BREAKING NEWS - Near Death Surfing Experience for Butler!

Actor Gerard Butler was rushed to hospital after escaping death in a surfing stunt, it was reported yesterday.

The 42-year-old British star was trapped underwater after being hit by a succession of waves while filming in California.

He has been shooting Of Men and Mavericks based on the true life story of a tragic young surfer Jay Moriarty.

Butler has been training all summer on the coast to recover the six-pack physique he developed for 300.

The accident happened at Maverick’s, the infamous Northern California surf spot south of San Fransisco.

Butler who plays the role of champion surfer Rick “Frosty” Henson, was caught in a 12ft swell [on Sunday] when he was hit by a freak wave.

He was pulled from the water onto a jet ski and then brought to shore helped from the water and taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

Eye witness surfer Frank Quirarte said: “Butler was held down for a solid two-waves and took four or five more waves on the head.

“He was then washed through the rocks on the inside before he was finally able to be plucked out.

“Even on small days the inside at Maverick’s can push 10ft plus and really tear you up.

“When they brought Butler in he had that 100-yard stare that surfers get after a two-wave hold [down] or near death experience.

“After almost 20 years at Mavericks I’ve seen a lot of it, but at least he was standing on his own two legs.

“He was then carted away in a waiting ambulance.”

He was taken to Stanford Medical Center and detained for observation overnight, where yesterday there was no statement on his condition.

Quirate said Butler and the film crew were impatient after waiting several days to get in the water.

“With Maverick’s and the entire Northern Hemisphere big-wave season off to a slow start surfers and the film crew were chomping at the bit to get a few days of surfing and filming in.

“Waves were running at 12ft, but some large ones had got through.”

Quirate had turned for the beach, when sirens went off.

“We could here the faint sounds of sirens in the distance. And as the sirens got closer they turned down the road and headed straight for us.

“One of the film crew’s radio cracked and I heard they were “bringing Gerry (Butler) in.”

“No sooner did I hear that transmission then a ski and Zodiac turned the corner at the Half Moon Bay harbor mouth and were coming in fast. I ran down to the dock, help tie off the Zodiac, and noticed Gerard on board.”

It was the exact spot where almost eight months ago 35-year-old Hawaiian surfer Sion Milosky died in a near identical accident at Maverick’s, a big wave haven 25 miles south of San Francisco.

Quirate, Water Operations Director of The Jay At Maverick’s Big Wave Invitational surfing event, said yesterday: “Butler had no business near the bowl or taking a Maverick’s set on the head.

The actor’s representatives were yesterday unavailable to comment and Butler’s production company Evil Twins Entertainment had no comment on his condition.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2011/12/19/gerard-butler-escapes-death-after-serious-surfing-accident-115875-23647819/

Sounds scary. I hope he's alright.

Pics at link:

http://espn.go.com/action/surfing/story/_/id/7368710/gerard-butler-survives-maverick-two-wave-hold-down

Gerard Butler suffers Mav's hold-down

On a day reminiscent of last January when Jacob Trette, a rookie big-wave surfer, nearly lost his life out at Maverick's, the infamous Northern California break, has sent yet another beginner to Stanford Medical Center. In this case it was the star of the Hollywood production about the life of Jay Moriarity, Gerard Butler.


On Sunday, the California buoy was reading 12 feet at 16 seconds, which would put Maverick's right at the point of breaking in the 10- to 12-foot range, but the swell direction was decent so there were a few bigger sets sneaking in. With Maverick's and the entire Northern Hemisphere big-wave season off to a slow start, surfers -- and Hollywood film crew -- were chomping at the bit to get a few days of surfing and filming in. Approximately two dozen people were in the lineup.


Butler and the film crew sat on the inside with Peter Mel, Zach Wormhoudt and Greg Long, who were assisting the production. Even on small days, the inside at Maverick's can push 10-feet-plus and really tear you up.


