Promising Young Surfer Recounts Shark Attack: 'Is This What Dying Feels Like?'
In March of 2016, Brett Connellan was mauled by a bull shark while surfing 100 meters off Bombo Beach in Kiama, Australia.
Then 22 years old, Connellan fought off the shark as best he could. But in the midst of the melee, the predator tore off a chunk of flesh from Connellan’s left thigh. Luckily, Connellan had a friend in the water – a nurse-in-training – who used a surf leash as a tourniquet to quell the bleeding, help him to shore, and essentially save his life.
But afterwards, doctors told him he would never walk again…
In a documentary chronicling Connellan’s incident and subsequent recovery, the one-time up-and-coming Aussie surfer shares how the shark attack changed his life. Attacking Life is a tale of survival, resilience, and Connellan’s brush with death.
“After having most of his thigh taken in a gruesome shark attack,” the doc description reads, “Brett Connellan would have bled to death had it not been for the bravery and quick thinking of one of his closest friends. When he finally awoke after a series of surgeries, he was told he may never walk again.”
The film follows Connellan from his “worst nightmare,” to defying doctor’s expectations, to returning to surfing, to facing sharks again, and more.
Today, Connellan is a motivational speaker; he still surfs, too.
"I never wanted to be defined by the incident,” he said, “or remembered as the guy who got attacked by a shark. I want to be remembered for what I did afterwards."
Check out Attacking Life streaming now on Stan.
***
Don't miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels.
Whether you're a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos.
