Expedition Suspended due to Injury
I begin this post by saying thank to everyone for all their support throughout this journey. The trip has been a year in the making filled with excitement and planning. Bryan has worked hard to make it all happen. As we all know, sometimes things are out of our hands. After a series of events of bad luck, including equipment failure, bad weather, snow, statistically the windiest season the last five years, Bryan has developed tendon problems in both his forearms. It has been a hard decision but Bryan has decided to suspend the trip so that he will not cause permanent damage.
Bryan took time off two weeks ago to repair the kayak and to help rest his arms in hopes that both problems would be fixed after a week of rest. Strong winds and waves aggravated the condition and despite the time healing, his forearms were unable to fully heal, causing them to become worse instead. He has begun physical therapy this week to help begin feeling better.
In the three weeks on the water, he experienced wonderful support and kindness from so many of you! The latest support came from Matt and Hannah, who will be paddling Lake Superior in the next week. We wish them all our best and hope we are able to return some of the support and kindness that Bryan experienced.
Bryan is home now working on healing. He is doing well and is looking forward to healing his arms and getting off the vitamin I. We hope for a speedy recovery and that the news from the doctor will be helpful. Thank you again for all that you have done for us over the past year.
Ilena
Ilena posted this on Thursday, May 28th, 2009 at 9:25 pm and is filed under Journal. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
17 Responses to “Expedition Suspended due to Injury”
May 28th
Sorry to hear! It’s been fun to follow along (wishing I was there), but healing yourself is more important.
The lakes will still be there when you are 100%
May 29th
[...] Bryan Hansel, who began an attempt in early May to paddle a kayak around all five Great Lakes, has suspended his trip to deal with tendon problems in his forearms. He made the announcement on his Web site, Around the Great Lakes. [...]
May 29th
Aw gee, this is the first I heard of it. Sorry it had to end. But your arms are much more important than completing it. I’m wondering if that equipment failure contributed to the problem.
Perhaps next time with a better kayak. Get well soon.
May 29th
Bryan, I am so sad to read the news but I am sure you made a wise decision. I hope you heal quickly.
Take care buddy,
Glen Smith.
May 30th
BRYAN, I AM SHARING YOUR DISAPPOINTMENT. SHAREN
May 31st
Things happen for a reason. Sorry to hear you had to suspend the tour but your health always comes first. Look forward to talking with you next time I’m down your way. And kudos for the challenges you took on in kayaking this year on Lake Superior.
June 1st
Hey Bryan – Really sorry to hear this but sounds like the best for your health. We were looking forward to your visit in Chicago. Offer still stands if you make it this way. Feel better. We’ll see you in Lutsen in August!
June 4th
Rest easy, Bryan! It’s a tough break but there is always next time. Looking forward to some kind of write-up at the Guillemot site.
June 6th
Just returned from camping in the Porkies. We’re sorry to hear about your injury and resulting suspension of your trip. Hope you heal soon. Take good care. Hope to see you in September for fall colors.
June 8th
Hi Bryan,
I’ll echo the comments of the others – sorry to hear about the suspension of your adventure but we are glad that you are safe & sound. I hope you are on the mend.
Cheers,
Bryan S.
June 8th
Sorry to learn your injury has caused you to suspend the trip so long in the dreaming and planning. Part of the dream has been fulfilled in the planning and the attempt – even though it is not yet completed. It sounds like a wise decision to suspend. Maybe you’ll return for another attempt or maybe some other dream awaits you.
June 10th
Oh man, I’m sorry to hear about this. I’ve been following your tweets but didn’t put 2+2 together. Rest those arms, cause you know the water will be calling you before long.
Take care,
-John
Source to Sea Expedition
June 24th
Thanks, everyone for the words of encouragement and express your concern. I have medial epicondylitis and have been working hard with physical therapy, rest, etc… over the last month to try and heal it. For the most part, the strong debilitating pain is gone.
I’ve been riding bike and trying to stay busy, but it’s frustrating. I ended up only paddling 370 miles this spring before I gave in to the pain, but I feared that had I paddled longer the recovery process would have been longer. So, I’m happy with my decision to get off the water.
Again, thanks for all the support, concern, and good wishes.
June 29th
Take care of yourself, Bryan. Best wishes for a full recovery!
July 7th
I was really looking forward to this. I hope you heal and can get back in the boat soon.
August 13th
Thanks, Karol. I hope to you you guys this fall.
August 13th
Thanks, James. I was looking forward to it too.
I just hope to be able to get back to the sport I love without pain as soon as I can.
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