A few big outside sets had already come through, and between takes Mel, Long and Wormhoudt were passing the time by catching a few insiders. Photographer Doug Acton and myself were out most of the morning shoot serving as water patrol, but decided to go in as the swell began to drop. As we were cleaning our boats at the launch ramp, we heard the faint sounds of sirens in the distance. With crab season in full swing and the entire movie crew set up, there was already a lot of action at the ramp, but as the sirens got closer, they turned down the road and headed straight for us.


We don't ever like to see or hear ambulances when Maverick's is breaking. It never bodes well, and right now everyone is still a bit shell-shocked from the recent death of Sion Milosky and the near death of Trette last season.


One of the film crew's radios cracked -- they were "bringing Gerry (Butler) in." No sooner did I hear the transmission then a jet-ski and Zodiac turned the corner at the Half Moon Bay harbor mouth. They were coming in fast. I ran down to the dock, helped tie off the Zodiac and noticed Butler on board. He had that 100-yard stare that surfers get after a two-wave hold-down or near-death experience. After almost 20 years at Maverick's, I've seen a lot of it but it was good to see he was standing on his own two legs. He was carted away in the ambulance and raced off to Stanford Medical Center for observation.


For regulars like Mike Gerhardt (left) and Frankie Solomon (right) by Maverick's standards it wasn't big, but for Butler it proved to be too much to handle.

Talking to Wormhoudt on the dock, he said they were all sitting on the inside when a large outside set came through, swung way to the south, caught them off-guard and mowed them all down. For Mel, Long and Wormhoudt it's all in a day's work (hence their being on the crew), but according to other eyewitnesses, Butler was held down for a solid two waves and took four or five more on the head before being washed through the rocks on the inside, where he was finally able to be plucked out.


Butler was brought to the hospital for observation, but a complete recovery is expected.

Holy cow, he could have died! I'm glad he's okay.

I don't even know how to swim, so I can't imagine what that must have felt like.

http://www.hmbreview.com/news/gerard-butler-sent-to-hospital-after-surfing-incident/article_58d65ec0-2a81-11e1-82bf-001871e3ce6c.html

Gerard Butler sent to hospital after surfing incident

There are reports that movie star Gerard Butler was rushed to Stanford Medical Center early Sunday afternoon after the "Of Men and Mavericks" star was held under two waves at the famed surf spot.

The 42-year-old was reportedly surfing Mavericks as part of the final filming day for the Hollywood feature.

A Coastside Fire Protection District dispatch report indicates crews responded to a call at Johnson Pier just before 1 p.m. Sunday. It was not immediately clear whether that was the call that responded to the incident. Batallion Chief Ari Delay said a male held under a couple waves was transported by boat to the launch ramp at Pillar Point Harbor. Firefighter paramedics evaluated the unidentified man and then he was transported by abulance to Stanford Medical Center.

A witness at the scene who requested anonymity said Butler was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Stanford Medical Center no longer issues patient condition reports.

ESPN.com published an account of the incident by local surf photographer Frank Quirarte. In the article, Quirarte says Butler was held down for two waves, then took several more waves to the head before he was washed through the rocks.

"(Butler) had that 100-yard stare that surfers get after a two-wave hold down or near-death experience," Quirarte wrote in the post. Quirarte declined to comment for this story.

Waves were reportedly about 12 feet, with some larger sets coming through.

Butler and the crew filming "Of Men and Mavericks" have been on the coastline between Pacifica and Santa Cruz for more than a month. The film chronicles the life of legend surf Jay Moriarity and his exploits at Mavericks. The Scottish star of "300" and a host of other movies has been seen at restaurants, on the beach and points across the Coastside. Movie publicists are expected to comment later Monday.

http://www.mercurynews.com/san-mateo-county-times/ci_19580788

Actor Gerard Butler OK after getting held underwater by waves at Mavericks
By Joshua Melvin


HALF MOON BAY -- During filming Sunday afternoon for "Of Men and Mavericks" star Gerard Butler got a taste of the power and danger tied to the legendary big wave surf spot.

He was taken down by a wave and was then held down by successive walls of water, the production confirmed Monday. Though he was rushed to Stanford Hospital to get checked out , Butler didn't stay the night. He's apparently fine.

