“I looked back and saw a shark’s mouth” — Surfer’s scare at Montara Beach

A surfer narrowly escaped injury on May 31 when a shark bit his board at Montara State Beach in San Mateo County. The rare encounter led officials to close the beach for two days as a precaution.

Jens Heller, visiting with his wife and infant daughter, was about 100 yards offshore when he felt something knock him off his board. “I looked back and then saw this big mouth grabbing onto my board,” he told Powerlines Productions. The shark left visible bite marks but swam away without injuring him.

After paddling out, Heller spent 10 to 15 minutes on his board before the encounter. He initially thought he had struck a rock or other underwater obstacle.

During the brief encounter, Heller observed the shark’s black eye and rows of teeth as it clamped down on his surfboard. The jaws left visible bite marks before they released the board.

Heller swam back to shore with his damaged board and alerted others. He alerted nearby beachgoers and lifeguards about the encounter. “It’s my lucky day,” he said. “I can’t believe it didn’t get me at all.”

Lifeguards cleared the water and posted warning signs. State wildlife officials collected DNA samples from the board to identify the species.

Officials said they expect to determine the specific shark species within the next week based on the forensic evidence. The identification process will help marine biologists better understand shark behavior in the area, according to the Los Angeles Times article.

Montara State Beach is known for powerful surf and frequent wildlife sightings, making it a favorite among seasoned surfers. Though this incident is alarming, shark encounters in California remain rare. Between 1950 and 2021, there have been only 15 shark-related fatalities and 107 injuries, according to Frontiers in Marine Science.

Since 2000, California Fish and Wildlife data shows an average of five human white shark encounters annually. A majority of these incidents are classified as investigations and do not result in injuries, according to Shark Stewards.

Based on data from the California Academy of Sciences, California has experienced only 99 unprovoked shark attacks throughout its history, primarily involving great white sharks, with nine resulting in fatalities. During the last decade, the state has seen an average of 1.8 attacks annually.

Experts urge ocean users to remain cautious, surf in pairs, and follow posted advisories. Besides sharks and other sea animals, rip currents and rough surf also pose risks.

The incident occurred during peak weekend hours when numerous families and recreational users typically visit area beaches. The swift response by lifeguards and park officials helped ensure public safety while allowing for proper documentation of the rare event.

Despite the scare, Heller says he won’t give up surfing. 

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