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Half Moon Bay kayaker survives great white shark encounter

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Kayaker meets a great white shark off Half Moon Bay

David Slavich met a great white shark while fishing from his kayak on Sunday, October 25.

The trip

Fishing 1.5 miles from shore

He was about 1.5 miles from shore off Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco.

The warning

A paddleboarder warned him first

Earlier that day, a paddleboarder told him a great white shark was in the area.

The moment

He heard a splash behind him

He looked back and saw a huge shape and the tall fin of a great white shark.

The shark

Longer than his kayak

The shark was longer than his 12.5-foot kayak, according to NBC Bay Area.

Staying calm

He pulled his line in fast

He pulled his fishing line out of the water and braced for impact.

Safe

The shark swam past

The shark swam slowly past his kayak without attacking him. He was not hurt.

The video

Eye to eye with the shark

His eye met the shark's eye. He called it one of the most surreal moments of his life.

After the scare

He kept fishing for hours

He stayed out on the water and kept fishing for three to four more hours.

Why it matters

Curious, not hungry

Slavich says great whites are curious, not interested in eating people. But a curious shark can still hurt you by mistake.

What is next

A new rule from his wife

His wife Andrea said: no more kayak fishing unless he gets a boat. He will also bring a buddy next time.

Read more

Read the full explainer on Rive News

See the full story, the video details, and what changes for his next trip.

Science

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Get the full breakdown, key numbers, and what happens next.

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