‘Insane!’ Surfer has miracle escape after shark takes bite out of board

A surfer on NSW’s Far North Coast has escaped with his life and an unbelievable souvenir after a shark took a bite out of his board at a popular beach.

Cabarita resident Brad Ross was out for a morning surf about 7.30am on Monday when he came into contact with a shark, which took a clean bite out of his board, snapping it in half.

Brad Ross poses for a social media photo with his shark-bitten board.Credit: @jamesonsurfboards_

Local journalist Nicka Atkins reported drone footage had captured a great white in the vicinity afterwards.

Beachcam footage posted to Instagram shows splashing in the water at the moment the shark took its bite. Surfing legend Kelly Slater weighed in, commenting on the post: “How does it bite that much and miss the guy? Insane!”

Tweed Shire Council said in a statement, “We’ve been advised by NSW Surf Life Saving that Cabarita Beach at Norries Headland is currently closed due to a shark bite incident earlier this morning.

“No one was injured during the incident. We will provide more information as it comes to hand.”

A shark took a clean bite out of the surfboard.Credit: Facebook

In early July, Surf Life Saving NSW warned there had been an increase in shark activity near Cabarita Beach.

On June 29, a 16-year-old boy was injured when he was bitten several times while swimming off Norries Headland. The boy kicked the shark to escape its grasp, and viral social media footage showed the shark continued to follow the boy as he was pulled from the water.

On July 2, a two-metre bull shark was spotted swimming offshore.

“Australian UAV Service drones are actively monitoring the coastline to help keep the public safe. These drone patrols are an important tool, helping spot sharks early and respond quickly,” a Surf Life Saving NSW social media post read.

“SLSNSW encourages everyone to follow the advice of our lifesavers and lifeguards, and to stay out of the water at Cabarita until further notice.”

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