Surfer Survives Crocodile Attack: the Colombia Calling Interview

I cannot imagine my reaction to the surprise of being hauled under into deeper water and then thrashed into a death roll. I cannot think of how I might respond to a crocodile’s teeth clamped on to my leg or if my adrenalin would be enough as my blood drains out from open wounds to allow me to process what is going on.

How would you react to a crocodile attack?

Fortunately, this crocodile attack – which took place in the river leading out to the Tayrona beach of Los Naranjos – happened to someone far more qualified and able to survive than me! Dare I say it, but after recording a jaw dropping and at times unbelievable interview with Brian Rea, owner of the Costeno Beach Surf Camp near to the town of Guachaca, for my Colombia Calling podcast, I kind of feel relieved that it did happen to him and not to someone else.

Now, I am not wishing the worst for my friend Brian, far from it, what I am simply saying is that he had the peace of mind, the clarity of thought and indeed the surfer’s physique with which to combat this attack. I don’t want to spoil the interview which you should all listen to on August 18 when it is aired, but it’s truly fascinating to hear the reflections of a survivor about his feelings on what was almost a tragic event.

Beware of the crocodile!

Brian chats openly about his understanding of an unspoken conversation between him and this “dinosaur” of almost 4m in length as they hold a stare between them. Try and imagine looking into the dead eyes of a crocodile which is intent on making you his meal!

Just one of the injuries suffered by surfer Brian Rea from his crocodile attack

Frankly, I only write blog posts promoting my Colombia Calling show when there’s something pretty darn awesome to share. You’ll agree that Brian’s tale is unique. So, please tune in and listen to the story first-hand of how a young Canadian surfer lived to tell the tale of a crocodile attack.

The story does have a happy ending in that Brian survives but there’s more, or perhaps it’s one of unbridled relief for Brian’s fiancee, as they will be wed on August 29 in Santa Marta. If you know of the group Bomba Estéreo check out their latest song and Brian and Liliana in the video below.

Tune in to the interview (Episode 108) directly on the Overseas Radio website or download it on iTunes. Take a look around, you might find other interviews of interest to you.