Kemper, and special shout out to Koa Smith and your crew. As a nurse now, its fills my heart with hapiness to see your fight for life mentality. Maybe we will meet in the water one day. If not, certainly in Valhalla. Shout out to all the medical staff and WSL for getting you home safely!!!
@@markettrader911 I went over with the lip and was driven into the beach like a pile driver. Grabbed onto the sand and crawled the rest of the way up the beach. I was lucky enough to have a corpsman (nurse/dr) from my base at the beach at the same time. He stabilized my head by packing it in sand . I never got to actually meet him, as I think he was transfered to a different base before I could. My friends stood by me tho, all the way thru recovery while in the hospital. Still remain buds to this day!
@wsl thank you for bringing billy back to USA can’t imagine what he was going thru and for you guys to step it up shows a lot of character within the wall mad respect to the wsl and all who helped heal this legend @billykemper
To all of you interested in visiting Morocco, as a moroccan, I urge you to seriously take your well being into account, because in here our health care sucks ass. All rich people and government members the king included go to Europe for medical care. So if you’re looking forward to having fun in some touristic regions here in Morocco, KNOW THIS, most of touristic regions are in rural areas where hospitals are so poor to the point where patients don’t find doctors or beds/rooms for treatment. If you have an accident, God forbid, they will have to transfer you to a private hospital in Casablanca or Rabat, assuming you have money on you to pay them of course. Let alone, the time it takes to get there. Don’t expect a helicopter or an ambulance taking you in the highway with 100+ miles an hour, but van on a bumpy road...
Those waves looked so heavy, just so much water moving! It goes to show these kinds of injuries can happen to anyone. Fatigue can impact decision making, the guys should have called it a day, those waves were too heavy to take on in an exhausted state. So glad Billy is okay, he's a good guy and an amazing surfer.
Sending so much LOVE & HEALING LIGHT to Billy, his family, Koa, and all those who worked so hard to get him home. Billy, your Angel's worked overtime. BLESSED BE. 💙🏄♂️🌊🤙♾🙏
As someone who can relate to your accident (although not as lucky) there is much to be learned here! This raised lots of emotion! Thanks for sharing! It will help your continued health....
I’m watching this at 2:30AM and it’s so crazy to comprehend what’s happening and it’s even emotional for me and it didn’t even happen to me it’s crazy man who is feeling this?
Dude brutal!!! Felt the same thing riding down a mountain on the sled w ribs broken in 17 places, collarbone and shoulder destroyed.... back on the mountain next season.... Your story is really inspirational to keep going!
At the end with the relief, we all drop the tears in this dramatic situations. It´s almost like we have to, to bring balance to our mind and spirit, because the agony and stress it's to much to bear. Be safe Billy and everyone out there.
Billy Kemper is so blessed to have the support of his family, friends i.e. loyal and trustworthy Koa, first rate medical professionals, co-operation of airports and border security officials.All this when Covid is becoming an all encompassing pandemic.Prayers for continued cooperation of medical team and physiotherapy success.
Truly inspiring to learn how Billy fought and advocated for his own life against incredible odds. So many lessons and the standout to me is unashamedly asking for help and demanding care when it’s not coming to you. Kudos to Koa and to Billy’s community for coming in so strong in recovery. ❤
Lol Right, a medical team, a private medically-equipped plane and doctors working on him with medicine and science, but “god” was “watching”. Lol People are so unaware of their lack of logic and reason when they comment things like that. What about a father that watches his 6 year old daughter being murdered or raped? What’s “god’s” plan for him? Besides the psychotic fact of NOT intervening.
Wow! I was just blown away watching and listening to Koa talk.What an awesome dude and a great friend. He would be the best mate a man could ever have.
Intense. The morale of the story life won't tell you when shit is happens. But when you think it could be the end it probably isn't. SO happy to see Billy alive!
I am happy that billy is recovered, being Moroccan and from the city of Safi, I can confirm that surfing in the waves of this area which is called '' the head of the cobra ", may the style of the waves take this form, here you can feel this wave force, you can taste the wave, feel the adrenaline rush, a unique experience, only problem is luck, at the slightest fall, you can die or break something things, the force of that wave will flatten you or hit you on a rock. Surfers I once knew, a friend broke his neck, no hospital equipped, because it's just a small town, he died after a few weeks.
