Teen Surf Instructor Recounts Harrowing Shark Encounter
Eighteen-year-old surf instructor Sam Hollis is recovering after a terrifying shark attack off the coast of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, an area notorious for shark bites. Despite the traumatic experience, Hollis remains undeterred and is determined to return to the waves.
The Attack
Hollis was surfing during a camp when a shark suddenly latched onto his foot, yanking him off his board and dragging him several feet. He described the initial sensation as a hot clamp, similar to a dog with a toy. "It felt clamped and then it kind of felt hot because of the teeth," Hollis recounted from his hospital bed. "And then it just kind of started pulling. It’s almost like, um, a dog with a toy in its mouth going like, you know, like that."
Key Takeaways
- Sam Hollis, 18, was attacked by a shark while surfing in New Smyrna Beach.
- The shark bit his foot and pulled him off his board.
- Hollis described the bite as feeling "hot" and like a "dog with a toy."
- He is expected to make a full recovery after surgery.
- Hollis vows to continue surfing despite the incident.
New Smyrna Beach: A Shark Bite Hotspot
New Smyrna Beach is often referred to as the "shark bite capital of the world." This incident marks the fourth reported shark bite in the area this year, with the region typically seeing five to ten bites annually. Experts attribute the high number of encounters to a combination of factors, including strong waves, abundant baitfish, and a large number of people in the water, which can make it difficult for sharks to distinguish between prey and surfers.
Resilience and Determination
Despite the gruesome nature of his injuries, which required surgery, Hollis remains remarkably positive. He expressed gratitude for keeping his foot and is focused on his recovery. "If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing," he stated. "I get to keep my foot, and I’ll be back to running, swimming, and surfing soon." His message to others is one of perseverance: "Don’t let fear keep you from doing what you want to do."
Sources
- Surf instructor, 18, describes exactly how it felt to be attacked by shark that tried to eat him, Daily Mail.
- ‘Yanked me off the board:’ Bitten by shark, teen surf instructor vows to ride waves again, WKMG.
- Teen Surf Instructor Recounts Shark Attack off Florida’s Coast, TODAY.com.
- ‘Yanked me off the board:’ Bitten by shark, surf instructor vows to ride waves again, WKMG.
- Surf instructor bitten by shark in New Smyrna Beach, WESH.
