Cole’s second shark encounter
Cole Taschman’s second encounter with a shark was nothing short of terrifying. It happened on a warm afternoon, with the sun casting a golden glow over the waves at Bathtub Beach. The conditions were perfect for surfing, and Cole, a seasoned surfer, was enjoying the familiar rhythm of the ocean. But as he paddled out to catch another wave, something unexpected happened. Without warning, a large shadow appeared beneath him, and before he could react, the shark struck.
The impact was sudden and violent. Cole felt a sharp pain in his leg as the shark’s teeth sank into his flesh. Years of experience in the water had taught him to stay calm in dangerous situations, but the intensity of the attack was overwhelming. He kicked hard, trying to free himself from the predator’s grip. After what felt like an eternity, the shark released him and disappeared into the depths.
Bleeding and in shock, Cole managed to paddle back to shore, where bystanders quickly rushed to his aid. Paramedics arrived soon after, and he was taken to the hospital for treatment. The bite was severe, but fortunately, it wasn’t life-threatening. Cole would need stitches and time to heal, but he was alive—something he didn’t take for granted.
Reflecting on the incident later, Cole admitted that the encounter had shaken him. Despite his previous experience with sharks, this attack was different. The size of the shark and the force of the bite were far more intense than what he had faced twelve years earlier. Yet, even in the face of such danger, Cole’s love for the ocean remained unshaken. He knew the risks that came with surfing in shark-inhabited waters, but for him, the thrill of riding waves was worth it.
The first bite at Bathtub Beach
Twelve years before his second encounter, Cole Taschman had already experienced the raw power of a shark at Bathtub Beach. It was a day much like any other—clear skies, warm water, and a steady set of waves rolling in. Cole, then in his early twenties, had been surfing for hours, completely immersed in the rhythm of the ocean. But as he paddled out for what he thought would be just another wave, he felt a sudden, sharp tug on his foot.
At first, he wasn’t sure what had happened. The sensation was strange, almost like he had snagged his foot on something beneath the surface. But when he looked down, he saw the unmistakable shape of a small shark clamped onto his ankle. Panic surged through him, but his instincts kicked in. He knew that thrashing around would only make things worse, so he tried to stay as calm as possible. With a swift kick, he managed to dislodge the shark, which quickly swam away, leaving him with a deep gash on his foot.
Unlike his more recent encounter, this first bite wasn’t as severe. The shark, likely a juvenile, had left a nasty wound, but it wasn’t life-threatening. Still, the experience was enough to shake him. He paddled back to shore, his heart racing, and was met by a few concerned beachgoers who helped him out of the water. A quick trip to the hospital confirmed that he would need stitches, but the injury would heal in time.
Looking back, Cole realised how lucky he had been. The shark could have easily done more damage, but it seemed more curious than aggressive. He later learned that Bathtub Beach, like many spots along Florida’s coast, was home to a variety of shark species, including blacktips and nurse sharks, which were known to frequent the shallow waters. While these sharks weren’t typically dangerous to humans, encounters like his weren’t unheard of, especially for surfers who spent long hours in the water.
Despite the scare, Cole didn’t let the incident keep him out of the ocean for long. After a few weeks of recovery, he was back on his board, riding the waves at Bathtub Beach. The bite had left a scar, both physically and mentally, but it hadn’t dampened his passion for surfing. If anything, it had deepened his respect for the ocean and its inhabitants. He knew that every time he entered the water, he was stepping into their world, and with that came a certain level of risk.
Lessons learned from the ocean
Over the years, Cole Taschman has come to understand that the ocean is a place of both beauty and unpredictability. His two shark encounters, though frightening, have taught him valuable lessons about the delicate balance between humans and marine life. One of the most important things he’s learned is the need for respect—respect for the ocean’s power, its creatures, and the risks that come with entering their domain.
