Australia's Surfing Life Magazine

Surfing Doctors G-Land

Wednesday, 05 May 2010 00:00

Selamat Pagi

Froody here checking in from Joyo’s Surf Camp here in G-Land where we’re in the thick of the inaugural Surfing Doctors Association Conference.

What the hell’s a Surfing Doctors Association I hear you ask? If you’ve injured yourself out in G-Land over the last few years and had someone stitch you up then you might have an idea, but if not... They’re a mob of Docs from all over the world who have come together over their love of the surf and in an effort to make surfing safer at remote locations. Under the leadership of Dr Phil Chapman, a South African surfer and Emergency doctor now based in WA, the organisation has slowly been building momentum for years. Dr Phil and a few colleagues have been the resident docs at G-Land, based out of Joyo’s camp, and over at Tavarua – doing month-long stints helping out surfers who bust themselves up in the water, all free of charge.


Dr Phil, rocking them mic.

With their numbers growing and with a few serious surfing injuries in remote spots over the last few years the crew decided to ramp things up a bit; which is where this conference comes in. It’s been a good opportunity for Docs from all over the surfing world and from varying fields and varying stages of their careers to meet, exchange ideas and hatch plans for the future.


Dr Preeti stitching an ear...

There’s been a heap of planning for future mishaps – evacuation plans, building an infirmary to house all the medicines and equipment (which is nearing completion as I write), organising rosters for who will man the camp, training up the camp staff in basic life support techniques and first aid, and all sorts of other plotting and planning. There’s also been heaps of sharing of experiences, a few busted heads to stitch up, a hearty dose of beers and bullshit and of course plenty of pumping waves. The surf here the last week hasn’t been all-time but enough to get everyone wet each day with good winds and fun, mid-size swells. The forecast’s looking good for the last day of the conference tomorrow and has started building today. I’m gonna hit it now in fact so I’ll leave it at that – stay tuned for more or check out these websites in the meantime:

www.surfingdoctors.com

www.g-land.com



Doctors making a dirrerence.


Dinner with the Docs.