It's a tough surf spot for those who have not got extensive big wave riding experience. At the start of the year surfer Jacob Trette was nearly killed after being held under by the powerful break.

Battlion Chief Ari Delay of the Coastside Fire Protection District, said crews were called out to Pillar Point Harbor around 1 p.m. after getting reports of a surfer being sucked under by the waves. The surfer was already on dry land when paramedics arrived.

The surfer, who Delay declined to name, was conscious and breathing, but was taken by ambulance to Stanford Hospital as a precaution.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2076374/Gerard-Butler-cheats-death-getting-trapped-underwater-notoriously-dangerous-surfing-spot.html#ixzz1h2EsIhQo


Gerard Butler cheats death after getting trapped underwater at notoriously dangerous surfing spot

Gerard Butler cheated death after being pinned under the water by powerful waves at a notoriously dangerous California surfing spot.
The 300 star was getting ready to film action scenes when he was thrown off his surfboard and pummelled by breakers at least 12 feet high at Maverick’s.
Two expert surfers have been killed while riding at the location, which is located two miles from shore in Pillar Point Harbor, south of San Francisco.
The Scot was held underwater for two consecutive waves, before being hit on the head by four or five more when he managed to swim to the surface.
Eventually the 42-year-old was plucked from the water and onto a jet-ski, before being taken to the shore and rushed to hospital by an ambulance.
The star was taken to the nearby Stanford Medical Centre and detained for observation overnight.
Gerard's representative said: 'He is totally fine, they held him for observation.
'But he has been cleared and he is ok.'
The Paisley, Renfrewshire born actor was shooting footage on Sunday for his upcoming flick Of Men and Mavericks, which tells the story of tragic young surfer Jay Moriarity.
The surfing icon made a big splash in the sport by conquering Mavericks at the age of just 16.
However he ended up dying just six years later while free diving off the coast of the island Lohifushi in the Maldives.

Surfer Frank Quirarte was on the scene when the Machine Gun Preacher hunk had his brush with death.
In his ESPN Action Sports blog he said: 'Butler was held down for a solid two-waves and took four or five more waves on the head.

'He was then washed through the rocks on the inside before he was finally able to be plucked out.
'Even on small days the inside at Maverick’s can push 10ft plus and really tear you up.

'When they brought Butler in he had that 100-yard stare that surfers get after a two-wave hold [down] or near death experience.


'After almost 20 years at Mavericks I’ve seen a lot of it, but at least he was standing on his own two legs.
'He was carted away in the ambulance and raced off to Stanford Medical Centre for observation.'
And Mr Quirante, who is a founding member for the water patrol that looks after surfer safety in the area, also believes the actor should not have been allowed to put himself in danger:
He said: 'Butler had no business near the bowl or taking a Maverick’s set on the head.'

He said Gerard and his co-workers were keen to get into the water, even though the waves were in the 'in the 10-to12-foot range' with favourable conditions causing even larger ones to roll in.
In good spirits: Gerard Butler was in rude health when he announced the Golden Globe nominees last week
He had headed out with surfers Peter Mel, Zach Wormhoudt and Greg Long, and all three had been sitting when a surprise breaker threw them from their boards.

He said: 'With Maverick’s and the entire Northern Hemisphere big-wave season off to a slow start surfers and the film crew were chomping at the bit to get a few days of surfing and filming in.
'They were all sitting on the inside when a large outside set came through, swung way to the south, caught them off-guard and mowed them all down.

'For Mel, Long and Wormhoudt it's all in a day's work, but according to other eyewitnesses, Butler was held down for a solid two waves and took four or five more on the head before being washed through the rocks on the inside, where he was finally able to be plucked out.'
And he detailed the dramatic moment Gerard was taken back to the shore for medical assistance.

He said: 'We could here the faint sounds of sirens in the distance. And as the sirens got closer they turned down the road and headed straight for us.
'One of the film crew’s radio cracked and I heard they were “bringing Gerry (Butler) in.
'No sooner did I hear that transmission then a ski and Zodiac turned the corner at the Half Moon Bay harbor mouth and were coming in fast.

