finally went back to surfing this week after 3 months of healing 4 herniated discs - I'm extremely lucky - was in solid shape when all 4 let loose - but learned real fast how many guys are permanently side-lined for life as a result of this type of back injury - my new approach to staying fit for surfing now is concentrated in consistent core strength training - running and working out at the gym simply are not enough - so I've learned - the back is a delicate thing....as my dad used to say "just so long as you got your health, you got everything". Many thanks to all for their kind words and outstanding support during this time - you know who you are.