A terrifying encounter at sea
Jens Heller was surfing off Montara State Beach in San Mateo County when a suspected 10-foot shark lunged at his board, knocking him into the water and sinking its teeth into the foam. “I looked back and I saw this big mouth grabbing onto my board,” Heller recalled. “It kicked me off the board completely.”
Close call, lucky escape
Despite the ferocity of the attack, Heller managed to escape unharmed. Other surfers nearby also witnessed the event, estimating the shark’s size at around 10 feet. Visible bite marks on the underside of his board confirm the seriousness of the incident.
SEE BELOW 👇
View this post on Instagram
Authorities respond swiftly
California State Parks confirmed the attack and immediately closed the beach for 48 hours. Lifeguards responded around 2 p.m., clearing the water and posting shark warning signs. “Sharks are an important part of the coastal ecosystem,” officials said, “and human interactions with them are rare.”
Caught on camera
The aftermath, including the damaged board and Heller’s account, was captured in a video by Powerlines Productions. It serves as a chilling reminder of the unpredictability of the ocean—even for experienced surfers.
Final thoughts
Though Heller escaped with just a story and a chewed-up board, the incident reinforces the need for caution in shark-populated waters. And for Heller, that board might just become the ultimate trophy.