'I ran down to the dock, help tie off the Zodiac, and noticed Gerard on board.'

Gerard's lucky escape is made all the more stark by the fact well-known surfers have died while riding the notoriously difficult waves there.
Less than eight months ago 35-year-old Hawaiian surfer Sion Milosky died in a near identical accident at Maverick’s.
Professional Mark Foo also died there in 1994, an incident that led to a safety patrol being set up.

Scary! Poor Gerr!

http://www.etonline.com/news/117203_Gerard_Butler_Hospitalized_After_Surfing_Accident/index.html

Gerard Butler Hospitalized After Surfing Accident

Gerard Butler was taken to the hospital recently while filming a stunt for his new movie Of Men and Mavericks, ET has learned.

While filming a surfing scene in Northern California, Butler was taken down by a wave.

A rep for the actor gave this statement to ET: "He's fine. Very scary. They brought him to Stanford University. More scary than anything. For precaution, we all wanted him checked out after it all happened. Came out with flying colors."

The movie is due to hit theaters October 26, 2012.

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/ci_19581188?IADID=Search-www.santacruzsentinel.com-www.santacruzsentinel.com&IADID=Search-www.santacruzsentinel.com-www.santacruzsentinel.com


Actor Gerard Butler survives pounding at Mavericks


The star of "Of Men and Mavericks" got a taste of the true danger of big-wave surfing on Sunday when he was clobbered by a set of giant waves while shooting a scene at Mavericks.

Filmmakers were working on a shot of Butler paddling out at the famed big-wave spot with surfers Greg Long, Zach Wormhoudt and Peter Mel on the inside of the break.

They were steering clear of a set waves in the 15-foot range when a much larger set loomed and broke in front of the four of them, said Wormhoudt, a Santa Cruz resident.

Butler, 42, was held underwater for two waves and washed through the inside rocks while tethered to his surfboard - a big-wave gun about 10 feet long, Wormhoudt said.

A safety patrolman on a Jet Ski swooped in and picked up Butler, who was shaken up but not seriously injured, Wormhoudt said. An ambulance arrived and transported Butler to Stanford Medical Center for observation, and Butler was later released.

Wormhoudt, who has been surfing Mavericks for about 20 years, said it was a memorable hold down for him, as well.

"It was probably the biggest set of the day," Wormhoudt said. "It was intense for myself and I've been through a lot out there."

The story was first reported by ESPN.com on Monday.

Butler, the star of "300" and not an experienced surfer, plays a lead role in "Of Men and Mavericks" as Pleasure Point surfer Frosty Hesson. Moriarity was a Santa Cruz surfer who burst on the Mavericks big-wave scene at age 16 and died in 2001 in a free-diving accident the day before he was to turn 23.

The film, due out in fall 2012, covers his life in Santa Cruz, his apprenticeship with Hesson and his committed performances at Mavericks. The film was shot in Santa Cruz in October and in recent weeks around Pleasure Point.

Frank Quirarte, a photographer who watched Butler at Mavericks on Sunday, wrote on ESPN.com Monday that the day reminded him of last January, when Orange County' Jacob Trette nearly drowned at Mavericks.

"Even on small days, the inside at Mavericks can push 10-feet-plus and really tear you up," Quirarte wrote.

Butler had not surfed much prior to the movie, but he made a big effort to improve his surfing and water skills for the movie, Wormhoudt said.

Wormhoudt said they took a "conservative line" while paddling out Sunday and talked about what to do if they got mowed down by big waves. Butler wasn't trying to show off, Wormhoudt said.

"Everything he was doing was within reason," he said. "We took like four to five pretty big waves on the head. Basically there's nothing you can do."

Video of Zach Wormhoudt who was one of the surfers with Gerry talking about Mavericks and his experience last year during the contest and being held down under two waves. Of course Gerry was at the inside of the break where the waves were much smaller. The wave that hit him was only 10-12 ft compared to the waves shown in this video, but you get the idea..........

