My PADI Story – Mike Coots, Shark-bite Survivor and Shark Advocate |
Description: “My PADI is how I hope to foster a healthy respect for sharks.” – Mike Coots, shark-bite survivor, surfer, professional photographer, PADI Open Water Diver One month after he lost his right leg to a tiger shark, while bodyboarding in Hawai’i, Mike Coots was back in the water. And now, 18 years later, shark advocacy has become Mike’s life mission. A professional photographer and influential force in the surf community, Mike is committed to changing people’s perceptions about sharks and lobbying for their protection. Although a certified diver before he lost his leg, it’s only been in the last year that Mike realized the best way to save sharks was to get face to face with the same species that took his leg and share that story with others. Through the power of storytelling and his photography, Mike hopes to show people that sharks aren’t the mindless killers portrayed in the media. “People always ask me how they can help sharks and I'd say go dive and see them first hand. I promise it'll be life changing once you do it,” says Mike. “You can’t comprehend the real beauty of sharks until you can look into their eyes and witness them in their natural environment.” Learn more about Mike at http:mypadi.padi.comdivermikecoots Help protect sharks: http:www.padi.compadi4sharks Director of Photography - Brandon Paul Watts - Wanderlust Industries Cinematographer - Dylan Isbell Underwater Cinematography - Duncan Brake - Oceanicallstars Underwater Cinematography - Brandon Paul Watts - Wanderlust Industries Editor - Brandon Paul Watts - Wanderlust Industries Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/padi Connect with us elsewhere: Facebook: https:www.facebook.comPADI Instagram: https:www.instagram.comPADItv Twitter: https:www.twitter.comPADI Website: https:www.padi.com 
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