WAILUKU, Hawaii (KHON2) -- "I love surfing, I want to go back surfing," said 61-year-old Kenji Nonaka after surviving a shark attack while surfing in Waiehu. After two months, Kenji finally fulfilled his wishes, returning to the water after a lengthy recovery. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You In early November, Kenji was surfing in the waters off Waiehu Beach Park, also known as Sandpiles, when a shark "completely severed" his leg just below the knee. On Dec. 19, his doctor said he could go swimming today. The next day, that's exactly what he did, heading to Kahului Harbor to catch a small wave. Maui surfer recovering after shark attack, thanks ‘hero’ for watching over him He added it felt like being a beginner all over again, but with some patience and perseverance, he was able to paddle out. With his wife cheering him on, he caught some waves on his belly and was smiling ear to ear. A few days later, he went out to one of his favorite breaks a few down from where he was attacked. Kenji said he still feels a little scared to get in the water. "The ocean is their property, all marine life property. That's why I respect them. I still love them," he added. He still wears a shark band on his leg and is walking with crutches, determined to finish a house project. Kenji will be flying to Honolulu next week to get measured for a prosthetic leg and hopes it will get him back into larger surf. "Then I'll try and stand up then I don't know. A couple of years later, I want to try again, big wave." Check out more news from around Hawaii Kenji can't thank the community and first responders enough for saving him back in November. "Ambulance, firemen, all my friends. I'm so happy. Thank you all."