Crocodile Attack

So you’re in Costa Rica, surfing the renowned Playa Hermosa. The water’s warm, the waves are fun and the sun’s out. Surfing don’t get much better than this. You get a nice wave, kick out and begin paddling out through the trail of broken whitewater. Then it hits you. Searing pain shoots through your right leg and before you realize what’s happened you’re being dragged and thrashed around in the water by one of nature’s most perfect killing machines. This is what happened to 13 year old Dakota Kilbride just a couple of days ago. “Whoa, another shark attack in Central America?” you might be thinking, “gnarly.” But you’d be wrong. As it turns out, crocodiles hang out in the nearby rivermouth at Playa Hermosa. And while croc attacks on humans in the area are virtually unheard of, it doesn’t mean there aren’t a few renegade crocs out there who decide to break the rules.

The photos of the damage inflicted on Dakota are horrific, stomach-turning images. Surreal, yet hauntingly realistic, too gruesome to post here. You can almost plot the points on his leg that the crocodile’s teeth pierced his skin moments before the croc performed its infamous ‘death roll’, which opened up Dakota’s leg like a tin of sardines. Like one of those alien autopsy videos, you’re not quite sure that what you’re seeing is authentic. But when you realize it is, you find yourself with jaw agape, wondering how anyone could survive so much trauma. Especially a kid. But Dakota’s strong. There was a special delivery of skin tissue from Miami to graft onto his leg, but it turns out he didn’t need it.

Close family friend Jim Hogan was one of the first on the scene and has been bedside with the Kilbride family throughout the ordeal. “Everything about this situation is a little miracle. From Dakota not losing his leg, to not needing the skin graft. It’s been a series of million to one things that have gone his way.” Hopefully a couple more minor miracles are on the horizon for Dakota too, because now he’s got some big hurdles ahead of him; months of rehab, muscle atrophy, not to mention complete loss of muscle tissue in the first place. All this physical preparation is before he even considers getting in the water again and the massive psychological battle this would entail. But for now Dakota’s being a kid again, checking out internet sites from his hospital bed with Mom and Dad by his side. And probably feeling like the luckiest 13 year old in the world.

[Stay tuned to SURFING Magazine for more details on this story as they unfold.]

Playa Hermosa

Reader Comments 

Posted Thu Sep25, 2008, 9:14 PM — By ethan

Dakota if you read this... you're the man!! you'll be back out there soon. and you'll have a rad war-story for all your future lady friends!

Posted Fri Sep26, 2008, 1:37 AM — By Johnny

Luckiest 13 year-old in the world? miracle? I know what you're trying to say, but damn, he was attacked by a damn croc to begin with!!

Posted Fri Sep26, 2008, 4:34 AM — By Jesse Price

Put this in your head Dakota, "You will surf again!" Don't lose faith. Your situation may be awful right now but you can use it to become a greater person in the end. I am praying for you.

Posted Sat Sep27, 2008, 9:44 AM — By Amanda Mitchell

Hey Dakota, I'm glad you made it out of that attack alive and I know u'll get better! Only positive thoughts my man!! :)

Posted Sat Sep27, 2008, 3:43 PM — By Emile Cioran

Be strong my friend, i'm praying for you, you are only 13 so you own the world, and with that story all the girls will fall in love with you!! Be positive.

Posted Sat Sep27, 2008, 11:58 PM — By O. Jones

You Rock little brother.... I know all will be wll w/ you and you will surf again...better than ever. And everyone is right about the story getting the girls...

Posted Sun Sep28, 2008, 9:27 PM — By jvhn

hope he was a longboarder

Posted Sun Sep28, 2008, 11:58 PM — By sergio

Costa Rican's are also praying for u my friend ! U'r really a strong man! and u'll be back in the water very soon . Get better BRO , peace

Posted Mon Sep29, 2008, 12:06 PM — By Kenneth Goode

Hang in there brother! All thoughts and prayers are out to you.

Posted Mon Sep29, 2008, 2:42 PM — By Pat

Stay strong and keep your head up!!! You'll be surfing again before you know it!! You are in my prayers!!!

Posted Mon Sep29, 2008, 7:21 PM — By Raul

Hola Dakota! Espero que te mejores pronto,se fuerte ten fe y veras que todo es posible, Take care Brooo!Nos vemos en la escuela. Pura Vida!

Posted Mon Sep29, 2008, 8:30 PM — By Garrett Penley

yo dakota i surfed jaco when you were attacked...stay strong man..i heard that same croc chased gilbert brown that day....tommy and alika said it was the croc they called lucky from that little pond by the tree...hopefully ill see you soon in school man... con bueno suerte PURA VIDA MAII!!

Posted Tue Sep30, 2008, 2:46 AM — By christian nguyen

they have a name for that beast!! somebody should put it out of its misery.. you should do it dakota! maybe.. hope you get well soon!

Posted Tue Sep30, 2008, 5:17 AM — By WAVEPIMP

Dakota, Dude I'm praying for your quick return to the water BRO. I am a friend of Jason and Melanie from Texas and he e-mailed me about all this. You are one strong kid and this will only make you stronger. Remember ---- CHICS DIG SCARS!!!!!! A story to tell your kids one day BRO!!!! James G.

Posted Tue Sep30, 2008, 5:52 AM — By Christian Montero(Brasileno)

Be strong my brother!You are one strong kid and this will only make you stronger.Get better and hopefully see you soon. Pura Vida!

Posted Wed Oct 1, 2008, 7:13 PM — By Bruno Teixeira

Hola, we will pray for you my friend, you are obviously meant to do great things in this world!! Feel better Bro! Bruno

Posted Thu Oct 2, 2008, 4:24 PM — By Pirate Mike

Yo Wild man Stay strong.. NOTHING can keep down.. Good luck brother..see ya soon.

Posted Fri Oct 3, 2008, 6:23 PM — By Dan Hazelton

Dakota bro, i surfed with you the day before in front of brisas. You and your buddy were charging...I want to wish you a quick recovery. see you at the beach.

Posted Mon Oct 6, 2008, 10:37 PM — By Dave

Hey Dakota,Sorry to hear the news. That croc has been lurking there for sometime now and I'm sad to hear he got you. Now you have an awesome story to tell everyone and you will have some props in the water. Keep on truckin on. You will be surfing soon.

Posted Wed Nov12, 2008, 11:51 PM — By Shane McKee

Hey Dakota! Its shane & kyra from california. Hope you're doing better man. Hopefully we can come see ya soon, but lets stay away from Playa Hermosa this time!

Posted Thu Jun 4, 2009, 1:17 AM — By Laura Fuqua

Dakota, I am so grateful you're okay and agree with every one who has posted that if you're not already out on the water- you will be soon. I'm your Dad's cousin... so pretty weird to hear we're related! Please say hi to your Dad from his Aunt Jan's daughter! I also have a son your age... so I'm so glad for you and your parents that you are okay! More power to you... our family are true fighters!

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