This browser does not support the Video element.
Experienced surfer recalls shark encounter
Surfer Matt White talks about his first encounter with a shark despite his decades of experience on the water. (Credit: KHON)
HONOLULU - An experienced surfer in Hawaii is detailing his first encounter with a shark despite his decades of experience in the water.
Matthew White had never encountered the animal in his 30 years of surfing until recently, when he was enjoying the sport near Kaimana Beach.
"I was like halfway on the board trying to hold on, and it just kept shaking the board," White told KHON. "So I fell off the board, and then I was laying on the side of the shark and I could see its dorsal fin right by me."
The surfer said he wanted to first kick and punch the shark, but instead, he kneed the shark to get as far away as he could.
RELATED: Man dies after shark attack along Maui beach
"I shoved it as hard as I could with my feet, and it swam off, and I jumped on my board and I started paddling in as fast as I could," he continued.
This browser does not support the Video element.
'Shark bite capital of the world'
LiveNOW's Andrew Craft spoke with FOX 35 Orlando reporter Connor Hansen about the rash of shark attacks in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The city, which is nicknamed the "shark bite capital of the world, has had three attacks in the last month. More LiveNOW from FOX streaming video
Authorities confirmed that the shark was an eight to ten-foot aggressive tiger shark. It bit White's surfboard at Old Man’s surf break.
Fortunately, White was able to walk away.
"I was looking at my leg, looking for blood. I just couldn’t believe that I didn’t get bit. I was just in shock and disbelief that I didn’t get injured," he explained.
RELATED: Maui welcoming tourists to boost economy in aftermath of devastating wildfires
However, he did receive a few scratches.
"Shark skin is like sandpaper, so I got minor scratches on my knee. I was terrified. It totally took me by surprise," he added.
According to KHON, shortly after the incident, authorities sent out a shark warning.
This story was reported from Los Angeles.