Here's a more detailed story. There are 6 pics at link:


http://www.surfline.com/surf-news/mavericks-near-disaster_64047/


NEAR TRAGEDY AT MAVERICK'S
Actor Gerald Butler suffers serious hold-down after getting caught inside during filming Jay movie


Sunday afternoon was not giant Maverick's by any means, but one wide set was big enough to put British actor Gerald Butler through a serious spin cycle, followed by a trip to Stanford Medical Center.

Butler is playing Rick "Frosty" Hesson in the Hollywood production currently being filmed in and around Santa Cruz based on the life and times of Jay Moriarity.

Longtime Mav's surfers Greg Long, Pete Mel and Zack Wormhoudt were escorting Butler inside near the rocks, working on some paddling shots, when a set missed the outer bowl and broke on their heads. "We paddled over one wave, and as soon as we came over the top and saw a set swing wide, we knew we were't gonna make it," Long explained. "We told Butler, 'paddle for the channel, we're all gonna have to bail on this one; take a couple deep breaths and relax.'"

The four paddled towards the channel and bailed their boards as the first wave broke on their heads. A rescue ski attempted to grab Butler, but was unable to get to him before the second wave broke. "The second one broke his leash," Long explained. "He was down for a really long time after that. I don't know for sure if it was a two-wave hold-down, because I was looking for his board which he wasn't attached to, but it was a long time." The third wave pushed Butler close to the rocks, but he was rescued by a ski before being swept through. "I give him the utmost credit," Long continued. "He handled it with the extreme composure. He came up rattled as anyone would be, but coherent and communicating."

Butler is admittedly a novice surfer, but has been heavily researching his role as Jay Morarity's coach Frosty Hesson for months. "The amount of time researching and listening to us...he put that to use, and it helped him through more than his surf experience," Long explained. Butler was taken to the hospital as a precaution but has recovered well.

"What happened the other day was true testament that you can never be 100 % comfortable at Maverick's," Long points out. "You had me, Zack Wormhoudt, Peter Mel, and Jeff Clark, combining all our ocean experience and knowledge. We'd all been in an area that we were working all morning; it was the one random rogue set -- that was the only one of its kind during the day, and it just happened to be when we were there."

Long also has a small acting part in the film -- which has been taking over parts of Santa Cruz for months now. "They're making every effort to create the most realistic depiction of big wave surfing," he said. "That's why I wanted to be involved. I was skeptical at the beginning, but it has the potential to change the sport of big-wave surfing."

The film is meanwhile just waiting for the North Pacific to kick back into gear -- and Twiggy Baker is psyching himself up to replicate Jay's famous wipeout. "I think if you sit off the end bowl and it's really windy, you could just stand up and wheelie your board," he said.

We asked Surfline's Sean Collins about the swell. "This was a very tricky swell, and we could see in Surfline's LOLA Validation tools that waves would come in larger than what was being forecast by the models due to a short period of increased wind speeds in the original storm," he explained.
"In the graphic comparing the model output with the actual buoy reported energy 24 hours away (see slideshow), we can see at least a few more feet of wave height in the longer periods between 15-22 seconds that are circled.

"A difference of 4-5 feet in deepwater swell height at 16-22 seconds can result in an additional 10-15 feet or more in breaking wave height. The timing of this extra peak energy on the buoys also coincided with the arrival of the rogue sets at Mavericks on Sunday that caught Butler, and a few local buoys even reported a few waves with maximum heights of 15 feet during that same period of time. Fortunately everyone is OK. [Also to be clear, Surfline is not forecasting or consulting for the movie.]"

Wow! Talk about doing your own stunts!

Glad he survived.

http://www.crazydaysandnights.net/2011/12/gerard-butler-hospitalized-after-two.html

Gerard Butler Hospitalized After Two Wave Hold-Down

Talk to a surfer who surfs big waves and they will tell you how life changing a two wave hold-down is. Gerard Butler just suffered his first while filming scenes for his new movie and was rushed to the hospital, but he will be fine. A two wave hold-down is exactly what you think it is. You get pulled under by one wave and can't make it back to the surface by the time the next wave comes through. You think to yourself that you will never breathe again and are going to die right there.

