Keynote speaker · Athlete · Shark attack survivor

It gets better.

A true story of survival, perspective, and what it takes to keep moving forward.

Book Lucas Read his story

As featured in

Past clientele

Conferences, corporate teams, schools and sport

Keynote speaker · Athlete

Turning adversity into focus, resilience and results.

Delivered through a powerful survival story and practical frameworks that turn adversity into clarity and belief.

Athlete: Professional kiteboarder, fully sponsored for a decade
Survivor: Shark attack, Turks and Caicos
Home: Prince Edward Island, Canada

Book Lucas See speaking topics

His story

“I was trying to say goodbye to my family out loud, between breaths.”

The athlete

A mile offshore

In May of 2024, I was a mile offshore in Turks and Caicos, bleeding out on the floor of a boat. I was 27 years old, a professional kiteboarder who had spent a decade living his dream: competing across six continents, fully sponsored, doing exactly what I’d set out to do as a kid from PEI.
The attack

Nine hours of surgery

I knew I wasn’t going to make it. I didn’t have enough air to finish the sentences. But I survived, and the life I woke up to after nine hours of surgery looked nothing like the one I’d built. No leg. No career. No idea who I was anymore.
The comeback

Keep moving

What happened next, the recovery, the doubt, the first step on a prosthetic, getting back in the ocean, taught me more about showing up, staying hopeful and keeping moving than twenty-seven years of living ever did.
The stage

It gets better

That’s what I share on stage. Not theory. Not a formula. A story that cost me everything, and gave me more back.
Book Lucas

The comeback

Back on the water.

From the parallel bars to his first run on a blade to kiteboarding again.

Lucas hydrofoil kiteboarding before the attack — The athleteA decade as a sponsored pro

Lucas carving on a kiteboard, throwing spray — The athleteCompeting on six continents

0:18

RehabLearning to walk again

0:14

RecoveryRunning on a blade

0:06

Back on the waterRiding with a prosthetic

0:09

Back in the airIt gets better

CBC The National segment showing Lucas kiteboarding with a prosthetic

Featured on CBC News Watch Lucas’s story on CBC’s The National. Watch on YouTube

Lucas Arsenault standing on one leg with his arms crossed

Why Lucas

Why choose Lucas for your next event?

Lucas Arsenault doesn’t speak in theory. He speaks from lived experience.

Through his keynote, It Gets Better, Lucas shares a powerful story of survival and recovery in a way that is deeply relatable, grounded and human.

Rather than relying on hype, Lucas connects by helping audiences see their own challenges differently. He brings perspective to everyday pressures, encourages gratitude for what often goes unnoticed, and reminds people that progress is built through small, consistent actions, especially during life’s hardest moments.

More awarePerspective on the pressure they face every day.
More appreciativeGratitude for what often goes unnoticed.
Better equippedTo navigate change with clarity and resilience.

Audiences leave not just inspired. If you’re looking for a keynote that resonates on a personal level and delivers lessons people can carry forward, It Gets Better offers exactly that.

Book Lucas Read testimonials

Testimonials

What organizers say.

1,800+

educators at the PEI Teachers’ Federation Annual Convention

“Lucas Arsenault delivered an outstanding keynote. His story and message of perseverance deeply resonated with our audience.”
“His authenticity, humility, and ability to connect on a human level created a powerful and uplifting atmosphere in the room. Lucas brings a rare combination of vulnerability and strength to the stage. His journey is inspiring, his delivery is engaging, and his message leaves a lasting impact. I highly recommend Lucas as a keynote speaker. Any event looking to inspire, energize, and genuinely reach people would be fortunate to have him.”

Chad GallantPEI Teachers’ Federation

60MIN

of full attention, from the first crowd interaction

“Inspiring. From his first crowd interaction, Lucas had our staff’s full attention.”
“For the next 60 minutes, we laughed, we cried a little, and above everything, we became empowered in our individual journeys. Lucas has a natural gift of engagement and storytelling, but above all, his positivity in the face of adversity is contagious. He is a must for your next corporate, sporting, or professional event’s agenda.”