Stay safe in the ocean brothers and sisters! I broke my neck surfing 23 years ago and share my story on my RUclips channel..... just a warning its heavy!
I’ve had some terrible accidents over the yrs, but this was hard to watch. Hard not to have wet eyes when you’ve experienced severe trauma like this. All the best Billy
I've been in some of these exact moments medically, and even I cannot imagine the terror of trying to get home under such duress! Bless all supporting Billy!!! 👍❤️🙏😎🌈
I'm Moroccan and we got many university hospitals and a lot of private hospitals with plenty of not just doctors but professors (NOT THE BEST ON THE WORLD) but the are pretty good to handle situation like this.
Brother I feel your pain 100%! In 2016 I Died from Pneumonia that turned Septic. All that you went through in the Hospital made me choke up! In the end I lost both of my feet 6 inches above the ankle, 4 fingers to the first knuckle and lost the sight in my left eye! I'm not trying to compare injuries but letting you know I was scared the most I had ever been in my life. At one point my feet looked like a Mummies, were rotting and it smelled like Death! I almost gave up many times but my wife like yours was my Hero! I'm glad you are OK! Oh and fellas it's OK to cry, anyone who told you or taught you that it is not is not a Good Person!
That's crazy... what scares me the most is the bad hospital and their inability cope with this. Had he not be flown away, he his survival rates would have been really low. Glad he made it out alive.
This is the single most relaxing video ive ever seen. I put this on my 70" Sony in my bedroom at night with a few scented candles lit and and the whole mood just knocks me out cold.
This has been explained, narrated photographed so well. Thank yaw for sharing this story. It's like a documentary. Everyone seems so nice and supportive. Think would make a good movie.
Why don't get surgery in Europe?? Really good doctors in France and Germany specialized on sports accidents. Seems like an unnecessary big risk flying this long with nearly deadly injuries.
Totally!! Uk, france, Germany have the best health care system in the world and it's free! Or at least stay in Canada! I don't get that American pride! Do they really think they are the only qualified doctors in the world ?! Making him traveling for hours with such bad injuries is silly and irresponsible.
Could be private insurance reasons. Or maybe he just wanted to be closer to home so he didn't feel isolated during operation recovery. How many more hours is it to the U.S.? And as they mention, maybe the biggest reason, Covid shutdowns were just starting. Plus, it was a medical plane he rode home. Did you guys even watch the video?
He didn't want to be going through a life threatening event in a foreign country, however the biggest thing was probably the virus or WSL would have convinced him to get the operation in France.
Extremely happy that everything went fine for Billy Kemper. Sad to know that if you are a regular person with no strong connections you wil not survive. It is what it is. All human lifes are valuable no matter what.
The intricacies of his recovery from accident to rehab to return are not miraculous but a testament to the humans in his life who stepped up and contributed their gifts. I know crap-all about surfing was never a big fan but I am now. This was not just about surfing, it’s not about the injury it’s about being the kind of person that people will move heaven and earth to help. The logistics involved in moving him from one continent to another is textbook in how logistics work and that is getting things where they need to be no matter the obstacles. The greatest sensation in the world is reaching out for help and someone reaching back.
This hits home so hard 2 weeks ago I was in the hospital i thought I wasgoing to die i called my mom girl n uncle n I had no one 1 else to call....I felt so FUKING grateful I had someone to call....God bless
I am just shocked for real I am from Morocco and we know that safi crazy with big waves but I was not imagining it will cause harm like that We are super happy for you bro stay safe aloha 🤙 from Morocco 🇲🇦
That what happened when you're underestimate Moroccan health care workers, doesn't mean they are the best in the world but no body died from broken bones in Morocco 😉
Just when you feel you ditched drowning in the ocean...nextthing in the hospital you feel you are drowning and your lungs arent. helping. I dont much like hospitals. Once i was taken into ER for what was going to be an emergency appendectomy. A few days in the hospital i saw i was looking like an inflatable. I was being ignored and i spotted a scale in the hall and weighed myself. I told them something must be wrong because i had my appendex taken out and gained 20 pounds! The next day the attending doctor said he could give me another day. I burst into tears and said i just want to go home. It turned out that the IV' was not being adminstered right. Good to hear you made it home.