“You can’t control the ocean,” Cole often says. “You can only respect it.” This mindset has shaped the way he approaches surfing and life in general. He’s more mindful now, not just of the waves, but of the environment around him. He’s learned to read the water better, to pay attention to the signs that might indicate the presence of marine life, and to never take the ocean’s calm surface for granted. Even on the most peaceful days, he knows that danger can lurk just beneath the surface.
Another lesson Cole has taken from his experiences is the importance of staying calm under pressure. Both shark encounters could have ended much worse if he had panicked. In the water, fear can be your worst enemy. By keeping his composure, even when faced with a predator, Cole was able to minimise the damage and get himself to safety. It’s a lesson that applies not just to surfing, but to life’s many challenges. Staying calm, assessing the situation, and acting with purpose can make all the difference.
But perhaps the most profound lesson Cole has learned is that the ocean is not a place to be feared, but to be respected. He doesn’t see sharks as monsters, but as creatures simply doing what they’ve done for millions of years. They are part of the ecosystem, and surfers like him are visitors in their world. This understanding has deepened his connection to the ocean, making each surf session not just a thrill, but a reminder of the delicate balance between man and nature.
For Cole, these experiences have also reinforced the importance of preparation. He now takes extra precautions when surfing in areas known for shark activity. He avoids surfing at dawn or dusk, when sharks are most active, and he’s more cautious about entering the water after heavy rains, which can stir up the ocean and attract predators. He’s also become an advocate for shark awareness, encouraging other surfers to educate themselves about the creatures they share the water with.
“The ocean gives us so much,” Cole reflects. “It’s up to us to respect it and understand that we’re not the only ones out there.”
A second encounter with danger
Cole Taschman was no stranger to the ocean’s more toothy residents. But even for a bloke like him, lightning striking twice was a bit much. It was a sunny day at Bathtub Beach, Stuart, Florida—perfect for a surf. The waves were rolling in just right, and Cole was out there doing what he loved. Then, out of nowhere, it happened again.
He felt the unmistakable pressure on his leg. A shark had latched on. This time, it wasn’t a small one either. The bite was deeper, more serious. But Cole, being the seasoned surfer he was, didn’t panic. He knew the drill—stay calm, don’t thrash about, and get to shore as quickly as possible. Easier said than done when you’ve got a shark hanging off your leg, but Cole managed to shake it off and paddle in.
Once on the beach, the adrenaline kicked in. He knew he needed medical attention, but he couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. Twice bitten, still not shy of the water. “What are the odds?” he thought, as he wrapped his leg in a towel and waited for help.
For most people, one shark bite would be enough to keep them out of the water for good. But Cole? Nah, he’s not most people. He’s a surfer, and the ocean is where he belongs—even if it occasionally bites back.
The first shark bite at Bathtub Beach
Twelve years earlier, Cole had his first run-in with a shark at the very same spot—Bathtub Beach. It was a smaller shark that time, but still enough to leave a mark, both physically and mentally. He was just a young bloke, out for a casual surf, when he felt something clamp down on his foot. At first, he thought he’d kicked a rock or maybe tangled with some seaweed. But when he looked down, there it was—a juvenile shark, having a bit of a nibble.
Now, most people would’ve freaked out, but Cole? Nah, he kept his cool. He gave the shark a swift kick, and it let go, swimming off like it had just realised it bit off more than it could chew. Cole paddled back to shore, his foot bleeding but his spirit intact. He knew he’d need stitches, but that wasn’t what was on his mind. Instead, he was already thinking about when he could get back in the water.
After a quick trip to the hospital and a few stitches, Cole was back at Bathtub Beach within a week. His mates thought he was mad, but for Cole, it was just another day in the life of a surfer. “Sharks are part of the deal,” he’d say with a shrug. “You’re in their backyard, after all.”
That first bite didn’t scare him off, not even close. If anything, it made him more determined to keep surfing. He wasn’t about to let a little shark bite ruin his love for the ocean. And besides, what were the chances of it happening again?
