Five years ago, in January 2010, Pascal Dattler was dragged unconcious from the water at The Pass. The 10-year old was struck on the head by a loose board and sustained multiple life-threatening injuries. Maybe you remember the story?

In crowded surf an inexperienced surfer lost control of their board hitting Pascal in the back of the head. The blow crushed his skull, created an 18cm cut that in turn caused eight pieces of fractured bone to tear the protective lining of his brain.

When Pascal was dragged from the water he was unconcious and bleeding profusely. Indeed he was mere millimetres from death. Pascal survived but he spent years recovering from the physical and mental trauma.

On Saturday night, Pascal, now 16, was treated to an epic and oh-so fitting birthday present. Jason Poole, a commercial lighting operator from Byron, brought his tools home, set them up on the beach at The Pass and flicked the switch.

Among a flood-lit and almost empty lineup (friends were invited to paddle out) Pascal had a Saturday night session back at The Pass and was free to take any wave he wanted.

(Video: Rory Twomey, Drone footage: Justin McMillan)