A shark attack in California leaves a surfer’s board shattered and serves as a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power.
Story Highlights
- Surfer Tommy Civik survives a shark attack near Gualala, California.
- The shark snapped Civik’s board in half, leaving him with minor injuries.
- Witnesses described the shark as approximately six feet long with a white underbelly.
- This incident is the first shark attack in California for 2026, following a record year in 2025.
Shark Attack Details in Northern California
On January 13, 2026, surfer Tommy Civik encountered a terrifying incident while catching waves near Gualala in Mendocino County, Northern California. The 26-year-old was suddenly struck by a shark from below, which snapped his surfboard in half and sent him flying through the air. Despite the shark grazing his legs and tearing his wetsuit, Civik managed to swim to shore unassisted and drive himself to the hospital, where he received stitches for his injuries.
This attack marks California’s first shark-related incident in 2026. The shark, described by a witness as approximately six feet long with a white underbelly, struck with such force that Civik likened the impact to “being hit by a car.” The quick response by the South Coast Fire Protection District, which deployed Jet Skis, found Civik already on the beach, underscoring his remarkable self-rescue.
Surfer says shark attack felt 'like being hit by a car' as board bitten in half: reportshttps://t.co/JOmuvgexuH
— sharingfoxstories (@sharingfox71071) January 18, 2026
Context and Historical Background
Shark attacks remain relatively rare along California’s vast coast, despite the record high of ten incidents in 2025. The region around Gualala is known for its great white shark population, which employs breaching tactics to stun prey like seals. While these apex predators are an integral part of the marine ecosystem, their interactions with humans are infrequent but impactful when they occur.
In 2025, increased sightings and encounters were noted, attributed to growing marine mammal populations. This trend could potentially continue into 2026, although experts emphasize the rarity of such events compared to the millions of beach visits annually.
Reactions and Safety Measures
In the aftermath of the attack, local surfers are urged to exercise heightened caution, particularly in the Mendocino and Monterey areas. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is conducting DNA analysis to confirm the shark species, suspected to be a great white. While no further attacks have been reported immediately following this incident, the CDFW advises surfers to avoid solo outings and to remain vigilant.
Tommy Civik has expressed his gratitude for surviving the encounter with only minor injuries, acknowledging the role his surfboard played in absorbing much of the impact. The incident serves as a reminder of both the power and unpredictability of nature, while highlighting the importance of preparedness and emergency response.
Sources:
Northern California surfer says shark attack felt ‘like being hit by a car’ as board snaps in half
California surfer escapes shark attack that shreds his board, wet suit
California Record Shark Incidents 2025
Shark Attacks at Record-Breaking High in California
