Three time WSL world champion Mick Fanning has survived a terrifying shark encounter at the J-Bay Open in South Africa.
As he prepared for his first ride in the final against fellow Australian Julian Wilson, a shark fin ominously emerged from the water before appearing to get in a struggle with the 34 year old.
Thankfully, the shark swam away and the safety boat came out to quickly get Fanning and Wilson out of the water with no harm done.
Fanning told the Fox Sports reporter on the boat,
“I punched him in the back. I was just sitting there and I felt something just get stuck in my leg rope, and I was kicking, trying to get it away.”
“I instantly just jumped away. It kept coming at my board and I was kicking and screaming.
“I just saw fins. I was waiting for teeth. I punched it in the back,” he said.
The final was postponed as World Surfing League officials waited for clearance for the waters to be safe again.
– with The Roar.
Super-Human
Guest
Did they already decide not to continue... I watched the event, thought they would be back on tomorrow.
Super-Human
Guest
There are many ways sharks check out. Dangerous either way, some bite which will ripped you to shreds. Some nudge, which can break bones pretty easily. You don't really want a shark checking you out, even a little one.
JB
Guest
I have to agree, the concern shown from all involved media at the beach also, it has been handled well.
fadida
Guest
When asked for his opinion the shark said "hey man, I'm rapt and stoked man. Just taking it one wave at a time man"
Brendon Vella
Roar Guru
This is the craziest thing l have ever seen in sport. So lucky.
Clearly_Concussed
Guest
Shark denied the matchup as Mundine couldnt even outbox a Trout... boom tish.
Ryanno
Guest
You are right...... you are no expert. Most "attacks" by sharks are by the juveniles like this one at 3 metres long. The problem is that by being curious and "checking him out" they do it with their teeth which will easily remove a limb or take a chunk out of your torso. People don't get eaten alive, they die from the massive blood loss. Juvenile sharks are bloody dangerous, they aren't puppies.
dr katz
Guest
definitely a brown boardshort moment!
Rob JM
Guest
good to know sharks care about dental hygiene, although Mick probably wasn't to happy to be on the end of the floss!
Dingo
Guest
He punched it in the back? Cowardly, un-australian. Seriously, that is the most amazing thing I have ever seen, and yet the judges decided to award them 2nd place? tough critics
grotto
Guest
I follow the WSP a fair bit, and from everything I can see, Mick is a great bloke (his grace in victory after winning the Bells Beach competition this year was outstanding). So, perhaps this could well be karma - not because he got attacked, but because he survived! Great to see the camaraderie in the sport, which is sorely missing in many other professional sports...
Danno74
Guest
I'm know shark expert but the shark didn't look like it was attacking him, just checking him out then got tangled up, nevertheless bloody scary.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Hope the Shark was penalised. He didn't have priority!
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Hahaha. Yeah I think he wanted to shark to do a perfect 10 wave on the way in. Or do a dance like in the Katy Perry Super Bowl show
Kaks
Roar Guru
Headline should actually be "Shark fights off Mick Fanning on live TV at the J-Bay Open" Straya!
jamesb
Guest
Clive Robertson once said "why do people go swimming at the beaches? That's where the sharks live"
The Minister
Guest
Good to see sharks are so egalitarian and don't discriminate between world champions and your average waxhead....
jamesb
Guest
What are the chances of Mick Fanning punching a shark? Better than average.
Geoff Parkes
Expert
I get that the media beats stuff up but gee, you're a hard marker Simoc. What if Fanning finished off his ride and dragged the shark in with him while doing so - would that be a bit more worthy?
Chop
Roar Guru
Mundine has just issued the shark a challenge.....