Despite surfing being one of the most enthralling sports out there, going into the water has its own problems, as it’s a relatively unknown territory. The fact there might be living creatures under it could pose a threat to us is quite a scary thought. It proved even more when a man became an unfortunate victim. Kenji Nonaka, a 61-year-old Maui man who lives in Wailuku, is an ardent surfer who completely loves the sport.

Earlier this month, a shark attacked Kenji Nonaka and pulled off his right leg at Waiehu Beach Park. That is the time when the second disaster shook the surfing world, which had not healed from the gruesome death of Kenji’s hero in almost identical circumstances just a few months prior. Such incidents could scar anyone. However, not Kenji. He wants to dive back into the ocean and do what he has been doing for over 40 years. As soon as he is well, the surfer is back on the board, yet again. In the meantime, Nonaka discharged himself from the hospital.

Many have shown him love and support throughout this ordeal and even sent him gifts. “I am so happy, I am so grateful,” said the surfer, talking to IslandNews. He added, “I cry, but to me, it’s happy. big aloha.” Kenji then made it clear he needed to get back to surfing. “I don’t know how to say it, but I need surfing for my life.”

Thus, he is unlikely to put a stop to this anytime soon. He also thanked his friends, who provided him with first aid immediately after the shark bite occurred while conceding that without them, he wouldn’t be alive today. His friends only have good things to say about him. Fellow surfer Renee Wilcox said, “Over the years I’ve known Kenji, he just exudes aloha to everyone, and he’s just got the most incredible attitude.”

Hence, with the support of his family and friends, Kenji Nonaka would certainly recover and surf again sooner or later. But the fear of sharks may bother him a little. He had already developed a fear of an attack prior to being harmed. An unfortunate incident that happened a month earlier made him tremble.

Kenji Nonaka started getting scared of sharks right before an attack

Kenji Nonaka thought Tamayo Perry was his hero. Everyone knew Perry; he had acted in a few films, too, like ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’. However, on June 22, he lost his life after suffering a fatal shark attack. It was a very tragic day for the community because most people loved Perry. His death was also affecting Kenji himself because he began feeling uneasy about shark attacks, too. “At the time I was scared,” Nonaka said, talking to Khon2.com.

Unfortunately, it would become a manifestation, as sharks also bit him. The surfer had just begun putting on a magnetic shark band used to keep the animals at bay. However, it was of no use as his left leg got bit. His friends, who were accompanying him, heard his screams and reached his side as soon as possible. Apparently, they had been watching over Kenji Nonaka; otherwise, he would probably have lost his whole knee.

Now, with the road to recovery ahead, he can dream of returning to the sport. Kenji also credits Tamayo Perry, whom he believes was watching over him, for being alive today. “So many shark attacks lately; on Oahu, Tamayo Perry, my hero, he passed away, and it was so sad. I pray every day, but maybe this time he helped me, I’m pretty sure,” he said.

Thus, Kenji Nonaka did not lose his love for surfing despite the life-threatening incident and prepared to jump right back into the ocean. His determination and love for his sport inspire all of us.