Spinal Injury Fears on Atlantic Crossing [Ep. 135]

Fingers crossed for you both. Just don’t try any heroics 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲.

Hi hope that you all are good

Sending you both love ❤️ xo

I am praying for you both! God Strengthen and give you wisdom in what to do about your situation Riley. My prayers are with you both! God Bless you!

Riley- my wife and I own a business that provides a therapy that will greatly help your spinal cord injury. Since we are patrons of yours- we'd be happy to donate the therapy free of charge. If you are interested please email me at: sailingwithease@gmail.com for more information.

I personally did the same crossing last January from Tenerife to Martinique. 23 days with an unexpected trade wind 25 knots with cross waves all the way.

Sorry to hear about the injury. My toughts are with you. Let the time do the time, get well recover and visualise that the La Vagabonde adventure is still going.

Caude Pelletier

Hope you’re recovering and sending healing and non combative vibes along with positive karma to you two! Xo

im scared to watch this, I hope Riley is ok!

Your not allowed to make us cry. Seriously we hope you are ok.

Glad you made it! Nothing like warm water and sunshine to make you feel better.

You poor thing! Look after yourselves x

Your smiles and laughter are contagious however I did not expect the episode to end like that.

Wow...so sorry about the mishap it is so easy to have an accident out there and really anywhere. The video was scary and you kept camera rolling it was heartbreaking. Please take care of each other.

New (small) Patron here in Pensacola, FL. Glad you're ok. Love the vids. Holler if you're in the panhandle.

Glad you're ok.......Elayna we had a chat at the London boat show about this! You promised you were gonna be more careful!! :-)

Scary to even imagine.. obviously you guys made the cross but still. What a reminder to slow your rope when things get heated. Hope you feel better soon Riley. keep us updated on the results. Elayna good work on this one ! I went from pumped to petrified in a matter of minutes

Internet has been a bit dodgy here in Anse Mitan, Martinique; we get it only at MalibuKFE ashore so have missed most of the videos of late. But the video summary says a lot. Things happen quickly on a boat and health is an immediate game changer. A rolly anchorage in St Anne two weeks ago threw Lynda Jo from a companionway step and broke two ribs. Nothing for it but to lay low until she could tolerate a sail even up island. With normal trades returning and a supply of ibuprofen, we think she is now up to a sail south to the Grenadines for April. We had the impression you are also now in the Caribbean (north?) so without having seen this latest episode, sounds like Riley is doing ok. Hope he has had full recovery and you are both up to full wellness for the sailing ahead. We look forward to opportunity to catch up on your uploads.

A bit scary guys....hope you are feeling better mate. take care of that neck, I have been there with car wrecks and know that necks are tricky. I'm assuming all is well since you are in the Caribbean and I have seen Lost Leblanc's videos of him with you guys. All the best and look forward to the next video..,Fair winds

Glad you got through it guys big love to you both

Am a spanking new patreon and a seasoned sailor. Have sailed since age 14 in 1956 on lakes first then on Long Island Sound and in Caribbean. Sailed Windjammer 210 ft Schooner island hopping in 67 and was hooked. Later sailed 37 ft JBoat on LI Sound for 30 years. Also managed to sail Catalina 51 as well as 75 ft Schooner in Key West and even America's Cup Stars n Stripes in St Maartine. Always thought catamarans were for sissys. Not any more. Mend well. Bobby Supon.

Gees, that was intense. Good to hear from the comments that you're on the mend.. messy man :)

well done. That must have been so frightening. Looking forward to the following vids of how you completed the crossing.

Having seen the video and slept on it was just going to offer you some advice, but obviously not needed.

Simon Porter

Hey guys, hope everything going all right, just wanted to say hi, and thank you for your videos, i feel part of the journey while watching! good luck and waiting for next episode on how everything going. Hope you come by Dominican Republic on your next trips!

Riley so happy you are OK buddy hate seeing either of you unwell or hurt and Elayna I fully understand how you felt because I would freak out and be so worried about being so far from help. You are both troopers you are. On a lighter note, I'm always amazed at how dirty the bottom of the boat gets, it seems you are constantly cleaning it.

