Page 10 - MidWeek Windward - April 26, 2023

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APRIL 26, 2023
A loha, surfers and beachgoers.The spell of small surf is still upon us in paradise. The North Shore was just 1 foot as I penned this piece. The average for mid-April is 3-5 feet local scale, with the record being 12-18 feet back in 1970 (Goddard-Caldwell database can be found at Surf News Network. Click on the
the date April 17).
In other news, AccesSurf
shark attack near Kewalo’s surf break.
“When they reached me, the shark was still on me,” he says. “They were scared for their lives, too. When it finally let go, they were there for me. They were in shock also. Especially when they saw how severe the damage was, they knew they had to stop the bleeding ... and fast.
Mike made it to The Queen’s Medical Center and hopes to surf another day, he did lose his right foot.
matic incident,” say Keani and Kamu. “We have creat- ed this Go Fund Me as a way for people to donate to his medical expenses. We are truly grateful for everyone’s generosity and hope that his story inspires everyone to count their blessings and ap- preciate every moment with their loved ones.”
Pat Caldwell link).
Our south shores, on the
The nonprofit won’t be hosting a Day at the Beach in May but will be holding a charity walk on May 6. Meanwhile, the 2023 Hawai‘i Adaptive Surfing Champion- ships are set for May 8-14 at Kūhiō Beach Park. I’ll keep you updated on that here and at snnhawaii.com.
The attack was seemingly out of the blue, but Mike’s courage, fight and “know how” likely save him. The other key factor were his three best friends who came to his rescue even though the shark was still holding onto Mike’s leg.
“My friends tied tourni- quets on my leg with their leashes,” Mike says. “That’s hard to do. It’s hard to tie a leash as a tourniquet.”
Mike’s son and daughter are also grateful to have their dad. Kamu and Keani have created a Go Fund Me page.
To donate, visit gofund- me.com/f/mike-morita-ke- walos-shark-attack.
other hand, are smack dab in the middle of average — 1-2 feet. The record for the high- est surf there was 5-7 feet back in 2008 (all records for
“We appreciate every one of you for your kind and en- couraging words as my fa- ther recovers from this trau-
Thanks for sharing your time with me.
BY GARY KEWLEY
Local Surfer Remains Hopeful After Shark Attack
was busy this month with its Day at the Beach on April 8, Canoe Day on April 15 and Wounded Warrior Day at the Beach on April 19.
Mike Morita, age 58, a long-time local ripper, lost his right foot to an 8-foot ti- ger shark on May 9. Mike’s been surfing at this particular spot for more than 40 years and is well known in the community.
“I want everybody to learn to this. Maybe this can inspire other people who are going through tough times,” Mike says. “We can get through things. I’m grateful to be alive.”
On a more sobering note, I’m sure you’ve heard of the
He is certain his friends’ fast response and bravery are what saved his life. Though
GQ, droppin in 4 U!
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