On June 29, 2008, Sean Kearney was surfing with a companion at Gray Whale Cove, Montara State Beach. It was 12:00 PM and they had been on the water about 15 minutes. The sky was overcast with the wind "less than 8 knots," and an air temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Kearney. The water temperature was in the mid-50s Fahrenheit with a depth of 10–15 feet and a sandy ocean floor. Water visibility was excellent, as the bottom could be seen clearly from the surface. The sets were 3–4 feet with a glassy ocean surface. An undetermined number of pinnipeds were observed along the southern end of the beach.

Kearney recounted: "After paddling into a nice section on the south end of the beach, my friend and I noticed some seal activity near the rocks, this was not unusual. About 15 minutes after entering the water, we both noticed a large triangular dorsal fin break the surface about 20 yards from us and travel horizontally southbound for 15 seconds. I realized what I had just seen and immediately paddled to shore."

Please report any shark sighting, encounter, or attack to the Shark Research Committee.

Other shark sightings

Send this article to a friend

Send your comments to SurfPulse or discuss publicly in SurfPulse Lounge