Surfing world champion in hospital after being hit by a boat

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A well-known Maui waterman is recovering after being injured in an on-water accident on Maui’s North Shore.

Zane Schweitzer, 30, says he was training for a stand-up paddle competition last Tuesday when an encounter with wildlife led to a potentially fatal accident.

The watersports world was shocked to see Zane Schweitzer in a hospital bed in a post on his Instagram page.

The Maui Waterman is known for his rides over huge waves and has repeatedly earned the title of “Master of the Ocean”.

About a mile off the north shore of Maui, Schweitzer was on a training run on a stand-up paddle board a week ago.

“Suddenly these dolphins are riding on the same swell behind me,” Schweitzer said.

He took advantage of the rare and beautiful moment and jumped off his board to look beneath the surface.

Schweitzer said his escort boat was ahead of him; he did not notice that the boat had turned and was heading toward him.

“They probably noticed the pod of dolphins. I noticed the pin and had just time to lift my head up and put my hands in front of my face when the boat hit me right in the face… the propeller shaft and engine threw me onto my back and lower body.”

Zane says he suffered several hairline fractures and cuts on his face and back from the propeller blades.

“As water sports enthusiasts, we always have a lesson to learn, whether it’s a win or a loss, a wave knocking us down or whatever. I consider this situation a win because I was lucky enough to come out of it with a clear conscience.”

While in the hospital, Schweitzer missed the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, where other Maui surfers were honored for helping their community following the Lahaina wildfire disaster.

He also missed the Paddle Imua competition.

His rehab will take about two months.

But he is still grateful.

“Ultimately, I have nothing but love and forgiveness for everyone involved, including the boat operator.”

Now he shares his story and hopes to help others avoid making avoidable mistakes.

“It’s not always the 30-meter waves or the strong winds that pose the greatest danger in the water. It’s the choices we make and the people we surround ourselves with. We have to be really careful because often the greatest danger is people and boats.”

Schweitzer has received over 1,000 congratulations online, he would like to thank everyone and plans to get back in the water as soon as possible.

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