This reminded me of my story so much. Had a boating accident on june 2, 2015. Shredded the patella tendon in both knees. The snap of both tendons was so severe that it shot both knees caps into my thighs. After two weeks in the hospital the same thing happened... Terrible diarrhea and no way to move. Again, the same thing happened... Fluid started building in the lungs, I couldn't breathe and my pulse rate skyrocketed. None of the doctors seemed to take me seriously. I called my orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Grumet and to this day credit him for saving my life. He arranged to have me transferred to another hospital, had emergency lung surgery where the doctor had to place a "window" in the lungs to drain fluids. Was in the hospital for three months and it took me 16 weeks total before I stood again. I still have mobility issues but thank God I am still alive and can walk. You're an inspiration Billy Kemper.
Jesus man, I have no problems. And I’m very careful in my boats!
@@moleisrich1 total fluke situation that I don't blame anyone but myself for. Fell 6-8 feet, knees first directly on the aft deck from the fly bridge. Always be aware of your surroundings and swell conditions. Keep on safe boating.
Why is it that patients are often ignored in hospitals?
Damn dude that sounds terrible
Thanks Johnny, it was and I can only look at it in the most cliche way... “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.
This Moroccan wave in Safi is extremely fast, heavy and aggressive !! The local called rass lafaa (the head of the snake 🐍) it can hit you at any time. I'm so glad you make it Billy
Awdiii
@@mossaabzamame6047 hhhh tmr
I remember the first time I went to beautiful Morocco ❤ (FY-Co19) ...and saw those big waves, I decided to never really go swimming their lol. They were huuuge and kinda scary but beautiful at the same time. However. Always going back to this beautiful country ❤
رأس اللفعة مسموم
Fuk safi. Is bad luck
We all need a friend/brother/sister like Koa 🙏🏼
Be one for someone you know
@@bigblokeful Y do u say that?
We all need a set of teeth like him too
@David Sedlacek he looked so rattled just talking about it
@David Sedlacek mate how can you say that when there has been 525k covid deaths in the US. that's not a prediction, it has already happened. yes there are adverse effects due to lockdowns such as what happened to billy unfortunately but they are the only effective way of controlling virus numbers before vaccines come into play.
When you are really....REALLY...sick, the feeling of being home with your tribe is very powerful. Your mind can comfort amazing amounts of pain and restore hope to your attitude towards survival and it makes PHYSICAL difference in your recovery.
Koa smith and all the guys who were there for billy u guys are absolute legends
Hes on hurley for a reason
This is what TRUE friendship looks like.
They are all Hero,s Billy's friends oh and the DOCTOR'S ARE HEROS
Man, these are BROTHERS, TRUE BROTHERS!! Dude, I’ve never heard of you but I’m so amazed by your courage and strength. You have a beautiful wife, and I know you scared the shit out of her.
I'm living this story every day. I fight to get out of bed everyday. Back 5 spinal a double hip replacement. Double shoulder surgery from Fallin because of ny spine. Billy I was so happy to see you up and surfing again. It gives me hope. Support structure is nice but over time even they tend to disappear. Same old story everyday gets old. Thank you for the share. Brother you give me hope.
Crazy how life can change in a blink. That feeling of invincibility being replaced by vulnerability is humbling. Thank God for great friends like Koa. Super epic friend right there.
Aqui se cumplen las palabras de este sabio proverbio: But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother Proverbs 18:24
Thank nature for that indeed
Really? You think it's "crazy" that if you go out and challenge nature and tons of water, your life can change in a blink? I think it's fairly logical.
@Marc Menard I used to believe in fairytales and magic too when I was a kid. Nature and physics is all there is.
@Marc Menard Is that one those fictional characters from a book?
Billy you are surrounded by some incredible people who love you no matter what the situation.
This is a story of how all the planet's aligned. Your a lucky man Billy Kemper.
