Shark Attack Survivor Joins World Record Breaking Largest Paddle-Out Ever

Dashel Pierson
·2 min read
8

Just two months ago, Australian surfer Toby Begg was “fighting for his life.”

The 44-year-old father of two was attacked by a shark, reportedly around 13 feet long, which went on for around 30 seconds. Begg ultimately lost his leg.

But Begg has returned to the water, and he did so as part of a historic paddle-out, which has unofficially broken the record for the largest in history.

The paddle-out went down on November 25th in Port Macquarie in New South Wales, Australia. It was in honor of another shark attack victim, Zac Young, who was killed while bodyboarding near Coffs Harbor in 2013. He was 19 years old.

Part record-breaking attempt, part commemoration of the young boy who was killed, the event was organized by the fallen bodyboarder’s father.

Kevin Young told ABC:

"It's the 10-year anniversary of my son who passed … but this is for all surfers right around the world, or bodyboarders, anyone who loves the ocean, in celebrating the ocean and celebrating each other and community.”

So, did they break the record?

Per ABC:

“Mr Young said more than 600 people, from young children to older surfers, took part in the paddle-out, which was enough to beat the previous record of 512.

“The result now needs to be officially verified by Guinness World Records and drone vision will be examined.

“Those in the event were required to hold hands in a circle for 60 seconds.”

Young continued:

"We've got the numbers … it was pretty difficult in the water, a few people got smashed, but it was the biggest thing I have ever seen, well over 600 people.”

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