In 2011, David Pearson, 62, experienced a shark attack that changed his life forever. This scary experience occurred on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. The shark grabbed his left arm and pulled him to the ocean bottom. It’s a nightmare scenario and he didn’t just lay down, in that life-and-death instance, he fought back. After losing close to 40 percent of his blood, Pearson received emergency lifesaving medical treatment that was integral to his survival. Immediate intervention by fellow surfers to use a tourniquet effectively stabilized his condition and provided him the chance to survive. They immediately called and rushed him to the hospital for specialized treatment.
The 11-hour ordeal has haunted Kerry Pearson ever since. He continues to fight through physical pain and emotional trauma sustained during the tragic shark attack. These scars continue to affect his life as he traverses a world full of surprises. Just last week, the second fatal shark attack in 2023 occurred just north of Crowdy Head. Upon hearing about this incident, he was shockingly reminded of his own traumatic experience in that exact same region in 2011.
David Pearson’s connection to the ocean goes much deeper. He refers to himself as a “lifetime surfer.” As a child growing up in Western Sydney, his parents would bring him to the beach every weekend in the summertime. This passion for surfing would be tested when Bob had a near-fatal meeting with a shark. Pearson found the strength to return to the water. Unbelievably, he managed to lose within 24 hours of receiving news of the most recent fatal assault on an ocean swimmer.
Pearson’s resilience extends beyond his personal recovery. He created Bite Club, a support group tailored for people who’ve survived shark bites. What he quickly realized was that survivors needed a place to tell their stories. He wanted to establish an environment in which they could talk freely about their feelings and experiences.
“A lot of people believe there is way too many white sharks out there now,” – David Pearson.
Concerns over shark populations and the need for protective measures have been hotly contested due to this misconception. While fear about sharks is pervasive, Pearson takes a nonpartisan approach toward the divisive topic of shark culling. He knows that building collaboration and confidence among Bite Club members is key to its success.
Pearson’s path hasn’t all been easy sailing. During the first four months after his attack, he had six shark encounters while surfing. Each meeting reopened his psychological wounds from the horror show of that killing. He understands that PTSD tends to develop when life begins to feel normal again, usually six to eight months following an attack.
“Obviously, you think about your attack and how lucky I was that I didn’t die, but then all of the other stuff that you go through comes back to you as well,” – David Pearson.
The emotional impact of what it is to live with PTSD has been significant. Pearson remembers that two of Bite Club’s unified members attempted suicide as they dealt with the same challenges. He emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding the impact of language on mental health, stating, “People need to know that their words can have very dire consequences.”
Even with all of these challenges, Pearson is sustained by being able to connect with other survivors through Bite Club. And so he asks members to share their experiences, giving other members a better idea of what they can look forward to during their healing process.
“We can tell them what they can expect; it’s fairly generic, unfortunately, that we all go through pretty much the same experiences,” – David Pearson.
Pearson’s resolve to remain optimistic shines through in his plans for how he will return to surfing after the loss of his leg. He employs technology, like drones, to scan for signs of shark activity before heading into the waves himself. This proactive measure lets him stay on the water, riding waves and living life while staying safe.
“I give myself every opportunity to get out of the ocean alive,” – David Pearson.
Just like all athletes, most surfers might be afraid and never show it. Pearson agrees that it’s important to have these chats, even if they’re uncomfortable. He notes, “You won’t get much comment from the surfers, but in private they will tell you how they really feel.” This reluctance speaks to the stigma that still exists around talking about shark attacks—and their psychological effects.
Pearson envisions dismantling barriers through his work with Bite Club, and that’s a commitment he takes seriously. His goal is to encourage frank discussion about the challenges of living through these kinds of experiences. He is well aware that knowledge and understanding can go a long way in establishing more humane support structures for victims of shark attacks.
Reflecting on his personal growth since the attack, Pearson shares a moment of humor amidst the seriousness of his situation. “I was the kind of guy who would break his leg and still walk home,” he quips, acknowledging how perspectives on pain and risk have shifted in light of his experience.
“It’s no more risky than anything else we do on a daily basis,” – David Pearson.
Pearson living life as a shark attack survivor. Today, he is committed to fighting for others who’ve experienced what he has. Through Bite Club, he provides support and understanding to those who need it most while addressing broader concerns about shark populations and safety measures in surfing communities.
