"I’m sorry but a 12 year old out there in these conditions, why? To prove what?"
Tim Bonython is the universally known, and respected, surf filmmaker who does not miss a big swell almost anywhere in the world. His moving pictures stake awe, and fear, into hearts around the globe. Men and women skiding down great watery mountains, Davey Jones, ever frustrated with the invention of inflatable vests, waiting impatiently below.
Well, a day out at Nazare turned quite harrowing and especially for a young boy, the Belgian Kamiel Deraeve. But let’s allow Bonython to pick the story up here…
What a crazy situation it was as 12 year old @kamielderaeve fell on a wave right in front of us. Then got dragged in towards the rocks. @tocardosoo went to pick him up after getting the biggest flogging. Kamiel missed the pick up (not quite gabbing the sled) and then went on to get 5 bombs on the head and tells us he’s glad he went through it. But as Garrett @mcnamara_s says if you don’t enjoy it, then maybe you need to pack it in and do something else. I don’t think Kamiel enjoyed it but he definitely learned a lot from the experience. This kid has it. It just goes to show you how quick things change when your out there. PS you can see us flying over the back of the wave.. me @ivo_cacao @theseamountains
Impressive, no? Not according online mommies who raged at the abject recklessness of it all.
The actor Francisco Froes leading the charge with…”Until the day he doesn’t make it. What happens if the kid doesn’t make the next pick up? I’m sorry but a 12 year old out there in these conditions, why? To prove what? What happens to the parents if this kid dies out there?”
Followed by…
“Who are the parents who allow a 12 year old to go out with such waves? I am no surfer, but I take it that to deal with such waves it’s not only a matter of skill, but also of experience. And at that age you can’t have too much of it…”
“Gee, somebody thought that was a good idea? Who towed him in? I’m sure he’ll be back. Love the jet ski guys!! Great skills and bravery.”
“Totally not agree with this!!!!!”
“Seems like an unnecessary risk of multiple lives.”
“To me that looks insane sorry.”
“12 years ??? Fuck it… He doesn’t have the strength and lungs for this… Experience has nothing to do with age but muscle capacity.”
Etc.
But where do you find yourself in the debate? Team Vaya Con Dios or Team Mommy?
Please weigh in with personal stories and examples.