Dean GetsonCDS

1ST

Power of ParaSport – Breaking Barriers Gala, the inaugural edition

“Lucas Arsenault delivered an absolutely unforgettable keynote at ParaSport & Recreation PEI’s inaugural Power of ParaSport – Breaking Barriers Gala.”

“His story, his energy, and his ability to connect with a room full of people left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. Lucas has a rare ability to do more than inspire an audience — he challenges you to think differently about what’s possible, what it means to overcome barriers, and how we can all play a role in building a more inclusive community.

What makes Lucas such a powerful speaker is that he brings authenticity, perspective, and an incredible sense of purpose to the stage. His message perfectly captured the spirit of our Gala and the mission of ParaSport & Recreation PEI. He reminded us that breaking barriers is about more than sport; it’s about opportunity, determination, and ensuring everyone has the chance to discover what they’re capable of achieving.

Lucas was a tremendous part of making our inaugural Gala such a special and memorable evening. I would recommend him without hesitation to any organization looking for a keynote speaker who will move an audience, challenge perspectives, and leave people thinking long after the event is over.”

Jeff PerryExecutive Director, ParaSport and Recreation PEI

From the audience

“Best speech of the entire conference!! It was so uplifting and I left feeling very motivated. The comments around perspective reminded about how I should see the world. The idea that the struggle can be/ is beautiful is something I needed to hear as a teacher today. Often times as a teacher you see students who are struggling but you shifted my perspective to see that I may not be able to change the circumstances but I can help them make those circumstances beautiful. Absolutely love it, will be recommending you to everyone!!”
PEI Teachers’ FederationAttendee · November 2025
“Lucas captivated the audience’s attention from his first sentence to his last word. His delivery is truly authentic and seamless; balancing real and raw with sprinkles of comedic relief. His story supported his message and it resonated. There are no points in his presentation where you are thinking “when is this guy done?” or “how much time before lunch?”. I left there with my belief in the universe solidified and truly inspired.”
Public Service CommissionAttendee · April 2026
“No matter who you are and what you are going through, this session will give you perspective and a shift in mindset. It gets better. This session can benefit anyone! Thanks so much!!”
Early Childhood EducatorsAttendee · November 2025
“Life changing, makes you appreciate what you have right now and you see that your problems could always be worse so be grateful for what you got.”
Charlottetown IslandersAttendee · March 2026
“Without a doubt the best keynote speaker I’ve heard! If you had an opportunity to listen to him don’t pass. Gave me goosebumps.”
Canadian Student Leadership Horizon ConferenceAttendee · April 2026
“Lucas is a very talented speaker. His story is inspiring and emotionally moving. He speaks with his heart and speaks to the audience as though it were a one on one conversation. His talking points are well coordinated and the presentation is attention holding. His lessons are well thought out and motivational. I am very glad I got to listen to him speak.”
WCB Safety ConferenceAttendee · May 2026
“This young man made this old lady look at life in a different way.”
Sonance FinancialsAttendee · September 2026

Speaking engagements

Sharing a story that stays with you.

A camera monitor framing Lucas on stage during his keynote — Live · It Gets Better

Lucas delivers engaging, relatable keynotes informed by an experience where survival was uncertain and every decision mattered. He translates that perspective into powerful lessons on mindset, culture and performance: grounded, practical insights that resonate long after the event.

Each keynote is tailored to the audience, ensuring relevance, engagement and meaningful takeaways that teams can apply immediately.

Book this keynote

Key topics include

Tailored to conferences, corporate teams, schools and sport.

How I survived a shark attack

And what it taught me about leading under pressure.

The four things that kept me alive

And how they apply to your team right now.

What facing death teaches you

About showing up when it’s hard.

Get in contact

Connect with Lucas.

If you’d like to bring Lucas’s story to your audience, reach out below. Whether you’re planning a conference, school event or corporate talk, his team will help tailor the message to fit your goals.

Prefer email?

Info@lucasarsenault.ca

Instagram ↗ LinkedIn ↗