Scary part if this happens to you and you're an average joe you're fucked. WSL/nobody is coming to save you. He is lucky to have people there for him.
yeah like if ur just an average guy most likely u would die
I dont know, I think there will be ways, like more regional surf associations. But the value of these friends (koa and jerome) cant be understated
Yea true, but also remember those weren't your regular leisure trip waves or spots,
but some heavy tracked waves by pro-surfers which an average smarts-average joe would think twice before sailing out on alone.
@sensi please yeah man 100% wish u all the best of luck
@@agnbfdgdf yeah definitely but like if he wasnt partnered with WSL he would of been fucked
Not even a surfer but I’ve watched this multiple times. Amazing story and incredible production. Godspeed Billy.
Koa was a Total Rock Star and Pillar of strength! Now that’s a true brother!
Ke Akua bless Billy Kemper&Tahiti ka la ohana!!! Yup Koa a true brother.....soljah!!!
Aloha from Hilo to Hanalei
The Last Wave I Ever Surfed
I Crushed My Spine & Tore My Neck & Shoulder
I Can Walk
But I Will Never Surf Again
Meanest Wave Ever
Saved The Best Till Last
Wow that’s crazy glad your ok tho mate
I’m curious how big was that wave? I’m a new surfer
@@lunawigglesworth3621 i just started as well and today I wiped out off of a 10 foot wave. Wasn't too bad.
How big was the wave and where?
@@nikkivens9812 glad you're all good but don't get over confident, some waves can be the same height but feel way heavier
This is the best series on youtube right now, I can't wait for the next one
dude yeah but not as dramatic as these!
"series" ? you must enjoy the voice of joel turpil.
There's jim can't swim-interogation videos.ruclips.net/video/zUVakeQ0h0Y/видео.html. There's so much stuff, this is boring.
...lol wut, really? Quit it with the hyperbole, not everything you do needs to be 'THE BEST EVER HOLY CRAP NOTHING COMPARES'... you're exaggerating.
This is fookin ridiculous! A fractured pelvis and all this??? Y'all need help
“I guess I gotta go now,” he says as his friends decide to go. He didn’t listen to his own voice saying he was tired but listened to the voices of others. Easy to say- but a hard lesson learned any of us can face. I hope he recovers fully to surf another day.
It needs ends well being a follower. I get its a opportunity you may never get but it's not worth it. There's more waves another day.
He's a pro and needs to record footage so there's more pressure involved than a normal average joe surfing with his buddies. You're right but it's a trickier scenario.
When Billy Kemper is freaking out and scared you know it’s serious.
Why?
@@EmperorNerox Because he surfs waves that would kill all of us normal people?
@@EmperorNerox charges 40 ft waves for breakfast
@@outsidechambaz not really its an injury not a measure of bravery lol. Geezus
@@EmperorNerox What? Your reply makes no sense
Billy is a great example of a good man. He is an excellent role model for many people and it reaches all the way over here in Florida! We are all pulling for you to be on the water for a long time. Thank you for being you Billy!
Wow! Glad that he had that kind of support and structure. Imagine how many people face situations like that and even worse and die with no help. Koa you are such a true friend for a life! RESPECT.
Morality : If you gonna surf, you better be a sponsored pro.
Surf big waves tho, smallish waves are chill
nah just don't surf in a third world country
If you're not a pro, just surf what you can manage
he is a pro surfer even a surfing world champion tho
@@maryj1044 I think what he was saying was that if he was just a normal Joe, he would have never been able to get back to the USA
Man this was difficult to watch, imagine having to deal with that first hand, or even worse having to deal with that if you don't have the help that he was so fortunate to receive.
For sure! Most people probably would not have survived that injury in that place without the friends and financial support Billy was fortunate enough to have
Normal in canada
ANYWHERE any place
Treated & be bill later
Imagine not having sponsorship and being in his place you done.
no this was stupid to watch. Fucking dramatizing everything.
