14-Year-Old Surfer Bitten at New Smyrna Beach

On the afternoon of July 9, 2014, a 14-year-old male surfer from Edgewater, Florida, was bitten by a shark while surfing in the Atlantic Ocean near the jetty at New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County. The incident occurred in approximately four feet of water shortly after 2:00 PM, during murky water conditions with a sea surface temperature of 85°F. The young surfer, an experienced waterman who had been surfing since age three, was in the water with friends for approximately one hour when the shark bit his right foot. In his account of the incident, he described how he instinctively pulled his foot away from the shark, which initially released its grip. He paddled back to shore, initially operating on adrenaline and only realizing the severity of the injury upon visual inspection. The incident resulted in lacerations to the right foot requiring surgical intervention. At Halifax Medical Center, surgeons repaired two tendons damaged during the bite. Weather conditions at the time included scattered clouds, 10-mile visibility, air temperature of 86°F, and easterly winds at 10.4 mph. The moon phase was waxing gibbous at 89% illumination. The shark species was not identified, as the victim did not observe the animal. Medical professionals estimated a six-week recovery period. Despite the serious nature of his injury, the young surfer expressed determination to return to surfing upon recovery, stating he would not allow a single shark encounter to deter his passion for the sport.