Shark Attack Survivor, Mike Coots’s Stunning Instagram Photos Will Keep You Inspired #Photography #Aloha #Surf #Dive #Inspiration

VIA – The Huffington Post  |  By Posted: 01/18/2014 12:52 am EST  |  Updated: 01/18/2014 1:36 am EST

This is Mike Coots.

Mike Coots

When he was 17 years old, he lost his right leg to a shark attack while surfing off waters in his home island of Kauai.

For some, his story might be terrifying just to hear, even 17 years later…:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/15/mike-coots-shark-attack-survivor-conservation_n_1778541.html

Mike Coots Surfing Mike Coots Instagram 1

But for Coots, it’s just something you “gotta laugh” about.

View Mikes Instagram Account here:

http://instagram.com/p/R3lAeKomL2#

Mike Coots Instagram 2

 

While babysitting his six-year-old-nephew, this was presented to him: “It’s you, uncle Mike,” his nephew told him.
He has immense respect for the ocean and does his part in keeping it clean.

Mike Coots Instagram 5

“We need to take better care of our oceans,” Coots writes. “Here is a crapload of net and rope this morning. Must of been a few hundred pounds.”
And he shows incredible compassion for the creature that once caused him so much pain.

Mike Coots Instagram 3

 

 

Coots is an ambassador for the conservation of sharks. In 2010, he was part of the effort to pass a ban on the possession and sale of shark fins.
“I remember the first time getting back in the water … I remember jumping in the ocean, and it felt glorious,”

Mike Coots Instagram 6

Coots recalls in a 2012 interview with The Huffington Post.
To this day, he continues to inspire all those who view his incredible photos…

Mike Coots Instagram 4

…and hears the story of that one day…

Mike Coots Instagram 7

…seventeen years ago…

Mike Coots Instagram 9

When a majestic creature changed his life, forever.

Mike Coots Instagram 10

Mike Coots is now a professional photographer whose work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Hawaii Magazine, Discovery Channel and more. See a portfolio of his work here.

Follow him on Instagram here.

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/18/mike-coots-photos_n_4621492.html#slide=2842464

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