In March 2023, I injured my knee while speedriding in France. If you want to get technical, my wing was balled-up in my hand while skiing to a suitable launch. I turned and stuffed a ski tip into the soft side of a mogul, but the frozen top prevented the ski from popping back out.
I fell in slow motion (read: sat down), my leg twisted, my boot failed to release from my binding, something popped, and I punched the snow in frustration. I knew I’d just messed up my knee two weeks into a month-long trip.
Fortunately, on a speedriding trip, you can still play every day if you just stick to the flying bit and don’t make turns on your skis. With a wing, I could just point it, huck, fly, and land – no turns or knee stress needed.
Back home, I faced the dreaded MRI, which confirmed a massive bone bruise and a torn ACL, which would require surgery. Recovery would be at least six months, but the doctors assured...
