An aggressive tiger shark bit through the tail of a surfboard and then charged its rider in the Pacific Ocean off Oahu, as Hurricane Lowell generated large waves. The surfer, Albert Westpfal, 24, paddled out Tuesday afternoon at China Walls, a surf spot on Oahu’s South Shore, when the incident occurred.
Westpfal recounted that he initially thought he had hit a reef as he paddled over a submerged area. However, upon turning around, he encountered an estimated 12-foot tiger shark. He heard the "crunch of the fiberglass" behind him before seeing the predator. Photos from the encounter show significant damage to the surfboard's tail, with the fin unable to prevent the shark from tearing through the material.
Following the initial bite that sent Westpfal into the water, the shark reportedly charged him again. Westpfal stated that he was able to anticipate the shark's movement and kicked it in the head and punched its nose. The shark thrashed and then backed away.
Westpfal's college friend, Zach Sheerer, who had paddled out with him, came to his aid immediately. Westpfal expressed gratitude for his friend's quick response, noting that Sheerer paddled towards him without hesitation, believing Westpfal had been bitten.
Westpfal was able to exit the water safely, sustaining only abrasions on his leg from kicking the shark and a damaged surfboard. He was riding a Tokoro surfboard that had the inscription "Jesus Loves You" on its stringer, located on the bottom near where the shark bit. Westpfal attributed his survival to divine intervention and the protective inscription.
Large waves were present in the area due to Hurricane Lowell, which was active around the Hawaiian Islands at the time of the incident. Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to reports of the aggressive shark encounter at China Walls in the Portlock area.