It is good to hear/see from otne you tuber's videos that you are okay Riley plus having Elayna with you is the best because it would have been reall scary if it had hp

Riley, I am so sorry to see this has happened to you. I am relieved to read that you are better now, that must have been a truly frightening experience for you both. I do not know what it is like to be paralyzed but 9+ years ago I got sick out of the blue - fine one day and bedridden the next - and spent about 5 years bedridden and/or homebound to some degree. I have spent the last 4+ years fighting with everything inside me to get back at life, and each day is its own battle. When people say "You know never know how valuable your health is until you lose it" is so easy to say, but when it happens you really understand that it is the most important thing, one to be guarded, treasured and not taken for granted. I live vicariously through you two, hoping to be healthy enough to one day follow my dreams and set sail. All that said, I am sending you both healing love and light, and hoping for continued improvement and health for your many journeys ahead. I couldn't "like" this video because the ending was so heartbreaking, but thank you for trusting us and letting us into the reality of the ups and downs of real life. Wishing you two all the best, always.

Glad to hear your feeling better Riley, on the lighter side you may want to rethink arguing with Elayna ....... ever, remember NEVER upset the cook

Hope you two are feeling better. Riley an Osteopathic doctor (DO) would be good for you to see if you can find one in the Caribbean. Or a cranial sacral therapist. This is gentel work which helps realign the body. It is very therapeutic. There is a good doctor up here in Maine ( if you come this way ) or perhaps in Florida. It's important to continue to take care​ ​of your body esp. when you hit your head. Sending love & healing light to you both.

Reading all of your comments fills my heart guys! Thanks so much for all the love. Because we consider you our family I want you all to know Riley is okay now and we are safe and happy in the Caribbean. If you follow either of us on Instagram you'll see more up to date posts, we've been free diving and climbing hills so everything is how it's meant to be again. But what a scare this was!! I get so emotional watching the footage. The next episode is pretty rough so if you have any little ones watching too, maybe sit with them and assure them Rileys okay now. Love, Elayna 💛💛💛

Thank goodness i know you are ahead of time and all is OK but very sad to see. And as i said before when you banged the back of your head, take it easy life sometimes kicks you in the ass and you never come back from it stay well my friends

Dude...Ouch Got in an argument with my wife once. Stormed out of the room and slammed the door. Slammed it so hard, knocked a clock off the wall and it hit me in the head. 7 stitches later...a small scar to remind me how not to end an argument. Doh! Glad you're okay. Love conquers all.

Hope all is well...you both are beautiful people. Stay safe and continue to watch over one another as you do so well.

Oi. 'Really hope you're OK, Riley!! FWIW: 'You may have (stashed somewhere) alternate butane "jets" or "orafaces" to use with your cookstove, to avoid soot(?). 'Seems likely if people can't always be sure of propane availability. Have to swap back again if-when you do get propane. If your hot water heater, oven, & refrigerator(s) run on gas, they may need re-jetting too.

All of the sailing community is grieving the loss of John Fischer. I see that you're aware of it from your Instagram post. Be careful; we're all connected and we all care deeply.

I cant imagine you two arguing! let alone so early in the trip,dont tell me ,all over something trivial? it just shows how easy accidents happen,and the last place you want that is in the Ocean, I havent checked on the Marine traffic but someone said you had done it several weeks ago. As you had time to make the video I presume all is well, I just wonder if you may reconsider the Arctic trip? there could be really slippery conditions Riley doent want to fall again..this is the third bad head bang hes had, There would be no shame in putting the Artic trip on hold now this accident has happened,might be a warning..... hope all is well,l take it easy.....x

I sit stunned at the turn of events after watching you joyfully prepare for and embark on the Atlantic crossing. I pray that Riley is ok and that you did not decide to take any undue risks to your health or your future. That you filmed in the moment was generous, not for the dramatic impact on film, but rather for trusting us with the opportunity to care ever more deeply about you and your endeavors. Sending love, prayers and healing energy.

The emotions that well up in me are nearly overwhelming. I hope this is just a monor event and the next post will bring happier news, becase I know all to well what these things can mean to life...

cliff hanger...

Stay strong. We are each & everyone with u as u face a strong wind against ur emotions & health. More more more love & strong good thoughts ur way. Love ya' more!

