Shark sighting in Huntington Beach pauses popular surfing competition

A Very Sharky Summer

Director of the CSULB Shark Lab, Dr. Chris Lowe, discusses an increase in great white shark sightings along the coast of Southern California.  

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - The Vans Jack’s Surfboards Pro contest in Huntington Beach has been placed on hold following an "aggressive" shark sighting in the competition area, the World Surf League announced. 

What we know:

The shark, estimated to be at least 10 feet long, was spotted Thursday afternoon following the conclusion of the day’s competition. 

This sighting triggered an immediate closure of the ocean water near the pier, extending from Beach Boulevard to 17th Street, according to the Huntington Beach Fire Department (HBFD). The closure is expected to remain in effect until at least 4:30 p.m. Friday.

While the surfing is paused, beachside activities for the event are continuing as scheduled.

What we don't know:

It remains unclear if the shark has left the immediate vicinity or if further sightings have occurred during the current monitoring period. 

Authorities have not yet confirmed the specific species of the shark, though similar recent incidents in the region involved great whites.

Fisherman frees shark in Hermosa Beach

A great white shark caught on a fishing line right at the shoreline. The man unhooked the fishing line and thanks to a help from a nearby lifeguard, the shark was safely freed back into the ocean.

Dig deeper:

Earlier this month, a fisherman reeled in a 7-foot great white at Hermosa Beach Pier. Just days before that incident, an 8-foot great white was spotted circling a surfer in Newport Beach.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 

• CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Fisherman reels in 7-foot great white shark at Hermosa Beach Pier
• 8-foot great white shark seen circling surfer in Newport Beach

What they're saying:

"The safety of our surfers and staff is our top priority, and the competition will resume once the water safety team and local authorities confirm the competition area is clear," the World Surf League said on social media. 

"Staff will evaluate the possibility of reopening the water at that time based on ongoing surveillance and assessment," according to a social media post by HBFD. "The community's safety is our top priority. We ask all beachgoers to obey posted signs and remain out of the water until the closure has been lifted.

Meanwhile, Jack's Surfboards poked some fun at the incident on Instagram.

What's next:

Water safety teams and local authorities will continue to monitor the coastline throughout the hold period. 

A final safety check will be conducted early Saturday morning; if the competition area is confirmed clear, the world-class field of surfers will return to the water to continue the event at 7 a.m. 

Shark spotted near surfer in Newport Beach

Beachgoers were still allowed on the sand, but access to the water remained restricted.