Maz’s story: Back on the board after life-changing injury
Surfing legend Maz Quinn is back in his happy place after support from ACC helped him recover from breaking several bones in his back. He’s sharing his story to help others stay safe in the surf.
Former professional surfer Maz Quinn is sitting on his board out among the waves, and you can’t wipe the smile off his face.
The four-time New Zealand surfing champion, who learned to surf on his home beach of Wainui, is back in the ocean for the first time since a life-changing accident.
It’s a moment of huge relief.
“I was so stoked and relieved,” says the 47-year-old from his home in Gisborne in his typical laidback manner.
“It was only small waves but to be able to surf pretty much pain-free was an incredible feeling. It meant I knew I could do it again.”
It had been just under five months since an accident on Māhia Beach that could have paralysed or even killed the surfing legend, who became the first New Zealander to qualify for the World Championship Tour in 2001.
“When I was lying in hospital, it did go through my mind a few times. I thought, ‘Am I going to be able to surf well again?’
“I definitely have a new perspective now, and I’ll never take being able to surf for granted.”
Getting it wrong in the surf
Maz has clear memories of that day in June at Māhia Beach.
“There were only four or five guys out there and it was a beautiful sunny day. The waves were cooking. I literally couldn’t get out there fast enough.”
Maz says Māhia has forged a fearsome reputation over the years. If you get it wrong, there are consequences.
“It’s a break that has taken a few people down over the years,” he says.
After around two hours in the surf, Maz didn’t quite make the drop on a wave and instead was plunged to the bottom, smacking his torso and back on the rocks.
“The first whack was pretty violent,” he says.
“I knew I was in trouble straight away. It was a big bang and it got worse every minute that passed.”
Maz was washed onto the beach by the surf but was unable to walk, forced to make a painful 20-minute crawl up the beach until he was noticed.
He was eventually spotted by someone on the beach, who notified his wife Ngahuia. They then came across an off-duty paramedic who was able to get colleagues from St John down to the beach within minutes.
It was Ngahuia’s first time watching Maz surf the Māhia break.
“She saw someone walking up the beach with my board but I wasn’t with it so she started freaking out,” he says.
“By that stage, I couldn’t yell out to them because it was way too sore to talk. There was long grass up in the dunes so no one could see me lying on the beach in pain.”
‘It could have been a very different story’
Maz was airlifted by the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust to Gisborne Hospital.
He fractured four bones in his lower back and broke four ribs, as well as tearing his rotator cuff.
“I was in a huge amount of pain, but I was lucky,” he says.
“The doctor told me if the impact had been a few inches either side, it would have damaged my spinal cord and then it would have been a very different story.”
Around a week later, Maz hobbled out of Gisborne Hospital with the support of a walking frame.
He was scared about what the future might hold. The progress was slow at first and hard going as he learned to walk independently.
But with constant support from his medical team and physiotherapists, Maz worked towards his goal of getting back on the board.
The support of ACC also made a big difference.
“ACC has been there for every step of my recovery, which has been epic. Even now, I’m going to physio once a week and they’re supporting that,” he says.
“It’s times like these when you realise you’re lucky to live in New Zealand and have that support from ACC.”
If in doubt, don’t go out
Our claims data shows surfing is the leading cause of water-related injuries in New Zealand.
In 2022, we accepted 6,249 surfing-related claims, which came at a cost of $12 million to help people recover. This was the highest number of claims and cost for the past five years.
ACC Injury Prevention Leader James Whitaker says anyone who enters the surf needs to respect the ocean.
“I’ve surfed around Aotearoa for over 30 years and I’m still humbled by some of the situations I find myself in,” he says.
James says the best way to stay safe in the surf is to take a moment before you get stuck in.
“Monitor the conditions and the risks before you get out there, then take the safest options. If you’re in doubt, finding something else to do might be the best option,” he says.
Maz agrees.
“If you have any doubt, then don’t go out,” he says.
“I know it’s hard sometimes when the surf is really good and that’s how you get better, by pushing yourself. But you need to make sure you’re building gradually.
“Weigh up the skill level you have with the waves you’re about to surf. It’s okay to say no if you don’t feel comfortable.”
Safety tips from Surfing New Zealand
- Surf within your skill level – if in doubt, don’t paddle out
- Use the correct surfboard for your ability and the conditions
- Make sure you keep your equipment in good condition – any open dings can cause injury
- Check your leash for cuts and check the leash string where it goes into your deck plug to make sure it’s not worn
- Never ditch your board – it’s a floatation device and will bring you back to the surface
- If you’re a novice, get a lesson from a Surfing New Zealand-approved surf school or qualified surf coach – it’s the fastest and safest way to improve your surfing
