[scoop302]

Just saw this post, sorry for the late reply. I waited 1 year to get back in the water to surf, no swim or bodysurf, although I kept the body surfing under head high. I also have 3 or 4 lumbar discs that are bad. I spent a lot of time stretching and building strength and muscle, most of which I lost in the years after my accident, probably same for you. Not surfing and just sitting takes a real toll on the body. As you know, last winter was really good, and I surfed double overhead no problem. Yes, things are different, my neck is not as flexible as before, my left shoulder moves a little different than the right. Once you get back out there and paddle around as a workout, you can tell things will fall back into place. you just have to work at it. First time I went out, it was head high, little bigger, backside and while it was harder at first, I fell back into the groove. For some reason, left side of my neck is stiff and gets cramps, but, it is surfing, so I don't care. Once you catch a few waves, it will start to come back, you will be good.