Only On 9: Surfer Who Encountered 'Aggressive' Great White Shark Speaks Out
HUNTINGTON BEACH (CBSLA.com) — The surfer who encountered a great white shark closer than he ever wanted to off Huntington Beach Friday morning is speaking out about his meet-and-greet.
It's a story that is Only On 9.
On Saturday, 38-year-old Danny Misken spoke to KCAL9's Brittney Hopper.
Misken is a former pro surfer who grew up in Huntington Beach.
He's been catching waves his entire life. And he said he's encountered sharks before.
But never like this.
"It was like a quick impact," Misken says.
RELATED STORY: Waters Reopen In Huntington Beach After Aggressive Shark Encounter
Misken was on his surfboard waiting for a wave near tower 17 when he says a 5-8 foot great white bumped him, damaging his board.
"All of a sudden I had a pinch of like --- like that. And I automatically when into fight or flight mode so I put my feet up on my surfboard," Misken said.
He says he remained calmed Waiting for a wave to bring him closer to shore. He says it all happened very fast.
The shark eventually swam away.
Misken immediately reported the shark sighting which caused one of the most popular beaches in America to close for 24 hours.
"I never thought it would happen in my backyard but it did and we just handled it," Misken said.
Lifeguards say it's not uncommon for sharks to be swimming in these parts but if you do see a great white, report it immediately to authorities or to a lifeguard.
