Aussie Shark Attack Victim Kai McKenzie Returns To the Water

Originally posted on SURFER | By Chris Dodds | Last updated Oct 23, 2024 6:57 PM ET

Kai Mckenize is tough as and is hauling ass on his way back to surfing after losing his leg to a 15 foot shark only three months ago. Just the other day he paddled out to where it all happened, at his local spot at North Wall in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, for the first time since the attack.

The 23-year-old Australian freesurfer had already proven resilient in the months prior by overcoming a broken back while filming for a new film by Toby Cregan for his sponsor Rage. His paddle, out this week was a huge step in overcoming any potential fear or psychological trauma of going back into the ocean.

To most people, getting attacked by a shark is the epitome of the scariest thing that could happen to you. To those same people, paddling back out at all, let alone returning to surfing with stoke would be unthinkable.

McKenzie is not like most people. While his first waves since the attack were caught laying down, the indestructible Australian exuberantly says it’s only a matter of time before he’s, “Going to f--k things up with a prosthetic.”

While in the hospital, Kai stayed busy editing footage for his clip, “Pay to Play.”

"It wasn’t everything I wanted after what happened, but it is what it is and this is it," he explains. "Thanks to everyone who has supported, it means everything. Big thanks to Luke from LSD, WORSHIP, BEAU FOSTER, RAGE TEAM and NARVAL WETSUITS.”

While shark attacks remain an incredibly rare occurrence, the risk is real, but there are many things that can be done to help save lives. From not surfing alone, to having emergency kits nearby, to emerging technology devices to help deter shark attacks. McKenzie's life was saved by a an off-duty police officer who found him on the beach and used his dog leash as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding until he was life-flighted away to the hospital.