Shark Heroes, Legacy & Survival Lessons
The ocean doesn’t mess around lately. Between dramatic rescues, legendary legacies, and survival wisdom, the surf community’s been tested and inspired all at once. Let’s dive into the stories that matter.
Manly Beach Rescue: Surfers Turn Lifesavers
Just an ordinary surf session turned epic at Manly Beach. Ash Bowler and Eduardo Botti paddled out expecting fun waves, not hero duty. When fellow surfer Andre de Ruyter got attacked by a shark right beside them, their instincts kicked in. He was jovial, pumped to be out there, then came the shouting: Shark! Shark! Shark!
Ash recalled. Water turned red as the shark shook Andre violently. Instead of paddling away, these two legends slid their board to get Andre on it and paddled frantically to shore while bystanders prepped a tourniquet. Their split-second courage saved Andre’s life. You can read the full account right here.
Andy Irons: 15 Years Later, Legacy Still Riding Waves
Fifteen years after his passing, Andy Irons’ fire still burns bright. Billabong recently honored the three-time world champ with an event at Oahu’s North Shore, bringing together legends like Joel Parkinson, Shane Dorian, and Andy’s wife Lyndie and son Axel. I met him when I was 21 and he was in the middle of his second world title race, so I just jumped on tour
, Lyndie shared amid lei-adorned smiles. The celebration featured Andy’s gnarliest wave clips and launched a signature gear line—proceeds funding the Andy Irons Foundation’s work with youth battling addiction. It was a raw, beautiful reminder that Andy’s spirit lives on through every pump and turn. Check out the tribute over at The Inertia.
Shark Attack Survival: Lessons from the Deep
Four attacks in 48 hours in Australia got everyone talking, but survivor Jack Carlsen dropped truth bombs from his own 2004 horror show. Shark attacks are over in 15 seconds or less
, he warned, explaining how sharks are evolutionarily perfect hunters. His takeaway? If a shark bumps your board, assume the L position
: go prone with legs bent and arms outstretched to minimize your silhouette. It took a fraction of a second to process the threat
, Jack recalled about that fateful day. His survival tips—stay calm, avoid river mouths after rain—are now essential gear. Get the hard-earned advice straight from the source over at The Independent.
Whether it’s risking your neck for a stranger, honoring icons, or learning to outsmart the ocean’s apex predators, surfers keep proving it’s more than just waves. Keep stoked, stay connected, and ride on.