Nathan Outteridge back on the water
by Media Services on 1 Aug 2005
Nathan Outteridge - first day back sailing after seven months Haylee Outteridge
One of Australia’s most talented and inspirational young sailors is back on the water following his car accident and subsequent spinal injuries just prior to Sail Melbourne in January and we wish him all the best for his sailing future.
Nathan reported last night, 'Everything is coming along very well and looks very promising! I have been working hard with my physio Chris Downs up here at Newcastle, and also AIS physio, Donna White. Things seem to be improving very well because of their guidance.
'I saw my spinal specialist last month and he was very happy with how my recovery is going. He said that I should be right to up my training program now and start to get back into sailing. Since then, under the guidance of Chris Downs, I have started doing more physical training in aid of getting me ready for sailing again. This has included physio treatment, gym sessions, swimming and cycling.
'I have started sailing out of Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron on the Elliot 6’s to get me back on the water. I have been doing some match racing, and I’m currently training to compete in my first regatta since the Laser nationals back in January; the NSW Youth Match Racing Championship to be held at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia on the weekend August 6-7.
'I also went for my first sail back in the 49er this weekend. The conditions were perfect - 0-5 knots - nice and light, so I could ease my way into it. I had previously done some work on the boat on shore, practicing tacking and gybing, to see how I went trapezing and getting under the boom.
'I have decided to sail with Ben Austin on the 49er and he has been a huge support in helping me ease back into it all. We plan to start our training in the next few weeks, with the assistance of Yachting Australia and Yachting NSW coaching support from Craig Ferris, Eric Stibbe and Victor Kovalenko. I will still need to be careful when sailing, as to not have and crashes or falls, so we will be doing a lot of light weather sailing, which I guess might be needed in China.
'I would like to thank all those who have helped me through my recovery, especially my parents, who have had to put up with my being at home complaining about not being able to sail. Also a big thank you to Chris Downs, who has been a very important part in my recovery.'
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