See You In The Sea

Hey,

My name is Samuel Carne Crookshanks.

I’ve dedicated my whole existence to the ocean.

Born in Penwith, United Kingdom I spent countless moments exploring Cornwalls geography and the magic of nature, both land and sea.

When I was 10 years old, my family and I had the golden opportunity of moving to Noosa Heads, Australia. One of the best longboards waves in the world. Having grown up in such an icon surf destination, the head and heart followed. Especially the toes, all the way up to the nose. At the age of 16 I then dedicated my whole life riding longboards. Self expression never flowed through my veins more naturally than surfing. Riding various surf crafts was a must, no limits, no hesitations and no expectations. Happiness in its pursuit form.

Dedication allowed me to travel all over this wonderful world and express myself, sometimes for competitions and sometimes winning. The highlight being winning the Noosa Surf Festival 2015, being invited into Joel Tudors Duct Tape Invitational 2015 (Noosa) then invited to Joel Tudors Duct Tape Invitational 2015 (USA) my first trip to California! It was just like in the movies.

Unfortunately, I was unable to compete due to an ACL, and meniscus tear the day before the competition in Huntington Beach at the US Surf Open. Resulting in a trip back home to Australia, key hole surgery and an intense 6-9 month strong recovery. I felt lost and incomplete without surfing and dedicated every single moment healing myself back even stronger.

Once I was back on board it was time to travel. New Zealand (Single Fin Mingle) Bali (9ft and Single) Mexico (Mexilogfest) (Duct Tape Invitational) Portugal (Gliding Barnacles) UK (Smooth Movers) and countless holidays at home. The head and heart was happy and healthy. The soul well nourished.

Turning 30 and moving back home to Cornwall resulted in both major highs and lows. Back with my family and friends in such a magical and unique part of the world, there is no place like home. The last year before leaving Australia I suffered from heavy, overwhelming and unbearable depression. This was the start of my blood clots. Over the past 2-3 years answers have still yet to be fulfilled. The pain levels range and can last from 24 hours - 3 weeks. Unable to walk, do daily tasks, work, surf and adventure. The clots have disrupted surfing on such an intese level. Surfing 2-3 times a day, 7 days a week then 2-3 times a month over 3 years can really alter the mind, body and soul. Having to go onto blood thinners, injections with having no answers as to how or why really rattled me. I’ve had to spend so much time in the gym regaining my strength and muscle. Physical strength, balance and expression is the key to surfing. I’ve had all that taken away from me over the past 3 years with a serious health condition, and still no answers why I’ve got one. But I continue the fight and will continue searching for answers.

Unfortunately over 2-3 years with the NHS has been unsuccessful. The GP’s and emergency wards have failed to give any reasons why this has happened. I’ve had 100+ appointments, 90+ tests, blood tests, injections, pain killers, crutches, wheelchairs, countless days off work, no follow-ups, mental and physical health has taken a beating. Still, I stay watchful on being happy and healthy. Back in the sea once more

Unexplained Blood Clots and a form of Rheumatoid Arthritis (still don’t know if/how/why) have had such an impact on my health, life and surfing. Why I’ve developed all these worrying health issues, questions yet to be answered. Recovery, positive mental attitude, healing the body, strengthening the mind body and soul. Helping a true-hearted and dedicated surfer get back on track. Rheumatologist, Health Kinesiology, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychologist, Dietitian, Medical Supplies, Pool & Gym membership etc. All benefits towards recovery. The impact of this ongoing injury has been so hard mentally, physically and financially. I’ve had to stop working for days, weeks and months. Taking a year away from work has such a negative impact financially. I’ve had to stop surfing for days, weeks and months. I can’t walk, work or do physical tasks for days on end. I’ve had to focus and stay positive. Knowing I’ll be back in the sea one day, hopefully stronger than ever. I’ve got so many caring, kind, loving, loyal and supportive family members and friends in my life. I couldn’t of got through all this without them. All these donations will help towards recovery in such a beneficial way. Health and love conquerors above all but money can certainly take its toll. I’ve worked hard my whole life and always conquered anything life’s thrown at me. Moving back to the UK was my best intentions. Surrounded by loved ones, family and friends. However living and working in the UK does take its toll financially and taking so many days away from work has had such a draining impact. The cost of living can be unbearable. I can sympathize with so many affected by health, trauma, mental health, depression, disabilities etc. The UK needs a serious wake up call as so many people are suffering. Lack of care and support has been lost. I feel sorry for everyone on both sides of NHS. The government needs to improve, structure and dedicate more for everyone’s general well being. Health is more important.

Any donation would be held in high regard and treasured for all eternity. My family and I would cherish any support given. The surfing community will forever be the most understanding, supportive, kind and influential human beings in the world. We love each other and Mother Nature. Look out for the huge smile on my face when I’m back in the sea. I owe you all endless waves, love and gratitude. I will return back stronger and healthier than ever. Please follow my socials for updates, recovery and progress.

I can never thank my family, friends and sponsors enough for all their honest love and support.

Surfing is a necessity in my life.

I am truly lost without it.

Sea You In The Sea

Kind Regards

Eternal Love

Samuel Carne Crookshanks