I hate to say it...... watching this and hearing Billy's very vivid experience, while in the water going from possibly paralyzed to feeling an unimaginable pain is a good thing. Pain lets you know among all the bad things.....that your nervous system is functioning perfectly, the tone set to a recovery is from how your nervous system reacts to the injury and gives your receptors all that pain to feel. The body is a miraculous thing, it knows how to heal and what Billy Kemper went through is nothing short of mythic. The whole thing, this man is an inspiration and a literal ambassador to how every human should be. God bless you Bill man and much MUCH love to you and yours💙🏄✊
Thank you WSL for this series! We all have to stick together! Thanks for getting involved and helping to get him home!
After listening to this story, when he talks about the emotions bombarding him, I felt like crying myself. I can’t imagine being told NO, they won’t accept the plane into the US. Horrific story but such a relief in the outcome. Bless all you out there that dare fight the sea for fun. It’s got to be the most adrenaline rush I can imagine.
SO heavy to relive these moments!! LOVE YOU BILL!
Amazing friend you are….God Bless your friendship
Most beautiful and inspiring soul ever, Koa the man the myth the legend
From Morocco and I live in LA. I don't know what hospital he was taken to, but there are good hospitals in both Rabat and Casablanca.
I think as he stated he was very emotional and wanted to get home more than anything else, and that can make your pain and agony worse. In all glad he made it, and speedy recovery.
You ouman You're right and you know that Moroccan doctors can handle situation like that
@@mehdibourha180 Well, I don't think they did.
@@Lorenzo-wl5xt what do you know about Morocco??
@@mehdibourha180 I lived there for quite some time. So you can go ahead and ask me anything you'd like
@@Lorenzo-wl5xt so are you Moroccan or foreigner live in Morocco??
Dr. Koa for mental and emotional emergency care. Because the body cannot live without the mind.
Hectic experience. Hats off to all involved in getting Billy home.
Wow!! That was heavy!! I remember when I first heard about it ,that it wasn't that bad. But now hearing this story, it puts it all in perspective!! Thank God Billy is still with us!!
Wow, I could feel all those emotions through each of their interviews. What a crazy and powerful story!
My mother fell off a 3rd floor window in Morocco back in 1994. She had a broken pelvis shattered bones everywhere, she is 75 years old today and walks just fine of course was hospitalized for close to 9 months. She had a kinesiologist that visited her 3 times a week to keep blood circulation, a special circulating water bed, the nurses were giving her daily massages etc. This guys experience is different in a sense that he is an athlete and maybe refused the surgery once he consulted his doctor maybe his French friend took him to his wife’s hospital and it’s a smaller non specialized hospital.
Thank you WSL for putting this together. Thank you Billy Kemper for sharing your story, and showing us the insides to the most gnarliest survival story out there. And Koa Smith, you are a true friend, everyone should have a Koa Smith in their corner.
Wow, what a documentary, what a story, something you never hear about, so glad Billy made it home to be recovering today.
this is seriously one of the best youtube mini series ive ever watched.
I understand your feelings of pain and emotional desperation. I broke my neck in 1976 on Yokahama beach, Oahu's NW most beach break. (C-2 the hangmans break) Eventually after many failed attempts to get me off the beach, was helicoptered to Tripler Army Medical Center. Eight months later returned to duty as an Airplane mechanic. Strange lands, unknown disposition of live or die. My friends stood by me as much as they could. I feel your pain just watching you in this video. I feel the need to tell Koa Smith ty and that you two will no doubt remain friends for life.
I live in NJ, not far from Ben Gravy. I am still in ocean every chance I get. At 63y/o it gets tough to perform the everyday, but everyday in the sun is a good day. You have learned about the fighting spirit of a warrior. Big love to all who care about Billy Kemper, and special shout out to Koa Smith and your crew. As a nurse now, its fills my heart with hapiness to see your fight for life mentality. Maybe we will meet in the water one day. If not, certainly in Valhalla. Shout out to all the medical staff and WSL for getting you home safely!!!
Thanks for sharing. Did he get injured by the water force or by hitting the bottom
@@markettrader911 I went over with the lip and was driven into the beach like a pile driver. Grabbed onto the sand and crawled the rest of the way up the beach. I was lucky enough to have a corpsman (nurse/dr) from my base at the beach at the same time. He stabilized my head by packing it in sand . I never got to actually meet him, as I think he was transfered to a different base before I could. My friends stood by me tho, all the way thru recovery while in the hospital. Still remain buds to this day!
