Surfer Colin Cook’s Inspiring Journey After Shark Attack
Living on the North Shore of O‘ahu, Colin Cook is not just chasing waves—he’s redefining resilience. A dedicated surfer and surfboard technician, Colin works with top board shapers while surfing some of the most iconic breaks in his own backyard. But his journey to this lifestyle wasn’t easy.
Years ago, while surfing a break known as Leftovers, Colin was attacked by a Tiger Shark. The incident cost him his leg and nearly his life. Yet, instead of walking away from the ocean, he returned—stronger. In 2020, he claimed the ISA World Championship in adaptive surfing in the above-the-knee division, riding waves with a custom prosthetic leg that he designed himself.
Colin admits that public curiosity about his injury can be overwhelming. “People just ask randomly in places like Starbucks what happened to my leg,” he said. “I avoid saying it was a shark because then they start telling me every shark story they know—it gets tiring.”
Physically, returning to surfing with an above-the-knee prosthetic was no small feat. Most adaptive surfers he saw were below-the-knee amputees. “The knee joint is so key to popping up,” he explained. “Doctors weren’t sure how I’d manage.”
But Colin didn’t stop. Alongside close friends, he began designing and refining a prosthetic tailored for surfing. After multiple iterations, the final result helped him regain his mobility—and his passion. “It’s like my baby,” he said. “It gave me my life back.”
Now, Colin is busier than ever. He recently competed in Byron Bay, Australia, and is currently participating in the Hawai‘i Adaptive Surfing Championships. He’s also preparing for the Adaptive World Tour in Oceanside, California, this September.
Among those who inspire him is French surfer Eric Dargent, also an above-the-knee amputee and fellow shark attack survivor. Colin admires how Eric surfs with power and flow, and he cherishes the chance to compete alongside him.
Beyond competition, Colin finds joy and progress in the adaptive surfing community. “These events are more than just contests,” he said. “We share tips, compare gear, and really learn from one another. That’s how we all grow.”
Colin Cook’s story is about more than survival—it’s about innovation, community, and the enduring power of passion.