A Florida surfer experienced a shocking encounter when an airborne spinner shark headbutted him off his board at New Smyrna Beach. Darren Kaye, who has witnessed previous shark incidents, was left stunned but uninjured, comparing the impact to being hit by a car. The dramatic event was captured on video, highlighting the unpredictable nature of marine life.
Unforeseen Aerial Encounter
Darren Kaye was surfing off the coast of New Smyrna Beach, an area known for its shark population, when a spinner shark unexpectedly launched itself from the water. The shark, named for its characteristic spinning leaps while hunting, collided directly with Kaye’s head, knocking him off his surfboard. Despite the force of the impact, Kaye was fortunate that the shark’s mouth was closed.
A Powerful Impact
Kaye described the sensation of the collision as akin to being hit by a car, a feeling he was familiar with from a previous incident. He noted the immense strength of the shark, attributing it to their muscular build. Immediately after the impact, Kaye’s heart rate surged, and he quickly paddled away from the area.
Key Takeaways
- The incident involved a spinner shark, known for its aerial hunting technique.
- The surfer, Darren Kaye, was headbutted by the airborne shark.
- Kaye compared the impact to being hit by a car due to its force.
- Despite the shock, Kaye was uninjured, as the shark’s mouth was closed.
- New Smyrna Beach is a known hotspot for shark activity.
Continued Surfing Passion
Despite the harrowing experience, Kaye’s passion for surfing remains undimmed. He returned to New Smyrna Beach to surf later that weekend and has continued to frequent the spot. This incident, while unusual, serves as a reminder of the dynamic environment surfers navigate, especially in areas with active marine life.
Sources
- Florida man headbutted by airborne shark while surfing: ‘I was just really glad its mouth wasn’t open’, New York Post.
- Florida Man Gets Headbutted by Shark While Surfing in Dramatic Video, People.com.
