Teen surfer survives shark attack and vows to continue surfing

In Florida, an 18-year-old surf instructor named Sam Hollis survived a shark attack while surfing off New Smyrna Beach on a Friday. The incident occurred when Hollis was instructing others in the water, and a wave washed over him, leading to the surprise attack. The shark bit him on the foot, yanking him off his surfboard. Fortunately, Hollis reacted quickly by kicking the shark away, which allowed him to swim back to safety. After the attack, he was taken to a local hospital where he received treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. Despite this harrowing experience, Hollis expressed determination to return to the water once he has healed. He has been involved with water activities since childhood and understands the risks associated with surfing. To him, allowing a shark attack to dictate his passion for the sport would be unacceptable. He emphasized the importance of not letting fear control his decisions and plans to resume surfing as soon as he recovers. This incident marks the third reported shark encounter near New Smyrna Beach in a single month. Notably, this area has gained a reputation as the "Shark Bite Capital of the World." In addition to Hollis's attack, another surfer reported being struck by an airborne spinner shark and another suffered a bite on the arm just weeks prior. Such encounters highlight the increasing interaction between surfers and sharks in this region, which is known for its shallow waters where sharks often hunt for fish. Moreover, it is important to note that the likelihood of shark attacks remains relatively low, although Florida consistently leads the nation in shark bite occurrences. According to the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File, the state accounted for nearly 40% of unprovoked shark bites globally in 2023. The majority of these incidents are non-fatal and typically occur in coastal locations where recreational activities are high. Sam Hollis's resolve to continue surfing demonstrates his resilience and passion for the sport, even in the face of potential dangers inherent to surfing in shark-rich waters.