There's probably no species on Earth who have as much of a bad image as great white sharks. Despite the fact that shark attacks of humans are pretty rare, these animals are still thought of as being bloodthirsty monsters. Yet, when they do attack people, the consequences can be painful, gruesome and fatal.

However, despite this, a badass surfer who was attacked by a shark on California’s Central Coast managed to fight one. Nick Wapner was attacked Tuesday morning while he was surfing with friends off Montana de Oro State Park. Despite the fact that a great white shark clamped down on his right ankle and left thigh, he managed to kick it hard and wriggle free. He swam to shore while the dazed fish retreated and the emergency services were summoned to the scene.

Commenting on the terrifying encounter with the aquatic predator in a later interview, Wapner stated: "It all happened quickly, but I turned and saw that it had one of my legs in its mouth. I think between the fibreglass board and me, it realized pretty quickly it wasn’t a seal Fiberglass isn’t too tasty, I don’t think. For the shark, it was probably just a play tap really, but for me, it was a major ordeal ... My primary goal was to get to the beach as quickly as possible,” he said. “When I got to shore, I was just lying on the beach trying to process everything that just happened."

However, Wapner holds no animosity towards the animal, despite his horrific ordeal. He added: "It’s such a low-probability event, that it never really seemed like it could be a reality ... I don’t hate sharks now or anything. We are in their home when we’re out there in the ocean. Sharks are part of the natural environment, and they help maintain a healthy ocean environment. I know I’ll continue to surf. But, I’ll just take it one day at a time.”

Montaña de Oro State Park Ranger Supervisor Robert Colligan added: "It may have been kind of an exploratory bite, as sharks will sometimes do. The shark might have bitten, and then realized it wasn’t what it was looking for and let go. [Wapner] had a couple of deep wounds. The injuries weren’t life-threatening, and he was already talking about getting back out into the water to surf again sometime soon."

As of December 21, 2018, there have only been a total of 101 reported shark attack bites worldwide over the past year. These bites include, 33 reports came from the United States (including one fatality), with 13 occurring in Florida and three in Hawaii. Meanwhile, 27 bites have been reported in Australia, one fatal.

If you ask me, Nick has definitely managed to win the award for most badass surfer of the year award. If I was attacked by a shark, I can guarantee that I'd be eaten before you could say "jaws."

There's probably no species on Earth who have as much of a bad image as great white sharks. Despite the fact that shark attacks of humans are pretty rare, these animals are still thought of as being bloodthirsty monsters. Yet, when they do attack people, the consequences can be painful, gruesome and fatal.

However, despite this, a badass surfer who was attacked by a shark on California’s Central Coast managed to fight one. Nick Wapner was attacked Tuesday morning while he was surfing with friends off Montana de Oro State Park. Despite the fact that a great white shark clamped down on his right ankle and left thigh, he managed to kick it hard and wriggle free. He swam to shore while the dazed fish retreated and the emergency services were summoned to the scene.

Commenting on the terrifying encounter with the aquatic predator in a later interview, Wapner stated: "It all happened quickly, but I turned and saw that it had one of my legs in its mouth. I think between the fibreglass board and me, it realized pretty quickly it wasn’t a seal Fiberglass isn’t too tasty, I don’t think. For the shark, it was probably just a play tap really, but for me, it was a major ordeal ... My primary goal was to get to the beach as quickly as possible,” he said. “When I got to shore, I was just lying on the beach trying to process everything that just happened."

However, Wapner holds no animosity towards the animal, despite his horrific ordeal. He added: "It’s such a low-probability event, that it never really seemed like it could be a reality ... I don’t hate sharks now or anything. We are in their home when we’re out there in the ocean. Sharks are part of the natural environment, and they help maintain a healthy ocean environment. I know I’ll continue to surf. But, I’ll just take it one day at a time.”

Montaña de Oro State Park Ranger Supervisor Robert Colligan added: "It may have been kind of an exploratory bite, as sharks will sometimes do. The shark might have bitten, and then realized it wasn’t what it was looking for and let go. [Wapner] had a couple of deep wounds. The injuries weren’t life-threatening, and he was already talking about getting back out into the water to surf again sometime soon."

As of December 21, 2018, there have only been a total of 101 reported shark attack bites worldwide over the past year. These bites include, 33 reports came from the United States (including one fatality), with 13 occurring in Florida and three in Hawaii. Meanwhile, 27 bites have been reported in Australia, one fatal.

If you ask me, Nick has definitely managed to win the award for most badass surfer of the year award. If I was attacked by a shark, I can guarantee that I'd be eaten before you could say "jaws."