Beyond the bite

Beyond the Bite is a deeply personal reflection on my journey of surviving a Great White Shark encounter in 2015 — and the transformative path that followed. This talk explores the trauma of the experience, the power of returning to the ocean, and the unexpected process of healing through reconnection — even with sharks themselves.

The session features a screening of Caleb: Beyond the Bite, a 7-minute short film that has gained international recognition: optional time for a Q&A and open discussion afterwards.

Trailer available here.

The film recognition to date:

Award Winner – International Tourism Film Festival Africa (2025)

Recipient of the Gabriel Figueroa Special Award – Wildlife Conservation Film Festival (2024)

Each session consists of 20-minute presentations, followed by a joint Q&A session of 15 minutes.

ABOUT CALEB SWANEPOEL

Caleb Swanepoel is an adaptive athlete, storyteller, and ocean advocate whose life was transformed after surviving a shark encounter while surfing in Cape Town. Losing his leg became the beginning of a powerful journey — one rooted in resilience, reconnection, and return. 

Caleb channels his passion for the ocean into storytelling that inspires change. With a background in professional acting, keynote speaking, and brand storytelling, his work spans stage, screen, and sea — including the award-winning short film Caleb: Beyond the Bite, which explores trauma, healing, and finding belonging in the ocean again.

Through his talks, films, and performances, Caleb invites audiences to engage more deeply with themselves, with the wild, and with what it means to move forward — not in spite of challenge, but because of it.