Florida Surfer's Shark Encounter: It Felt Like a Car Crash!

New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA - In a dramatic incident off the coast of Florida, a man surfing at the end of June 2025 was struck by a shark in what can only be described as a stunning turn of events. The collision left him with no bite wounds; instead, he likened the impact to being hit by a car. This unusual encounter involved a spinner shark that leapt from the water and crashed into the surfer’s head, as detailed by Merkur. The footage of this spectacle was captured on camera and quickly made its rounds on social media, drawing curious comments from viewers who found the whole incident rather remarkable.

The surfer, who has previously spotted sharks while paddling, was relieved that the creature hadn’t opened its mouth during the encounter. He described the sensation of the shark’s head hitting him as painful, recalling a past car accident that resulted in an elbow scar, which came to mind during this marine mishap. Fortunately, even amidst the shock, he walked away without serious injuries.

The Shark Attack Landscape

This incident underscores a notable trend in shark attacks in the region. According to the International Shark Attack File, Florida remains a hotspot for these encounters. In 2024, the state recorded 14 unprovoked shark bites, a staggering statistic considering it accounts for half of all unprovoked bites in the United States and approximately 30% globally. The U.S. leads the charge with a total of 28 bites, including one fatality in Hawaii, as reported by News Journal Online.

Taking a closer look at these numbers, Volusia County emerged as the area with the highest concentration of shark bites in Florida, experiencing eight incidents in 2024 alone. This data poses a critical need for awareness and caution among beachgoers. Reports indicate several activities that lead to shark bites, predominantly involving swimmers and surfers.

A Global Perspective

Looking beyond local waters, shark attacks worldwide have also been trending upwards, albeit with varying frequencies across regions. In 2024, 47 unprovoked shark bites were recorded globally, reflecting a slight decrease from the five-year average. The comprehensive data sourced from the University of Florida’s Florida Museum of Natural History, as presented on Statista, suggests that while the numbers can seem intimidating, the chances of encountering a shark can be minimized with proper precautions.

The report further highlights the nature of incidents, with swimmers and waders accounting for half of unprovoked bites, while surfing sports follow next at 34%. It’s crucial for ocean enthusiasts to adhere to guidelines like maintaining eye contact with any approaching sharks and swimming in groups. The odds of being fatally bitten by a shark are exceptionally low, around 1 in 4,332,817.

So, what’s the take-home message for those hitting the waves? While the ocean is undoubtedly a place for fun and adventure, an awareness of its inhabitants, particularly majestic—and occasionally frisky—sharks, is vital. Surf safely and enjoy what Florida beaches have to offer, knowing that while surprises may come your way, most will be benign.