And now the news has hit Australia ...

http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/gerard-butler-rescued-in-big-surf-20111221-1p4o0.html

Gerard Butler is recovering after being held underwater by some big waves while filming for a movie about a surfer at Mavericks, a famed Northern California surf break known for treacherous, storeys-high waves.

Filmmakers were shooting the 42-year-old Of Men and Mavericks star paddling out with competitive surfers Greg Long, Zach Wormhoudt and Peter Mel on Sunday afternoon, the San Mateo County Times reported.

The four were steering clear of a set of waves in the 4.5 metre range when a much larger set broke in front of them, said Wormhoudt, of Santa Cruz.

Butler was held underwater for two waves and washed through some rocks while tethered to his surfboard, Wormhoudt said. A safety patrolman on a jet ski swooped in and picked up the actor.

Butler was shaken up but not seriously injured, Wormhoudt said. He was taken by ambulance to Stanford Medical Center for examination and was later released.

Wormhoudt said Butler had not surfed much before the movie but had made an effort to improve his surfing and water skills for the film.

The group had talked about what to do if they got mowed down by big waves, and Butler wasn't trying to show off, Wormhoudt added.

"Everything he was doing was within reason," he said. "We took like four to five pretty big waves on the head. Basically there's nothing you can do.

"It was intense for myself, and I've been through a lot out there."

Butler's publicist Rupert Fowler didn't immediately respond to an email message sent on Tuesday. Coastside Fire District Battalion Chief Ari Delay would say only that a surfer sucked under by waves was on the beach when paramedics arrived. He wouldn't name the surfer.

Of Men and Mavericks is about Santa Cruz surfer Jay Moriarty, who conquered Mavericks as a teen but died in a free-diving accident in 2001 when he was 23.

Maverick's cold water and giant waves have made it a Mt Everest-like conquest for some surfers. And it has impacted many lives, whether it be the death of legendary big wave waterman or serious injury to less experienced surfers seeking to make a name for themselves.

Last January, a surfer nearly drowned at Mavericks after being pummelled and washed through rocks by a big wave. That surfer, 30-year-old Jacob Trette of San Clemente, was rescued by an Australian firefighter who was on a personal watercraft taking photographs of the surfers when a large "freak set" caught a pack of them too close to shore.

Even the world's best surfers have been humbled by Mavericks, which has claimed its share of broken boards and bloodied surfers.

In 1994, Mark Foo, a seasoned big-wave surfer from Hawaii, died while surfing Mavericks. Ten-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater has also talked about how dangerous the wave is after getting held down after a wipe-out there in 2000.

Actor Gerard Butler was hospitalized after being pummeled by big waves while filming a new surfing movie over the weekend, according to ESPN.com.

Butler was held under water after being caught inside at Mavericks, the notorious big wave surf spot in Northern California that's been the scene of several deaths.

The 42-year old star of 300 was shooting a new film called Of Men and Mavericks when he was pounded by a set of 12-16 foot waves. Butler was held underwater for several waves and dragged through rocks until rescued by a safety worker on a jetski.

"He was down at least 20, maybe 40 seconds. It's traumatic because you're rolling around a bunch with lots of rocks on the inside of the break — called the bone yard," surfer Zach Wormhoudt told the New York Daily News. "We all went through that."

the shaken actor emerged from the water, "he had that 100-yard stare that surfers get after a two-wave hold-down or near-death experience," wrote Frank Quirarte on ESPN.com.

Butler was taken by ambulance to Stanford Medical Center for observation, then released. His rep said:

He's fine. Very scary. They brought him to Stanford University. More scary than anything. For precaution, we all wanted him checked out after it all happened. Came out with flying colors.

Butler portarys a surfer in the new flick about big wave legend Jay Moriarty, who surfed Mavericks at age 16 before dying in a free-diving accident in 2001.

Pro surfer Mark Foo died at Mavericks near Half Moon Bay in 1994. Another big wave rider, Sion Milosky, was killed earlier this year.