@wsl thank you for bringing billy back to USA can’t imagine what he was going thru and for you guys to step it up shows a lot of character within the wall mad respect to the wsl and all who helped heal this legend @billykemper
To all of you interested in visiting Morocco, as a moroccan, I urge you to seriously take your well being into account, because in here our health care sucks ass. All rich people and government members the king included go to Europe for medical care. So if you’re looking forward to having fun in some touristic regions here in Morocco, KNOW THIS, most of touristic regions are in rural areas where hospitals are so poor to the point where patients don’t find doctors or beds/rooms for treatment. If you have an accident, God forbid, they will have to transfer you to a private hospital in Casablanca or Rabat, assuming you have money on you to pay them of course. Let alone, the time it takes to get there. Don’t expect a helicopter or an ambulance taking you in the highway with 100+ miles an hour, but van on a bumpy road...
The quality of this production is top notch, well done and thank you!
Those waves looked so heavy, just so much water moving! It goes to show these kinds of injuries can happen to anyone. Fatigue can impact decision making, the guys should have called it a day, those waves were too heavy to take on in an exhausted state. So glad Billy is okay, he's a good guy and an amazing surfer.
Yeah those waves in Iowa are super intense lol
Yep. Fatigue did it.
Thank god for Koa! Great friend right there!
Well done WSL, Koa, EMS teams, pilots, etc... INSPIRATION is exactly what WE ALL need.
My stomach ache watching this and learning what Billy went through. That had to be super crazy im glad he was able to make it back.
Kona you are a great friend for staying with him like you did. This documentary was one of the best I have ever watched. Thanks for sharing
Sending so much LOVE & HEALING LIGHT to Billy, his family, Koa, and all those who worked so hard to get him home. Billy, your Angel's worked overtime. BLESSED BE.
💙🏄♂️🌊🤙♾🙏
KOA is the man, we would all be blessed if we have one friend like him! Unbelievable story!
As someone who can relate to your accident (although not as lucky) there is much to be learned here! This raised lots of emotion! Thanks for sharing! It will help your continued health....
Are you okey
I’m watching this at 2:30AM and it’s so crazy to comprehend what’s happening and it’s even emotional for me and it didn’t even happen to me it’s crazy man who is feeling this?
Me 100% I have big feels for people
Internet kids discovering empathy is hilarious. Don't worry it's normal.
Man the power of being home with your surroundings is indescribable - there is no place like home.
"East or west, home is best."
Dude brutal!!! Felt the same thing riding down a mountain on the sled w ribs broken in 17 places, collarbone and shoulder destroyed.... back on the mountain next season.... Your story is really inspirational to keep going!
That was heavy to watch. Glad it worked out in the end.
One of the Gnarliest small documentaries I've watched. The whole time I felt like I was there. Thank God he's okay. Koa Smith is a Real One Fr!
At the end with the relief, we all drop the tears in this dramatic situations. It´s almost like we have to, to bring balance to our mind and spirit, because the agony and stress it's to much to bear. Be safe Billy and everyone out there.
Billy Kemper is so blessed to have the support of his family, friends i.e. loyal and trustworthy Koa, first rate medical professionals, co-operation of airports and border security officials.All this when Covid is becoming an all encompassing pandemic.Prayers for continued cooperation of medical team and physiotherapy success.
This serie is totally insane! Love it!
Truly inspiring to learn how Billy fought and advocated for his own life against incredible odds. So many lessons and the standout to me is unashamedly asking for help and demanding care when it’s not coming to you. Kudos to Koa and to Billy’s community for coming in so strong in recovery. ❤
Wow, brought me to tears. What a journey. God was watching over you @billykemper he has a big plan for you!
Lol
Right, a medical team, a private medically-equipped plane and doctors working on him with medicine and science, but “god” was “watching”. Lol
People are so unaware of their lack of logic and reason when they comment things like that.
What about a father that watches his 6 year old daughter being murdered or raped?
What’s “god’s” plan for him? Besides the psychotic fact of NOT intervening.
