Noah Vocker (Fanatic / NorthSails / Maui Ultra Fins) has caught the eye whilst competing in the PWA Youth Division over the last few years with the 17-year-old consistently challenging for top honours in the battle of the next generation. 

As some of you may know Noah suffered from Lymphedema in his left leg, which could have potentially cut his promising career short, but thankfully the surgery that Noah had in April has been a success and he is already back on the water and he plans to compete in Pozo next month. We recently caught up with Noah to see how life is going post-surgery. 

Hi Noah, How’s it going? Earlier this year you underwent surgery - for those that don’t know can you briefly explain what the problem with your leg was?

Hi! All good, starting to feel ready for the summer! Yes, I had my surgery at the beginning of April. I have a Lymphedema, this is an abnormal collection of high-protein fluid just beneath the skin. I have it in my left leg, but it also may occur in other parts of the body including the breast or trunk, head and neck, or arms. Lymphedema usually develops when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired due to a hereditary condition (primary lymphedema). This caused a large swelling in my leg and made my leg super hard because of the fibrosis. Now, after 2 months post-surgery, I’m starting to sail and having my normal life again. The leg is still swollen, the whole new system I got into my leg has to grow and adapt it self. 

It seems like all went well with the surgery as you are now back on the water - how long were you off the water for and how good does it feel to be back out there?

Yes, as I said before, I was out of the water for 2 months, now I’m starting to sail again. It feels great to be in the water again, I have missed it haha! I have physiotherapy everyday, this helps the swelling to come down and makes the leg super soft.  

Realistically what would’ve happened to you and your windsurfing career without the surgery?

My leg wouldn’t have stopped swelling, this means it would have got massive and I would have lost the mobilisation of my leg. I would have maybe sailed for 2 more years if I was lucky and then have to stop because of the swelling and the non-mobilisation.

There’s just over a month to go before the start of the 2017 PWA Wave World Tour - will we see you in Pozo again this year? Are you looking forward to it?

Yes, only 1 month to go until the first stop of the PWA Wave Tour. I’m going to Pozo 10 days before to get back into the rhythm and the hard conditions of Pozo. I haven’t used my 3.4m for a year now, it’s going to be strange again ahahaha.  I’m looking forward to compete in the main fleet as this year, the Canaries will be top 48 fleet. I hope I get a place in there, and I look forward to my last year in the Youth division, let’s see how that goes! I Can’t wait to meet everyone again and have some good times with friends!

Thanks Noah - great to hear the surgery was a success - see you in Pozo.

You can stay up to date with all of Noah Vockers’ latest news and adventures via his Social Media Channels:

Facebook: @Noah Vocker F-210 

Instagram: @noahvocker1