Man Returns to Surfing Less Than 2 Months After Losing Part of His Leg in Shark Attack

Mar. 15, 2025

Kenji Nonaka.Photo:Hawaii News Now/YouTube

Hawaii News Now/YouTube

A 61-year-old surfer in Hawaii is glad to be back in the water just weeks after losing part of his right leg in a shark attack.

The attack left his right leg “completely severed just below the knee,” taking him away from his routine morning surfing sessions that he had embarked on for over 30 years, according to aGoFundmelaunched to raise funds for his recovery.

Kenji Nonaka.gofundme

gofundme

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An update shared on the campaign on Nov. 7 said that he had been released from the hospital and was “super motivated to begin the rehab and recovery process to get back into the ocean he loves.”

Two weeks later, Nonaska was reported as having had all his staples removed, doing “one-legged exercises,” and “making great progress in his recovery.”

Since being created, the GoFundMe has raised over $107,000 — surpassing its initial goal of $100,000.

“Water is not scared, just make me happy,” Nonaka said. “But sometimes I little bit scared of the shark because sometimes a big fish jumps… but I still respect them.”

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source: people.com