Bob Spellmire, 82, was competing in the 2nd Annual Senior Surfing Olympics in Huntington Beach on Saturday November 1, 2008 when he was hit by a series of waves that knocked him to his back, according to a story in the Orange County Register.
The attempt looked hopeful as he rode the whitewash for a few seconds to shore. But when wave after wave engulfed him and took him under as he lay on his back and tried to hang onto the board, surfer Mike Downey jumped in to help pull him to safety on the sand.
Spellmire said he was okay, but “pooped” after his adventure and plans to train for next year’s event.
[Link: Orange County Register]
