Kevin Bourez seriously injured at Teahupo’o

Caption: Koa Rothman (Hawaii), 2014 Air Tahiti Nui Billabong Pro Trials | Photo: ASP/Robertson

Teahupo’o, Tahiti (Sunday, August 10, 2014) – The infamous reef pass Teahupo’o has come to life as 32 surfers fought tooth and nail for two wildcards into Stop 7 of 11 on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour, the Billabong Pro Tahiti.

Six to eight foot (2 metros plus) dangerous barrels exploded onto razor sharp reef, putting the 32 tube riding specialists to the test. Kevin Bourez (PYF), younger brother of ASP WCT No. 5 Michel Bourez, suffered an horrific wipeout, going head first into the reef. Evacuated first to the Hospital of Taravao, he then was transported to the saturation Hospital, where he underwent surgery all night long. According the local newspaper Depeche de Tahiti , Kevin Bourez would suffer multiple fractures of the jaw, an head trauma and would have broken teeth, an eyeball button as well as a cervical affected. The doctor informed event organizers that Kevin is in a stable condition. He’s being monitored closely and more information about his injury and recovery will be available in the next 24 hours. Despite leaving the event in an ambulance, Kevin won the heat and was one of the favorites to win the Air Tahiti Nui Billabong Pro Trials.