I felt every emotion as u prepared to sail on & laughed with ur preparations for the crossing. Right now I have tears & prayers that all will turn out well. I am truly down as u face a strong wind against ur emotions & health.

Citizens of the World! I love that! And goodness- sending so much love and healing vibes!

Hope all is well. Positive thoughts and prayers to you both. Through the magic of editing you make this form of travel look easy. Thanks for letting us in on this rough moment in the journey. Healing energy sent your way.

Wow, I also teared up at the end, Real emotions, happy or otherwise. I felt you both right there. Good choice on filming that Elayna and not cause it made a cliff hanger moment but its the ups and downs in life people learn from, puts a reality check and inmortal check on all of us. I know you all are ok now. Safe travels guys. Riley in simple terms keep your head up. take care R&E . Capn

Out of tragedy comes triumph!

A bit intense at the end. Do be careful. Appreciate that you're sharing all this. Mustn't be easy at times.

Wow, that was heavy. Great job to roll the camera in that situation Elayna.

Riley I know Elayna will be taking good care of you, lots of rest and you’ll be to go before you know it. Be safe out there and be well the both of you.

Hey Riley hope you are OK, I know Elayna will look after you.Look forward to seeing you up and jumping about in the next episode.

OH FU^K, dude, have a back injury myself that I've worked around for many years, stay as motionless as possible on a flat surface, It's possible that muscles will stay in spasm for a few days even with minimal movement, working back uphill would be tough single handed. Thoughts and prayers are with you guys.

Ah guys, that was a sad one! Pls post the fwp soon. X

Absolutely shocking, originally I thought the Aussie government had employed you to release this video to help hide the Cricket ball tampering episode, but quickly realised you release your videos in retrospect!!!!😁 seriously though I didn’t realise the connection I could get with complete strangers until something serious happens. I don’t cry but if I did, I would be shedding a tear right now, all the best

Ok that one got me...until I went back frantically and read the comments...take care and keep safe guys...anything can happen in an instant while sailing out there in the big blue wobbly thing...this on top of what happened in the Volvo race today left me feeling pretty sad and emotional....

Shit got real alright. There's nothing like a serious injury to put whats important in live into perspective. going by recent post I'm guessing things worked out ok. but you know we would've looked after you aye Riley.

It's hard to record in situations like that. Nice job. We'll keep a positive thought until we know more.

All couples have arguments, don't fret about that. I hope you are able to feel better and continue. If not, the Atlantic isn't going anywhere. Thinking of you and hope all is well.

Holy crap on a cracker! I'm sitting here stunned. I know everything worked out ok but still... Elyana you're a good girl. Keep taking care of your man. Riley, when (if) we ever meet I'm buying you and going to make you wear a hockey helmet so you stop hurting yourself. Between splitting your head open (great job with the glue Elyana, by the way) and now this. You cant be trusted anymore 😉 be careful and stay safe.

Accident in house ~12 months ago following spinal injection, lifted heavy furniture off wife, fell head first into wall, 2 months resident physical therapy, continuing weekly. ~15 years ago lost use of L.Arm during chemo therapy (thoracic outlet syndrome) part of self treatment was using a TENS electrical unit. Current recovery now including a new TENS unit (~$70.00 on Amazon), Slowly regaining use of L & R hands. Ended quest to pass Cat 2 flying physical And single handed sailing. If you are sampling the Florida east coast (Melbourne), I can line up a unit for you and perhaps, for a short day sail, line up a therapist to show us Both, better placement of electro pads. Alan Aber

Hey R&E, I enjoyed this episode until I saw the end of it. Not a good start to A passage. Brought back lot of bad memories on my side but I also remember your very first episodes and the Riley's story and pics from Brazil when he broke his neck. Been following your adventures for a long time and watched pretty much all your episodes. I recon you are in Carib now and OK. But yeah, hell of a cliff hanger there Elay. You know we wonder how the heck that happened. Where did you guys land in Antigua? English Harbour or Falmouth? Did you see canoe in English Harbour from one of the guys who rowed across the Atlantic and their daily schedule? I was there just last year again and one of the teams (two men) were just arriving in the evening. They are a real nut jobs. Wish I can send you pics or vids but not sure where. Anyway, Coconut Grove in Dickenson Bay is great restaurant right on the beach not far from Sandals resort if you want to try some of their famous coconut shrimp. It's really good. Great Bird Island is also fun for snorkeling or scuba if you swing around southwest to northeast. Breezy there but there are some mooring balls (like 3 of them) if you stay overnight. I recommend dropping an anchor in addition to mooring ball just in case. Or you can go to North beach there which is well protected but shallow for most keel boats. Good for cats though. Have fun and recover in Carib. Cheers from still cold and windy Chicago!