Wow! I was just blown away watching and listening to Koa talk.What an awesome dude and a great friend. He would be the best mate a man could ever have.
Billy is one of the best surfers I have ever seen, he will recover for sure!
He's all good now. This was filmed sometime back🤙🏼
He’s was speaking in the video hahah he did recover Clearly
@NastyFuhk Plenty of pros die while they're doing what they're great at. Grow up.
@NastyFuhk Even the best can suffer an accident. Mother Nature does not discriminate!
Really all of you reflect a great sense of community and Friendship👍👍👍 good Luck from morocco
Intense. The morale of the story life won't tell you when shit is happens. But when you think it could be the end it probably isn't. SO happy to see Billy alive!
Koa was a Total Rock Star and Pillar of strength! Now that’s a true brother!
I am happy that billy is recovered, being Moroccan and from the city of Safi,
I can confirm that surfing in the waves of this area which is called '' the head of the cobra ", may the style of the waves take this form, here you can feel this wave force, you can taste the wave, feel the adrenaline rush, a unique experience, only problem is luck, at the slightest fall, you can die or break something things, the force of that wave will flatten you or hit you on a rock.
Surfers I once knew, a friend broke his neck, no hospital equipped, because it's just a small town, he died after a few weeks.
A living Miracle 🙌 Glad you made it!
Thank you for sharing your story!
Koa is a real one 💯
I had a similar injury with internal damage. Same touch and go, Flatlined. Very scary, I'm glad you made it. The pain is out of this world.
Amazing story, Great story telling, thanks for sharing. Much love to all
Wow! What a story. Glad you pulled through it man.
Stay safe in the ocean brothers and sisters! I broke my neck surfing 23 years ago and share my story on my RUclips channel..... just a warning its heavy!
Now that’s the real deal.
Sorry to hear that
Morrocoan waves are all my childhood. Am glad you survived!
I’ve had some terrible accidents over the yrs, but this was hard to watch. Hard not to have wet eyes when you’ve experienced severe trauma like this.
All the best Billy
His friends were amazing!!! Kudos for them !! What a great team of friends!!!’
Incredibly fortunate to have that level of support
I've been in some of these exact moments medically, and even I cannot imagine the terror of trying to get home under such duress! Bless all supporting Billy!!! 👍❤️🙏😎🌈
Heavy. Damn. Came into this wondering what the big deal was. Finished this episode right there with him. Life is fragile.
"Fear is not knowing what's going to happen next." Awesome quote that can only be realized through experience.
So thankful you survived brother Billy 🙏❤️✨
I'm Moroccan and we got many university hospitals and a lot of private hospitals with plenty of not just doctors but professors (NOT THE BEST ON THE WORLD) but the are pretty good to handle situation like this.
It was truly emotional. 😢Great series and much love for Billy!
Brother I feel your pain 100%! In 2016 I Died from Pneumonia that turned Septic. All that you went through in the Hospital made me choke up! In the end I lost both of my feet 6 inches above the ankle, 4 fingers to the first knuckle and lost the sight in my left eye! I'm not trying to compare injuries but letting you know I was scared the most I had ever been in my life. At one point my feet looked like a Mummies, were rotting and it smelled like Death! I almost gave up many times but my wife like yours was my Hero! I'm glad you are OK! Oh and fellas it's OK to cry, anyone who told you or taught you that it is not is not a Good Person!
Good username bro
Good to see the community come together for one of their own.
That's crazy... what scares me the most is the bad hospital and their inability cope with this. Had he not be flown away, he his survival rates would have been really low. Glad he made it out alive.
Koa, you're awesome!
This is the single most relaxing video ive ever seen. I put this on my 70" Sony in my bedroom at night with a few scented candles lit and and the whole mood just knocks me out cold.
Hurry up part 4. Such a great story to give perspective of how precious life is. Live for the day friends. Tomorrow might not come🤙
Powerful and Moving! Thanks WSL you just made a grown man cry.
Mamba mentality! Biggest inspiration ever Billy. What a surfer! One of my fav.
This has been explained, narrated photographed so well. Thank yaw for sharing this story. It's like a documentary. Everyone seems so nice and supportive. Think would make a good movie.
