A surfer escaped without injuries after a suspected shark encounter at Moonstone Beach in Northern California, where a shark reportedly bit into his surfboard during a morning surfing session.

The incident occurred at around 10 a.m. on Sunday and, while it has not been officially reported to authorities, eyewitnesses said the encounter prompted surfers to leave the water as a precaution.

Surfboard Damaged in Encounter

According to a surfer who witnessed the incident, the shark bit a wedge-shaped section out of the victim’s foam surfboard, with its teeth barely penetrating the surfer’s wetsuit.

The surfer was reportedly shaken but unharmed and was able to paddle safely back to shore.

Suspected Juvenile Great White

The victim reportedly described the shark as a juvenile great white measuring approximately 10 feet (3 metres) in length.

Witnesses said the surfer placed his board between himself and the shark before making his way back to the beach.

Surfers Leave the Water

At the time of the incident, around half a dozen surfers were in the lineup. After the encounter, they returned to shore and warned others preparing to enter the water to stay out.

Authorities said the incident was not officially reported, and no injuries were recorded.

Shark Activity Along the California Coast

Juvenile great white sharks are increasingly observed along California’s coastline, particularly in areas with abundant food sources and favourable water temperatures.

While encounters with surfers remain uncommon, marine safety experts advise beachgoers to leave the water immediately if a shark is sighted and to follow any guidance issued by local authorities.