Mick Fanning was preparing to catch a wave during the J Bay Open finals when he has a sensation that there was something behind him, turning around he sees a great white about to attack. Luckily it seemed to get his leash and Mick managed to avoid getting bitten, but not before giving the shark a couple of clouts!
Rather than freeze in fear, Fanning was able to fend off the attack until the rescue boat and jet skis arrived. You can even see him turn around in the water ready for the second attack.
J Bay is renowned for being a great white hot-spot but attacks during competition is incredibly rare. Fanning’s mother was watching the event live on TV when it happened!
“I had this feeling that something was behind (me), and all of a sudden I felt like I started getting pulled underwater. And then the thing came up and I was on my board and it was right there,” he said.
“I had this thought, ‘What if it comes around for another go at me?'” he said. “Before I knew it, the boat was there. … I can’t believe it, I was tripping out. I’m totally tripping out.”
Mick – we salute you! A MAN and a Legend!
