Shark Bite Snaps Board, Surfer Escapes Unharmed at Cabarita Beach
It was a terrifying morning at Cabarita Beach on Australia’s New South Wales north coast, when a surfer had what many are calling a miraculous escape. Just after sunrise, around 7:30am, the man was sitting on his board when a massive shark came up and bit straight through it. The force was so strong that the board snapped in two, sending debris flying in the water. Despite the violent hit, the surfer was incredibly lucky — the bite missed him entirely, and he walked away without a scratch.
Photos shared online later showed the broken board with a huge, bite-shaped chunk missing, evidence of just how close this came to disaster. Eyewitnesses described the board almost exploding on impact, with pieces flying apart as other surfers scrambled to reach the safety of dry sand. One local yoga teacher who saw the scene unfold said the shark’s bite landed just behind the surfer, dangerously close, but not close enough to cause injury.
Within minutes, Surf Life Saving crews and council officials closed Cabarita Beach and nearby Norries Cove as a precaution. Drones were sent up to monitor the waters, and warning signs were put in place to keep people out. Later that morning, a five-metre great white shark was caught and released from a smart drumline set just offshore. Experts confirmed the shark matched the description of the one involved in the attack.
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This wasn’t the first scare at Cabarita. Less than two months ago, a 16-year-old boy was bitten at the same location. Locals say it’s a reminder that these waters are home to sharks, particularly during whale season, when the animals move closer to shore.
Even surfing legend Kelly Slater reacted after seeing the images of the damaged board. He called the surfer’s escape “incredible” and said it was another example of why surfboards have often saved lives, acting as a barrier between humans and sharks.
Those who know the surfer said he seemed surprisingly calm afterward, even joking that he was more upset about losing his board than about the close encounter. The board’s shaper, who had built it heavier than normal, said it was hard to believe how easily the shark’s jaws crushed straight through.
Lifesavers described the incident as nothing short of a miracle. One said if he were the surfer, he’d be buying a lottery ticket right away. The bite was savage, the force undeniable, and yet no one was hurt.
For now, Cabarita Beach remains closed as authorities monitor the area. The event is a stark reminder that while the ocean offers beauty and freedom, it is also shared with some of nature’s most powerful predators. The surfer may have lost a board, but he kept his life — and that’s something everyone agrees is the best possible outcome.
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