This is a documentary
Why don't get surgery in Europe??
Really good doctors in France and Germany specialized on sports accidents.
Seems like an unnecessary big risk flying this long with nearly deadly injuries.
Totally!! Uk, france, Germany have the best health care system in the world and it's free! Or at least stay in Canada! I don't get that American pride! Do they really think they are the only qualified doctors in the world ?! Making him traveling for hours with such bad injuries is silly and irresponsible.
Yeah true he could have gone to Sweden Or Netherlands also so much options the best care in the world 🤔
Could be private insurance reasons. Or maybe he just wanted to be closer to home so he didn't feel isolated during operation recovery. How many more hours is it to the U.S.? And as they mention, maybe the biggest reason, Covid shutdowns were just starting. Plus, it was a medical plane he rode home. Did you guys even watch the video?
He didn't want to be going through a life threatening event in a foreign country, however the biggest thing was probably the virus or WSL would have convinced him to get the operation in France.
@@W_soph i think if youre about to die or think you are youd like to go home to your family too. its not about pride its about comfort.
Extremely happy that everything went fine for Billy Kemper. Sad to know that if you are a regular person with no strong connections you wil not survive. It is what it is. All human lifes are valuable no matter what.
imagine denying this flight into the U.S and then thinking: Yes, I'm helping
for real lmao
Yeah - exactly - "just doing my part to end the pandemic here" - what a joke
Yeah no fucking kidding. Ignorance and evil go hand in hand.
Yea, i understand commercial flights, but this a bloody medical private plane, you think they could make an exception.
“Pandemic”
That story was insane. Wow man. Glad u made it bro!!!
Insane, surf doc of a lifetime.
The intricacies of his recovery from accident to rehab to return are not miraculous but a testament to the humans in his life who stepped up and contributed their gifts. I know crap-all about surfing was never a big fan but I am now. This was not just about surfing, it’s not about the injury it’s about being the kind of person that people will move heaven and earth to help. The logistics involved in moving him from one continent to another is textbook in how logistics work and that is getting things where they need to be no matter the obstacles.
The greatest sensation in the world is reaching out for help and someone reaching back.
Wow this is heavy. Koa smith is such a wonderful human
This hits home so hard 2 weeks ago I was in the hospital i thought I wasgoing to die i called my mom girl n uncle n I had no one 1 else to call....I felt so FUKING grateful I had someone to call....God bless
Also Big ups to Jérôme and the crew in Morocco for their help and support! 👍🤙
Crazy all the massive waves he has ridden and amazing rides and 1 wave can take it all away. I pray he returns to his passion and has a good life !!!
Wow! So glad Billy survived!
I am just shocked for real I am from Morocco and we know that safi crazy with big waves but I was not imagining it will cause harm like that
We are super happy for you bro stay safe aloha 🤙 from Morocco 🇲🇦
@@MLGgoomba Private hospitals are good.
That what happened when you're underestimate Moroccan health care workers, doesn't mean they are the best in the world but no body died from broken bones in Morocco 😉
Hospitals save ppl. Hospitals kill ppl, many ppl. I’m glad you made it through Billy.
Just when you feel you ditched drowning in the ocean...nextthing in the hospital you feel you are drowning and your lungs arent. helping. I dont much like hospitals. Once i was taken into ER for what was going to be an emergency appendectomy. A few days in the hospital i saw i was looking like an inflatable. I was being ignored and i spotted a scale in the hall and weighed myself. I told them something must be wrong because i had my appendex taken out and gained 20 pounds! The next day the attending doctor said he could give me another day. I burst into tears and said i just want to go home. It turned out that the IV' was not being adminstered right. Good to hear you made it home.
Aloha from Burleigh Heads Billy you & Tahiti are an inspiration to all us dads & granddads mums & grandma’s 🤙🏻😎🇦🇺🌊🌺
@3:54 "Billy just got super f'cked up!" That sums it up pretty well...
Sadly during the live chat one person COULDNT BE RESPECTFUL!! Waiting for chapter 4 now. And yes Billy Kemper is a surfing LEGEND!!
Koa was there for his bro. Much respect for you.