Shaking Feathers with Anika Craney: Shark Bite Survivor and Ducktober Fundraiser

Anika Craney is an experienced free diver, surfer and shark bite survivor who took part in this year’s Ducktober challenge. She explains to WOW that as an advocate for mental health and ocean therapy, she was drawn to the cause and the cold water challenge.  

In 2020, Anika was snorkeling off far north Queensland’s Fitzroy Island when she was bitten on the leg by a shark. She was there to film a YouTube shark documentary series. The 29 year old made world-wide headlines as she was wheeled into Cairns Hospital exclaiming: "I still love sharks! Sharks are beautiful!"

Today she talks to WOW about getting involved with Ducktober and how the cold water challenge personally helped her mental health and path to recovery. 

The Benefits of Ducktober on Your Mental Health

I decided to undergo this experience for my own mental health and also to show others how important and helpful it can be to commit to yourself every day. 

Although I experienced an unforeseen challenge of my own during this month, I remained committed to my journey with water. There will always be challenges in life, but how we respond to them is our choice. ‘Make or break’ is the simple mantra I tell myself during dark times: the choice is mine.  

Choose Your Own Cold Water Challenge

I loved the ice baths the most, immersing in freezing cold water really resets the entire nervous system and leaves you feeling empowered and amazing after!

Cold water immersion has helped me with nerve pain, anxiety and depression. I am left feeling tingles all over my body, and a clear mind to start my day.  

Anika’s Personal Challenges During Ducktober 

The biggest challenge for me would have to be day 21, I experienced a PTSD trigger from the green murky water (a trigger for me post-shark bite last year). But the story doesn’t end there. I have since had to put a lot of energy into better understanding what my body and mind needs to reset again. Cold water is still the answer, although I had to alter my method and stick to clear water and ice baths or cold showers to give my mind a rest.

We All Have Many Rivers to Cross

I have always been acutely aware that we all have our own mountains to climb and no one is immune to hard times. But there are ways to make the climb more manageable, minimise suffering and feel connected to our community when we need it the most. 

WOW really touches on everything I believe to be beneficial, empowering and inspiring during the darkest of times. 

Gain Mental Strength Through Kindness

I think Ducktober is a brilliant concept, it’s a ‘pay it forward’ system that helps all participants and inspires others to get into the big blue to beat the blues. What a great way to keep checking in every single day with what the mind and body needs to stay healthy, happy and in tune. Thank you Foundation WOW for bringing us all together.

You can donate to Anika Craney here.

Follow Anika’s adventures on Instagram.