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/12/actor-gerald-butlers-near-death-surf-mishap-at-mavericks-of-men-and-mavericks-movie/1

Gerard Butler is OK after being held underwater by some big waves while filming for a movie about a surfer at Mavericks, a famed Northern California surf break known for treacherous, stories-high waves.

Filmmakers were shooting the 42-year-old “Of Men and Mavericks” star paddling out with competitive surfers Greg Long, Zach Wormhoudt and Peter Mel on Sunday afternoon, the San Mateo County Times reported.

The four were steering clear of a set of waves in the 15-foot range when a much larger set broke in front of them, said Wormhoudt, of Santa Cruz.

Butler was held underwater for two waves and washed through some rocks while tethered to his surfboard, Wormhoudt said. A safety patrolman on a Jet Ski swooped in and picked up the actor.

Butler was shaken up but not seriously injured, Wormhoudt said. He was taken by ambulance to Stanford Medical Center for examination and was later released.

Wormhoudt said Butler had not surfed much before the movie but had made an effort to improve his surfing and water skills for the film.

The group had talked about what to do if they got mowed down by big waves, and Butler wasn’t trying to show off, Wormhoudt added

“Everything he was doing was within reason,” he said. “We took like four to five pretty big waves on the head. Basically there’s nothing you can do.

“It was intense for myself, and I’ve been through a lot out there.”

Butler’s publicist Rupert Fowler didn’t immediately respond to an email message sent Tuesday. Coastside Fire District Battalion Chief Ari Delay would say only that a surfer sucked under by waves was on the beach when paramedics arrived. He wouldn’t name the surfer.

“Of Men and Mavericks” is about Santa Cruz surfer Jay Moriarty, who conquered Mavericks as a teen but died in a free-diving accident in 2001 when he was 23.

Maverick’s cold water and giant waves have made it a Mt. Everest-like conquest for some surfers. And it has impacted many lives, whether it be the death of legendary big wave waterman or serious injury to less experienced surfers seeking to make a name for themselves.

Last January, a surfer nearly drowned at Mavericks after being pummeled and washed through rocks by a big wave. That surfer, 30-year-old Jacob Trette of San Clemente, was rescued by an Australian firefighter who was on a personal watercraft taking photographs of the surfers when a large “freak set” caught a pack of them too close to shore.

Even the world’s best surfers have been humbled by Mavericks, which has claimed its share of broken boards and bloodied surfers.

In 1994, Mark Foo, a seasoned big-wave surfer from Hawaii, died while surfing Mavericks. Ten-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater has also talked about how dangerous the wave is after getting held down after a wipeout there in 2000.

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/people/9557186-421/huge-wave-swamps-butler.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/20/us-gerardbutler-idUSTRE7BJ2DU20111220

http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/12/20/2554896/gerard-butler-in-surfing-accident.html

http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/gerard-butler-rescued-held-underwater-waves-dangerous-california-surfing-spot-article-1.994309


Gerard Butler rescued from dangerous California surfing spot after being held underwater by waves
The actor was shooting a new film, 'Of Men and Mavericks,' alongside two competitive surfers


Action star Gerard Butler survived a near-drowning Sunday when he was walloped by a set of massive waves at the treacherous northern California surfing mecca Mavericks.

The actor was working on a scene for the upcoming flick “Of Men and Mavericks” with his surfing co-stars, when the group’s attempt to play it safe landed them smack in front of a punishing wall of water.

“We were just paddling in what’s usually a calmer area, but a freak, rogue set broke through,” surfer Zach Wormhoudt told the Daily News. “I’ve been surfing out there for 20 years, and you rarely see sets break like that. It was like a perfect storm. It was a real big set, maybe 12 to 16 feet.”

Butler, 42, was held underwater for two waves and washed through some rocks while tethered to his 10-foot surfboard, Wormhoudt said.

“He was down at least 20, maybe 40 seconds. It’s traumatic because you’re rolling around a bunch with lots of rocks on the inside of the break — called the bone yard,” he said. “We all went through that.”
Thankfully, a safety patrolman on a jetski sprung into action and plucked Butler from the frigid water, Wormhoudt said.

