Dave Pearson on Shark Attack PTSD: ‘The Ocean Will Always Haunt Me’
So, you think surfing is all fun and sun? Well, let me tell you, for Dave Pearson, it comes with a side of trauma. 14 years ago, the Australian surfer had a terrifying encounter with a nearly 10-foot bull shark while catching waves on New South Wales’ Mid North Coast. Fast forward to today, and he’s opening up about how that fateful day still echoes in his life—a stark reminder that nature doesn’t play nice.
In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, Pearson shares that while he’s “mostly okay,” coping with PTSD has been an uphill battle. He’s got sleepless nights that crash in like an unexpected wave, especially when he hears news about other serious shark attacks. “The closer to home, the more it affects me,” he admits. While some find solace in therapy or medication, Pearson attributes much of his resilience to his family and a supportive community he’s built for other shark attack survivors.
Called “Bite Club” (and no, you won’t find it on the backlot of a Hollywood producer’s office), this private Facebook group allows folks who’ve faced similar oceanic horrors to connect and support one another. It’s an open space where judgment doesn’t crash in; everyone relates to the fear and trauma, making it a crucial outlet for healing.
But Pearson’s outreach doesn’t just stop at online chats. This brave surfer gets involved in local community engagements, providing support to families and witnesses of recent shark incidents. “Those conversations can be pretty tough,” he explains, emphasizing the emotional weight these discussions carry. He also checks in with people who develop shark deterrents or mitigation strategies. After living through an attack, he’s eager to share what he knows, hoping that he can point others toward the right resources.
With shark numbers on the rise and interactions between humans and marine life becoming more frequent, Pearson’s advocacy work may just be more crucial than ever. An article by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation highlights increasing shark sightings and their implications for swimmers and surfers alike, making Pearson’s voice and experience invaluable. So, while Pearson continues to face the waves—both real and metaphorical—he’s doing it with some serious grit, reminding us that sometimes, surviving is just the beginning of a story that’s far from over.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and PEOPLE Magazine, ABC News Australia, National Geographic
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