Just returned from a one month post op surgery visit with my orthopaedic surgeon and it was tough. On February 4th I had my third ACL surgery, miniscus scope, and bone work.
After three surgeries, I would not change what I do, but I would do it differently.

I began downhill skiing when I was two years old, at five I started competitively downhill ski racing. Racing took my life for five months per year, five days a week, for 11 years of my life. I only stopped racing
when I began snowboarding with my bro as a better crossover to wakeboarding. My entire life has been filled with what are to me, regular day to day activities, but to my orthopaedic surgeon are "intense", especially when
it comes to my knees. My first ACL surgery began when I was a junior in high school. At the time, I was full of questions and a lot of them led to unsure answers explaining
that torn ACL's are becoming more popular. Yea, of course, they're "more popular" (as if I chose this to happen to me so I could become the popular kid in school) we all have a need to push the limits of our sport and our bodies.

Between the time of my first surgery and this most recent one, I have learned a few lessons and also realized that the research behind ACL tears has evolved. Most importantly I will note that the best solution to an ACL tear is to
prevent it. I can not stress how important cross training is for our sport. To you, it may seem like only the pros need trainers and specific exercises to shape their bodies to shred. You could not be more wrong. If you are a casual
shredder, training could be more important for you. Your body is less used to the impact of riding, therefore, puting you at more of a risk for injury. Simple exercises for your quad, hamstring, and calf will better support your knee in
times of shred. It's seriously so simple to find a trainer that can shape your legs for high impact and less injury. Please, please, exercise prevention.

If you do find yourself with a torn ACL or any other ailment in your knee I would also suggest (probably along with your ortho surgeon) that you wear a knee brace. Today, I was told that I will be wearing my HUGE brace for the next two months,
just to go to work! Lame, I thought. But honestly, with the state of my knee, and my third ACL, I will be donning this attractive accessory for days to come. If you feel like a tool, just check out all the pics I posted of your favorite shredders
with their custom braces. Maybe it's the latest in wake fashion?

Basically, I will sum up to say that it sucks to be away from my sport for six months and to know that I will need a knee replacement probably before I even retire. But from my computer to yours, I am sending you the best advice I have, prevent knee
injuries. Exercise, train and build your legs to support your joints. If you do end up in a bend with your knees, don't be shy, wrap it up (with a brace).