“He was pretty awesome,” Wormhoudt said of Butler. “I was stoked that he didn’t panic. He basically acted like he’d been surfing a long time. He remained calm and kept his composure.”

An ESPN photographer covering the filming greeted the actor at the shore.

“He had that 100-yard stare that surfers get after a two-wave hold-down or near-death experience,” photographer Frank Quirarte wrote on ESPN.com.

Butler was taken to nearby Stanford Medical Center for observation and later released.

“Some people are cocky about Mavericks, and then if they’re humbled by the waves, they go away with their tail between their legs. (Butler) was the opposite. He was respectful and humble going in, and after it happened, he was the same way,” Wormhoudt said.

“He was joking about it, but he realized the potential involved,” he said.

Wormhoudt said he’s not sure if Butler has to go back in the water.

“It was close to done, so they may already have what they need,” he said.

Butler, who played King Leonidas in the blockbuster hit “300,” portrays surfer Frosty Hesson in the upcoming movie about big-wave surf legend Jay Moriarity.

Moriarity was a Santa Cruz, Calif., surfer who burst on the Mavericks scene at age 16 and later died in a free-diving accident the day before his 23rd birthday in 2001.

The film, due out next fall, focuses on his brief but legendary surfing career and his apprenticeship with Hesson.

And now for the comedic angle ....

It feels like Gerard Butler has spent all of 2011 in the ocean, learning how to “surf”. That isn’t a bad way to spend a year at all, it’s just that… I keep hoping for more from Gerard. Machine Gun Preacher didn’t make waves and Coriolanus was well-received but barely seen. It felt like this was Gerry’s make-or-break year, his chance to show people that he really should be considered A-list, and he’s just…not. He spent a year surfing and a quick second boning Jessica Biel, allegedly, and other than that… nothing.

Anyway, Gerry was learning how to surf because he’s playing some surfer in a film called Of Men and Mavericks, which sounds like a gay pr0n about John McCain. I used to cover photos from the set, but I stopped after I became too depressed by the lack of wetsuit bulge. On Sunday, Gerry busted his ass (amongst other things) when he was pulled underwater by some major waves.

Gerard Butler was pulled underwater and dragged over a rocky reef Sunday by a large set of waves while he was filming the surfing movie Of Men and Mavericks in Northern California.

The actor, 42, was taken to Stanford Medical Center dazed but not seriously injured, after being rescued by a safety patrolman, according to ESPN.com. He was released soon after.

“Butler was held down for a solid two waves and took four or five more waves on the head,” surfer Frank Quirarte writes on his ESPN blog. “He was then washed through the rocks on the inside before he was finally able to be plucked out. He had that 100-yard stare that surfers get after a two-wave hold-down or near-death experience.”

Surfer Zach Wormhoudt, who was filming with Butler, told ESPN their group was caught off guard by a set of waves that appeared to come out of nowhere. In March, professional surfer Sion Milosky drowned at the same spot.

Butler is expected to make a full recovery. “He’s fine. Very scary,” Butler’s rep tells ET. “For precaution, we all wanted him checked out after it all happened. Came out with flying colors.”

[From Us Weekly and People Magazine]

I’m struggling to find a comedic angle here, but I just can’t. Maybe something about the waves having a nice ass and that’s why Gerard couldn’t come up for air? Something something trolling for mermaid strange? Really, I just hope Gerard is doing better and that he’s safe and healthy. I haven’t been thinking about him very much lately, I’ve been so focused on Michael Fassbender and Jeremy Renner. These crushes are cyclical – as soon as Gerard comes out wearing a nice suit and leering at me through the camera, I’ll be his again.

Nay, is that article by Kaiser?


Here's a news video with commentary by someone who was there:

Yes, it was Kaiser, Dallas. I forgot to reference it.

http://www.celebitchy.com/198615/gerard_butler_almost_died_while_trolling_for_mermaid_ass_in_the_pacific/

I remember seeing this as a news ticker on the day after on our local news.