Back at the 2015 J-Bay Open, professional surfer Mick Fanning had a terrifying shark encounter during the final. Thankfully the former World Champion walked away unharmed!
Unexpected Guest
Mick was sitting in the line-up waiting for his turn when a fin suddenly popped up next to him. While the commentators were still discussing his previous season, the atmosphere at the J-Bay Open immediately shifted as realization set in.
The Interaction
The great white shark was circling and bumping into the professional surfer, while he tried to keep his board between him and the shark. In the video, you can see a lot of water splashing as the shark tried to knock Fanning off his board.
The Rescue
As soon as everyone realized that Fanning was in trouble everyone was ordered out of the water, while he was swimming towards the beach. Luckily, the water safety team reacted quickly and rushed to the surfer’s side.
All Clear
The surfer hopped on the sled behind a jet ski, throwing a thumbs up to indicate that he was unharmed. His leash came off and his board floated away, but that was the last of Fanning’s worries as he tried to regain his composure after what just happened.
Watch the full video here!
To Safety
The other surfer in the water was also pulled out as the horn signaled the pause of the competition’s final. While the crowd gave a unanimous sigh of relief that Mick Fanning was in one piece.
On The Boat
Once on the boat, Fanning told the crew that the shark got stuck in his leg rope and didn’t stop moving to try and get out. He sat there trying to process what just happened and how extremely lucky he was that he got away with nothing but a cut leash.
Processing
Mick said he was just sitting in the water about to move when he felt something get stuck in his leg rope, and he instantly just jumped away. And it just kept coming at his board while he just kept kicking and screaming. He even landed a punch on the great white’s back!
Just Fin, No Teeth
Mick told the interviewer he just saw the shark’s fin, but no teeth. Yet, he was waiting for the teeth to come at him. A terrifying encounter!
Watch the full video here!
Handled Well
Fanning did exactly what he was supposed to do, which was to get himself away from his board as that was what the shark was interested in. Knowing that attacks like these are normally a case of mistaken identity by the shark, and not from malicious intent.
Nervous Moments
As one of the commentators perfectly summed up: “That is one of the dangers of professional surfing. Nervous moments right there.” Especially the nine seconds when Fanning was out of sight, and everyone was wondering who, or what would emerge on the other side.
The Shark Rule
The shark rule came into effect in Jefferys Bay before, but never before was anything this dramatic seen. And everyone was relieved that what could have been much worse, turned out to be just one massive shark scare.
Safety First
Taking the safety of the surfers into account, the competition commission kept the heat on hold until they were sure that the surfers could go back into the water without any danger.
Final Results
At the end of the day, the 2015 J-Bay Open final was canceled due to the traumatizing shark attack at the start of the heat. The two surfers, Mick Fanning and Julian Wilson split second place, each walking away with half of the prize money – and their lives!
Stoked
In an interview after the attack, an emotional Fanning said that he was just happy to be able to walk away from the attack, even if he never gets into the water again. But what’s even more amazing, is that Fanning went to win the event the following year!
Brave
Many think that Fanning was mad to go straight back into the water a week after the attack, but the surfing hero was not about to allow this traumatic experience to hinder his love for the ocean and surfing.
The Video
Watch the full video here!
Last Say
Mick Fanning’s ability to walk away from this traumatic experience reminds us that we are just visitors to the ocean that many animals call home. But the biggest lesson learned from Fanning is that fear shouldn’t hold you back from chasing your dreams and doing what you love.
Next in Animal News
- Tippi Degré, The Real-Life Mowgli
- California Man in Dinosaur Costume Paddleboarding Near Great White Shark
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