Surfer Survives 10-Foot Shark Attack in California

Jens Heller, a 42-year-old surfer, survived an encounter with a suspected 10-foot white shark that knocked him off and bit his surfboard about 100 yards off Montara State Beach in San Mateo County, California. The bite marks were found exactly where Heller had been standing moments before, but he escaped without injury. The incident was witnessed by other surfers and Heller's family on the beach. Lifeguards responded by clearing the water and closing the beach for 48 hours, while wildlife officials collected DNA from the board for analysis. Authorities highlighted the rarity of shark attacks in California and the ecological importance of sharks. The beach has since reopened, and Heller now considers his bitten surfboard a memorable keepsake.