Mike Coots – The Story of a Shark Attack Survivor and his Campaign Fin for a Fin

“If my life is taken, don’t take theirs”

Mike Coots lost his leg to a tiger shark while he was out surfing in Kauai in 1997. He was only 18 years old and in the space of a matter of minutes his life was flipped upside down. An avid surfer and water lover, he suddenly found himself landlocked. Mike never lost sight of passion and soon developed a passion for photography that quickly developed into a career. He started working with major companies such as American Express and Quiksilver.

What surprises many is that Mike never felt any anger towards the animal. Instead, in the wake of his accident he felt compelled to learn more about sharks. Following the advice of a fellow shark attack survivor he watched a film called Sharkwater, which moved him immensely.  He felt a need to learn more about sharks and the fishing practice of shark finning.

Coots started getting actively more involved in shark protection programs, and was working with the Pew Charitable Trust to raise awareness about the practice of finning. A dedicated supporter for shark protection, Mike and a few friends launched Fin For A Fin, a surfboard fin that is similar to an organ donor symbol on your driver’s license. In the event of a shark attack, the specifically marked fin conveys to rescuers that you do not wish for the animal to be killed in retaliation. The specially marked fins function as a gesture to discourage the reaction of shark culling.

The fins are available worldwide and the profits will go towards funding initiatives and research that has focus on the protection of both sharks and surfers. They are working closely with Dorsal, a shark alert network, and Tag for Life, a nonprofit who concentrate their efforts on educating people about shark behavior.

Mike Coots, believes that the ocean is a shark’s home. It is their domain. We are all aware of the risks. However, as soon as there is an attack, we seek revenge. If you believe sharks should be protected, these fins give you a voice – they signal to the world that if you’re attacked, you don’t want the shark killed.

In addition to making a solid statement the custom fiberglass fins are designed to perform! What’s more when you buy a set of fins you can register your wishes on their global database. The aim is for this to become a shark attack reference point. Thus, in case of tragedy, the fins will indicate to authorities to look up your name. They will then be able to see your wishes prior to any further decisions being made. Fin for a Fin is available in a 3-piece thruster set or as a single fin, along with other products, on finforafin.com.