John Havell

[SJBrit]

Wow - it takes a lot of balls to attempt a double backy, and a lot of heart to feel like you let people down. The only negative for me was seeing a freeride icon go down so hard, but that feeling left as soon as I saw you walk the last few places to the beach. It's always an inspiration to watch you ride, and I'm glad to know that it will continue to be.

 

[DrewProductions]

Footage

I had just shut the camera off about 5 seconds before he did it. It was a killer jump. I have eveything on video from when he was still in the water through the whole rescue.

 

[enzofires]

johnny get well soon!!!

 

[yamaslut]

Just wanted to apologize for not making the double backy and crushing my face infront of everyone. I hope it did not not have any type of a negative impact on the Daytona free-ride(or future). I had pretty intense surgery but I'm actually at work right now(should be home sleeping this nightmare off). Only time will tell if I will look human again. The support for an injured rider in this pwc community is unmatched!! I am just speechless and greatfull!!! Thank you.

Johnny, just like many in this sport, you are the reason why I am a freerider. We just want you to get better and be back soon.

I spoke to Beach Patrol (Chris Nowvinskie) and there will be no backlash from your accident at all... He as w/ the rest of Beach Patrol were just concerned for you well being. These guys see way worse than that on a daily basis, so don't think one injury requiring EVAC in 4 years of doing this will have any impact on the future.

They know the risks, just like we do and have accepted us and the risks involved. Please don't worry about that at all, cause we just want you to get better and be 100% again so you can inspire more riders....

I'll call you later to see how you are doing... Much love bro - Nick

 

[tom21]

no doubt- focus your energy on healing not on worrying about letting us down. I wish I had a degree of what makes you tick!!!!! Not a letdown at all. I do think you are crazy given the depth of the water but lots of guys were depth testing and it was after all someones else boat. :biggrin: sorry Pat I couldn't resist.

Um by the way- most guys I talked to said something to the effect of- that trick was completed if it was a little deeper. so actually we say you made it!!!!! way to go!!!!!! double backy in 3 foot surf!!!!!! crazy mofo!!!!

get healed- and thank you.

 

[Kaveman]

Hey John, been a week. How are things going for you? Hope all is pointing to a speedy recovery. You are still in our thoughts and prayers.

 

[chart102]

dudes, when i came to daytona 07, johnny havell parked right next to me and started unloading. i had never been to an event so i didnt recognize him. by the look of his ski and the way he carried himself, i figured he could handle his business out on the water. so i asked him, "hey man, so how hard is it to pull a backflip?" he just laughed and told me "its all balls man. u just find the right wave, pin it and throw ur head back." he chatted with me for a minute or two about me being a first timer and he was one of the nicest dudes ive ever met. he talked to me like i was an equal, even though i was a complete beginner when it came to surf.

really hope u heel up fast bro. u are an inspiration and a great person.

Casey

 

[tipafew]

Get well soon.
I'm shocked you are back to work already!

Like Slutty said. We all know the risks and I think the beach patrol understand that. I don't think it will have a negative impact.
I could sit and watch you ride all day long!

 

[madoyster]

:bow28:The man is a total ROCKSTAR, he sends his apologies because he didn't make the double.... Amazing... Just get well my friend. Adrian I will no longer give you any chit about your helmet.

 

[Fro Diesel]

dudes, when i came to daytona 07, johnny havell parked right next to me and started unloading. i had never been to an event so i didnt recognize him. by the look of his ski and the way he carried himself, i figured he could handle his business out on the water. so i asked him, "hey man, so how hard is it to pull a backflip?" he just laughed and told me "its all balls man. u just find the right wave, pin it and throw ur head back." he chatted with me for a minute or two about me being a first timer and he was one of the nicest dudes ive ever met. he talked to me like i was an equal, even though i was a complete beginner when it came to surf.

really hope u heel up fast bro. u are an inspiration and a great person.

Casey

Casey, you're right about this sport. Never in my life have i done something where the pros were so accessible and friendly. I got to hang out with pancaker and talk to stoyer about his car and everytime i bugged someone for a tool or part they wanted to get involved with what i was wrenching on. To all the talent out there, thanks for not getting too big of a head. ANd speedy recovely johnny you are an ox for getting back to work already. The helmet is a killer signature, anyone hating on it is just jealous they didn't think of it first.

 

[Ross_C]

Just wanted to apologize for not making the double backy and crushing my face infront of everyone. I hope it did not not have any type of a negative impact on the Daytona free-ride(or future). I had pretty intense surgery but I'm actually at work right now(should be home sleeping this nightmare off). Only time will tell if I will look human again. The support for an injured rider in this pwc community is unmatched!! I am just speechless and greatfull!!! Thank you.

wow....what an unreal guy! You are such a stud John! If that wave had been 3 feet bigger this thread would have been all congrats on pulling the first double back. Your riding is amazing, and everyone knows that. But your attitude and personality are matched by none. I have to say that we are all incredibly lucky to have a guy like you to look up to. I am sure you will have a speedy and full recovery...then go out there and do two. Just wait till it is a little bigger than 2 foot and you should be $$$....

Good luck John!

 

[x slide]

Get well soon John !!:fingersx:
If you can take some relax times you're very welcome on the island !!:bigok:

 

[masterblaster]

That double backy was just unreal in that size surf. Is there any type helmet that could save you in this type impact? Was the helmet Johny was wearing damaged heavily,I didnt get to see it.

Get well bro.........you truly have unbelievable courage

 

[cammokid43]

John, Its pretty obvious you let nobody down. Its also very obvious that you've touched and inspired almost everyone on the beach including myself. It was so killer to ride with you again and everyone steps up their game when they know you're watching and acknowledging us with wave and a smile. Get well and get back soon buddy.

 

[RoTAxGreNade]

My first contact with John and his advice on learning the backflip was pretty well much like Chart's scenario....... He said you just have to put the helmet on and land on your head a few times. After that you'll see for yourself landing upside down is not a bad thing and it all gets easier after. (try swallowing that on your first few attempts in the middle of a stalled out backflip!) Lo and behold he was right !

As far as what would have saved him in this type of impact???? besides a few feet of water under him...... NOTHING.

 

[yamaslut]

Johnny "Humpty Hump" Havell.....
:Banane57:

 

[masterblaster]

wonder if the bars came through the opening in the helmet,or if the whole ski just flexed the the lower half of the helmet in on impact? We had a guy take a big impact with a Ace helmet and it folded the lower full face part in like a taco,and hit him in the face really hard.

 

[SuperJETT]

Mr. Havell, how are you doing? Anyone got an update on him?

 

[yamaslut]

last I spoke w/ him about a week or so ago, he was doing great. He was making jokes about looking like Humpty Hump... Johnny is a trooper

 

[primetime1267]

Here are some pics from last Saturday night at our local Bar (Gator Club).. This is he band that John plays in, "The BoneShakers". He rocked that bar all night long!!!!!