INJURY UPDATE: Kolohe Andino Suffers Ankle Injury, Out Until Late August
Injury Update: Kolohe Andino has an ankle injury and will be out until the end of August.
Kolohe, a rookie from San Clemente, California, USA,
There's a lot of freshness, a lot of hype, a lot of excitement, a new approach to surfing.
On the other hand, they are under pressure to live up to expectations and are still immature.
The world's best surfers give it their all in every heat and every wave.
Kolohe Andino (USA), 18, was absolutely dominant in 2011.
He won five events (two 4-star and three 6-star PRIME) and qualified for the 2012 "THE SHOW" WT.
California's newest prodigy has arrived. His ability to perform in any condition and his aerial prowess have led some pundits to describe him as a "giant-slayer" even early in the season.
"THE SHOW" WT has a hidden harshness that lies beneath the tour's friendly exterior mask.
Andino is ranked 26th in the ASP World Champion Tour rankings after winning only two heats in four events.
Rookie year is very hard.
Andino's dominance in ASP prime and star events continued (he is currently ranked 18th in the ASP World Rankings).
However, Kolohe Andino suffered a serious ankle injury while training in San Clemente and is out of the WT for several weeks since the Volcom Fiji Pro.
It's a huge blow to his rookie year and a loss of fans who want to see him all the time.
Kolohe Andino is currently recovering at home. ASP called the 18-year-old to ask him what he wanted to do.
He explained how he was injured.
"I was feeling a slight pain in my right hip, so I took five days off. I was on a juice diet during those five days. By the sixth day, the pain in my hip was gone and the sun was out. I finished my juice made with ginger, kale, spinach, jalapeño, carrot, garlic, and lemon, and was feeling bored. I saw some shoulder-high waves at Riviera Beach and decided to go enjoy the sun. I went out with my dad, Morgan Maassen, and Dylan Goodale. I couldn't wait, because I love surfing with my dad.
There were about 10 waves coming in, and then a little left came towards me. I was skating down, thinking, 'John, John (Florence)... John, John... John, John full rotation... Rio de Janeiro... I'm going to beat Parko in the final.' I hit the wave, did an air, did a 360, landed somewhere that wasn't flat... Then I heard a crazy pop, and I screamed.
The session is over...
What is the official diagnosis?
"Level 3 sprain and torn ligaments in my left ankle. Since June 21st, I have been on bed rest with no surfing for 8-10 weeks. I am waiting to be 100% ready for jersey season. At the time, I was very excited to compete again, but for now, I am focusing on returning to the sport as best I can. I am focusing on returning as quickly as possible and giving 100% of my energy to that effort."
You really stood out last year with your 10 points at Britto. Everyone wanted to see you at Jefferies Bay. You must be disappointed that you're not competing in this year's event in South Africa. What are your thoughts on that?
"Hahaha, I lost the second heat in Burrito. I think I got 10 points so it's disappointing. But the agony of watching it online is good in a way. When I come back, I'll realize that some of the things I took for granted were incredibly exciting in my life."
You've been surfing on tour this year, but now you've missed some tough heats. Does being away from a few events and battling injury damage hurt your fight to requalify?
"Hmm. When I got injured, I was the No. 1 guy in the world rankings without the top 22 in the WCT, so I was hoping I wouldn't drop too far. I'll cherish each and every week. There are so many events from Lower to Pipeline, so I'm really looking forward to coming back and competing in all of them."
Several other high-profile surfers have been injured this year (Jadson Andre, Dusty Payne). There may be more surfers applying for ASP World Cards towards the end of the season. What are your thoughts on this?
"Of course, that's what I think, but I'll think about it once the problem occurs. If I can return in time for the final rush at the end of the year, I'll try really hard to get some results. Right now, I'm just focusing on getting stronger physically and mentally in preparation for the tour that will follow once I'm healed.
Regarding your question, I'm not sure who they'll pick. I'm not sure who they need, or if they even need me. In the worst case scenario, if I apply for a World Tour card and don't get it, I'll just have to work hard for next season. Being on tour means everything to me. I want to keep my place no matter what. What I've learned from this is to take nothing for granted and live every second to the fullest. It happens to everyone."
We look forward to seeing Andino bounce back soon and getting him back out in the water as healthy as possible.
KOLOHE ANDINO
Born: March 22, 1994
Born: San Clemente, CA
Resides: San Clemente, CA
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
Weight: 163 lbs (74 kg)
Stance: Natural
Sponsors:
Nike wetsuits and clothing, Red Bull energy drinks, Target, Oakley eyewear, Mayhem surfboards, Skullcandy headphones, Astrodeck traction and Neff hats
Inspirations: Kelly Slater, Julian Wilson and Andy Irons
*I hope he recovers quickly and we can see Kolohe in action again!
