Honolulu, Hawaii – A seasoned local surfer is recovering after a harrowing encounter with an approximately 8-foot shark that bit both of his legs during an early morning session on Oahu’s South Shore.

Koa Smith, a 38-year-old father of two and veteran surfer with decades of experience in Hawaiian waters, was paddling at the popular Kaikoos break near Cromwell’s Beach around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, when the attack occurred.

Smith had already caught his first wave of the day and was paddling back out for another when he felt a sudden, powerful tug from behind.

“It just felt like somebody came from behind and grabbed my ankle with two hands and just, like, pulled as hard as they could,” Smith recalled in interviews from his hospital bed. “When I turned around, I saw that it was a shark, and it was just kind of right here by my side, just thrashing.”

The shark, which Smith believes was a Galapagos shark roughly 8 feet long, sank its teeth into his legs, ripping open a significant wound on his left calf and causing a deep gash on his right foot. Paramedics later described the injuries as severe, with one wound measuring about 10 inches.

Despite the gruesome injuries and intense pain, Smith demonstrated remarkable composure and resilience. He managed to paddle back to shore, crawl across the sand seeking help, and alert others to the incident. Emergency responders from the Honolulu Ocean Safety Department quickly arrived, and he was transported for medical treatment.

Smith is currently recovering and is expected to make a full recovery, though he faces multiple surgeries, including a skin graft, and months of rehabilitation. His family has described his survival as “nothing short of a miracle” and has set up support for his wife and two young children while he heals.

In a testament to his love for the ocean, the dedicated surfer has already expressed his determination to get back on his board.

“I may not surf that spot by myself at sunrise, but other than that, no, I’m getting back in the water as soon as I can,” Smith said.

The incident prompted warning signs to be posted in the area, with officials advising ocean users to stay out of the water until further notice. Shark sightings, including aggressive behavior from similarly sized animals, have been reported nearby in recent times.

This non-fatal attack serves as a sobering reminder of the wild nature of Hawaii’s waters, even for experienced locals who know them intimately. Smith’s story of survival and quick thinking has inspired many in the surfing community.

Friends, family, and supporters continue to rally around the Smith family during his recovery.