Amputee surfer shares passion with beginner surfers

Mike Coots lost his right leg when a Shark attacked him while body boarding at the age of 18.

Disabled surfer Mike Coots returns to the waves. (SBS)

 The American incredibly returned to the water and learnt to surf with his prosthetic.

“The ocean heals. You are removing gravity and people from staring,” said Coots.

“While you are on the ocean, surfers know that you are not thinking about anything else but that ride.”

While in Australia for repairs on his carbon-fibre leg he spent some time with other amputees and shared the joys of surfing amongst his new friends.

“I think it’s good to get everybody together to bond, people can see what equipment [prosthesis] other people are using, if they are surfing with it or just walking around”