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The 18-year-old surfer Sam Hollis does not seem afraid after being bitten by a shark just a few days ago at a beach in Florida, and from his hospital bed where he is recovering, he stated that he will return to the sea.
“That's the first thing I want to do again because I believe it's important not to let something like this dictate what you love to do,” stated the brave surf instructor in an interview with the television station WESH, shared by NBC6.
Hollis was bitten by a shark last Friday while surfing in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, known as the “shark bite capital of the world.”
The attack occurred around noon, while the surfer was in the water off the coast, just a few kilometers south of the New Smyrna Beach jetty.
According to his account, a big wave knocked him off his surfboard, and when he got back on it, he let his feet dangle in the water.
Hollis did not notice the presence of the shark until the fish attacked, clamping down on one of his feet with its teeth and pulling him off the board.
"He simply grabbed my foot, pulled me off the board, and said: 'Yes, I'm going to eat you as a snack,'" he expressed jokingly about the incident. "I didn't want any part of that, so I let it go."
In a display of courage and composure, Hollis delivered a strong kick to the shark and managed to free his foot from its jaws before swimming away from the creature.
He recalled that at that moment he thought, “This is what it feels like to be attacked by a shark.”
After the bite, Hollis was taken to a hospital. The doctors informed him that the shark had only caused a superficial wound and that he would need crutches or a mobility scooter while he continues to heal, as he told WESH.
Despite the terrifying experience he went through, Hollis maintains that surfing still draws him in, and the incident will not prevent him from getting back in the water.
"It’s like being in your happy place on the water, it’s very peaceful," she confessed. "There’s no reason to stop doing something you love just because something bad has happened to you."
It has not yet been confirmed to which species the shark that bit the young surf instructor belongs, but experts from the Florida Museum of Natural History explained that blacktip sharks are the most common in this type of incident in the region.
This shark attack would be the fourth reported in Volusia County during 2025, according to the beach safety authorities of that jurisdiction.
The previous incident occurred on Sunday, July 6, when a 40-year-old surfer was bitten by a shark on his right arm, also in New Smyrna Beach, one of the most dangerous beaches in the world.
Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Shark Research Program, explained that the geographical and ecological conditions of the area—such as the structure of the sandbar and the mouth of the Ponce de León Inlet—create an ideal break for surfing, but also attract schools of fish that serve as food for the sharks.
Such a combination creates an environment prone to accidental bites, he emphasized.
Volusia County tops the list of shark bites in Florida, with 359 recorded incidents, far ahead of Brevard County, which has 159, according to the International Shark Attack File.
Authorities have reiterated to surfers the need to take extra precautions, avoid murky waters, and not surf alone, especially in areas where recent incidents have occurred.
Frequently asked questions about shark attacks in Florida
Why is New Smyrna Beach known as the "shark bite capital of the world"?
New Smyrna Beach is known as the "shark bite capital of the world" due to the high frequency of bite incidents in its waters, which are attributed to the geographic and ecological conditions of the area. The structure of the sandbar and the mouth of the Ponce de León Inlet create an ideal environment for surfing, but they also attract schools of fish, which in turn attract sharks.
What species of sharks are most common in attacks in Florida?
In Florida, blacktip sharks are the most common in bite incidents. However, due to the diversity of species in the region, other sharks may also be involved in attacks, although most of these encounters are accidental and not intentional.
What safety measures should surfers take in areas prone to shark attacks?
Surfers must take extra precautions, avoid murky water, and not surf alone, especially in areas where recent incidents have been reported. It is also advisable to stay alert to water conditions and follow the recommendations of local beach safety authorities.
How did surfer Sam Hollis react after being bitten by a shark?
Surfer Sam Hollis showed bravery and determination by stating that he will not let the incident stop him from surfing again. From the hospital, he expressed his intention to return to the sea and continue doing what he loves, despite the terrifying experience he went through.
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