Ulualoha - video

Stu Nettle picture
Stu Nettle (stunet)
Swellnet Dispatch

Three years ago Jimmy Ulualoha Napeahi was attacked by a tiger shark while surfing on Hawaii’s Big Island. Also known as 'Ulu Boy', he was surfing at Dead Trees when it happened.

After the attack, Ulu Boy’s family and friends tied a tourniquet on his leg to stop the bleeding, then got him to the hospital. Despite the severity of his wounds, Ulu Boy views the attack philosophically. “That’s their territory," he said. "They had every right to do that, and I was just at the right place at the right time, and they chose me.”

Now, three years later, Napeahi is back in the surf and he believes he owes that to the shark that nearly killed him. “The way I see it,” he says, “I owe that shark my deepest gratitude because it gave me a second chance at life. And to this day, I am continually being blessed. Now that the past is behind me, I want to be known as a good son, a good brother, a good friend, and over all, a good surfer.”

Comments

50young's picture
50young's picture
50young Wednesday, 14 Sep 2016 at 7:55am

Through Hardship character is Built

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Wednesday, 14 Sep 2016 at 9:40pm

I fucking loved that video.

Pipe looks so inviting when it's small to mid sized and old mate sure knows how to thread it.

Not sure about the having nothing call....I suppose it's all relative - maybe not enough to eat or few toys growing up ?

But sweet , fertile land like his was living on is precious and valuable, not to mention proximity to such an amazing ocean.

Reminds me of the Fijians I meet that plead with me to send them gifts - spearguns, fishing gear, mountain bikes (!) - even though I could never afford to live where and how they do, on a private island full of food and surrounded by healthy waterways and pumping waves.

Anyway that's a digression - sick surfing .

I need left barrels ASAP.

zenagain's picture
zenagain's picture
zenagain Wednesday, 14 Sep 2016 at 10:49pm

Fast Eddie gets a cameo too, passing on the ways of his Hawaiian ancestors.

Nice vid and sounds like a humble, well adjusted kid. You can never understate the importance of a loving family.

chickenlips's picture
chickenlips's picture
chickenlips Thursday, 15 Sep 2016 at 12:23pm

Inspirational kid! Best fing I've watched in a long time!

sharkman's picture
sharkman's picture
sharkman Thursday, 15 Sep 2016 at 2:16pm

amazing how the kid harbors no animosity towards sharks , not like some of the Fred pawle chicken shits who call for culling , and extermination of sharks , because the poor dears are afraid they might not be able to surf in a 100% security from harm.
fuck its embarrassing to hear some of the shit about sharks on the forums , from so called surfers!

Bungan33's picture
Bungan33's picture
Bungan33 Thursday, 15 Sep 2016 at 6:09pm

That was simply beautiful. Brilliant camera work and cinematography. Best surf related video I have seen for ages....