As surfers there are two things we fear the most, being smashed by a monster set and shark attack. Both flicker in our minds randomly when we sit in the ocean waiting for the next wave, both are quickly dismissed.

Let’s face it the rogue set will get us all one day and the chances are we will see it coming, wish we where anywhere else in the world, cop it on the head, get held down for a few seconds and come up with the realization that all is OK.

When it comes to shark attack you would have to think the chances of being attacked are about that of winning the lotto. In Glenn Orgias’s case not only did he ‘win’ the reverse lotto, he did it without buying a ticket.

Bondi Beach in the Summer of 2009, the busiest beach in Australia, shark nets set and no real sign of danger. Glenn took a late arvo surf that changed his life and people’s sense of ‘safety’ forever. Glenn was taken by a Great White Shark while paddling back out the back. No one saw it coming, in fact Glenn didn’t even see it. Lucky for Glenn the fact that the surf was crowded saved his life. People came from everywhere to assist. It was close but he was going to live. All this while his wife was pregnant with their first child.

Man In A Grey Suit is not just about the attack, it is Glenn’s powerful journey. A journey of pain, anger, learning, love and appreciation. Glenn’s story is something we never want to live as surfers but at the same time it gives us all the feeling that these things really do make you stronger.

For surfers this is a book that brings out so many emotions. Unlike JAWS or any other fictional shark horror movie, this was real and we know it. We all remember the news that day, and let’s be honest we thought ‘that could have been me’ and we where glad it wasn’t. Glenn’s story tells us the stuff we don’t usually hear, the after. An everyday surfer with a moving story. Well played mate, you’re an amazing guy.

Glenn is now back surfing (and surfing well I might add) and is active in shark conservation.

Check out Glenn surfing at – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sxwbIBPADw&feature=youtu.be

 Glenn’s book MAN IN A GREY SUIT is now in the new releases section of all bookshops and online. A must read for surfers.