During the Stand Up Paddle division at the Backdoor Shootout, Kai Lenny caught his first wave of the heat. Despite being considered a small wave for him, navigating the powerful waves at Pipe always carries potential risks. Fortunately, Kai made a crucial decision to wear a helmet for the first time at Pipe. A stroke of good fortune indeed, as the visible crack on the helmet suggests that he may have collided with the reef, potentially avoiding a more serious head injury.
After which he said on his IG: “First time wearing a helmet at Pipeline and it may have saved my life. I don’t remember much except that it was during my heat in the Backdoor Shootout and the lifeguards sat me down in a chair at the beach park. I have a solid concussion and some bleeding out of my left ear. All should be fine, just need some time.” He was sent to Pali Momi Hospital and from the looks of it, he should make a quick recovery.