Glad to know you two already made it across the pond in one piece. You're a couple of legends.

We don't know each other, but I want to tell you guys that I love you both and since I know this happened a few months ago I know you're okay. I know I'm not the only one who jumps at the excitement of seeing a new episode pop up, and this one really hit close to home. You never realize just how precious life and the little things are, until something happens that threatens to take it all away. Thank you, again, for sharing your personal moments with me, and the rest of your patreon/youtube/sailing/world family. We're all one ohana, and you two are doing a fantastic job inspiring people to get out of their comfort zone, and you've even helped me in ways you can't even imagine. My deepest thanks. - Justin Banz s/v Gerontius

Stay Safe and yes very intense also note would like to see lifelines happening cheers Pete

More slipping? You guys need some water shoes.

Riley, ur a beast dude, stay strong brother! My advice is to avoid taking pain killers next 2 weeks straight, during the crossing or you might end up flying right past Antigua to meet da boys over there in Colombia o Mexico :P If you see Diego tell him I said wsup!

If only I could have been there to help -- just for that point in time. You've posted this, so things hopefully worked out - hopefully. Take care.

So there I am totally submerged in the good vibes of laughter and love that is your channel and all of a sudden BAAMMM … my two favorite Aussies are down for the count! After sitting stunned for a moment, I realized I was distressed and scared for you guys. We all wanted more reality and you guys sure delivered! I sure am relieved to know you are safe. (internet search) I think I speak for all your Patreon family when I tell you that we all care deeply about you guys and your successful passage. Thanks for sharing your adventure!

Always wishing the best for you Riles! What a scary moment

Oh no. Im so sorry this happened. 🙁 sending prayers and positive healing vibes your way. Stay strong you two!! 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♂️

Hope you are ok Riles! Sending you some love and good vibes! And to you to Elayna! This must be scary. Be strong guys and don't push it for nothing.

Thinking of you

sending healing light. I hope you are both well today

I always look forward to Tuesday's video... this one... not so much. Be careful out there!

Wow. Very concerned. I hope you both are OK. Godspeed.

Wow, I hope it's only a scare! I send you tonnes good luck for the rest of the trip. Take care!

Intense.....

Glad you're OK.... it's amazing how fast crap happens... especially when you're upset over something and maybe not paying the usual attention

Prayers!

We can never take anything for granted ,pleased to see that you are ok and it was such a good video as well laughing and humor ,I remember the storm as I am in Tenerife ,till next week be good and safe

Cliffhanger! (Not the kind I really like though) Very 'real' video and 'liking' it just doesn't seem right... The boat showed up in the Carib on AIS several weeks ago... long week of anticipation... :-)

You live a very tenuous life....be careful.

Hope you get better mate....

So upsetting, After watching you guys for so long it's really hard to see either of you upset or in pain. Its a bit like seeing family or friends in distress even though we have never met. I had to immediately check Twitter hoping for a sign you guys where ok.

Wow, what a way to put things into perspective! We know you are well but what a scare! No more arguments, no more walking away and yes, it is always a race even if you are on the dinghy! Bxx

Wonders are many, and none is more wonderful than the power that crosses the white sea, driven by the stormy wind, making a path under surges that threaten to engulf him.... 🙏🏻

I hope Riley is OK. What a cliff hanger! I actually yelled at the computer when you ended it. We all have to wait for a week to find out happended.

Ouch. Thinking of you. Best wishes!

Oh that's just wrong - I hope Riley is ok, please let us know that much!!

OMG - I am assuming Riley is ok because you put out the video...but best thoughts for you guys!