Great White Shark Bites Surfboard at Surf Beach, California

On the morning of September 8, 2008, a surfer was in the Pacific Ocean at Surf Beach near Lompoc in Santa Barbara County, California, approximately 50 yards from shore. The conditions were favorable for surfing, with glassy, calm waters and shoulder-high swells under an overcast sky. After about 30 minutes in the water, the surfer observed a pod of 10-15 dolphins swimming through the area from north to south, jumping in and out of the water—a common occurrence at this location. Approximately one minute after the dolphins passed, the surfer felt a sudden impact from behind as a large shark struck the tail of his board, lifting him slowly out of the water and pushing him forward 1-2 feet. The surfer quickly slid off the left side of his board. The shark surfaced with the board in its mouth, and the surfer used the surfboard defensively, pointing the fins toward the shark. The surfer reported being close enough to observe the shark's eye rolling back in its socket and the sensory pores on the underside of its snout as it continued to bite and push the board. The shark then thrashed wildly, striking the surfer with its tail before descending out of view. The surfer estimated the great white shark at 10-12 feet in length with light grey coloration, though investigators documented it as 14-16 feet based on available evidence. After the encounter, the surfer retrieved his board, which was now 15-20 feet away, and paddled safely to shore. The surfer sustained no injuries, though the shark left tooth marks on the lower surface of the board. This was the third shark sighting from this location and the second incident within the previous month.