The shark-encounter video from Plettenberg Bay posted earlier this week has gone viral, even featuring on the BBC’s world news. Getaway tracked down one of the surfers, Plett local and surf coach John Willie (in the grey wetsuit) involved in the encounter to hear more about the story.
‘It all went down in seconds… but that’s my fourth close encounter with a great shark in the last few months off Robberg Beach,’ said John Willie who, as a professional coach, is permitted to be in the water.
‘The drone footage makes it look super clear, but we were not aware of the shark initially. Then we spotted him and he was huge – that paddle ski is at least two metres long and the shark made it look small. People always look at the length of a shark, but when you are above it, it’s almost unbelievable how wide a big shark is. That was a huge chunk of muscle swimming below us. I’d never get my arms even close around that girth,’ he said.
‘Once we saw the shark, I was worried about the guy on the longboard because the ski and I were almost herding the shark in his direction. When a small wave came I shouted at him to paddle like hell and try and stay on the wave. That’s when you are most vulnerable, when paddling for a wave, and the shark is behind you. But this shark seemed super chilled. I think they have been gorging on seal pups and are well fed.
‘On another level, it’s actually quite a privilege and a really special experience to see a shark that size, in its natural habitat so close up – I could even see it’s black eye looking at me.
‘These guys [white sharks] are around now. They seem to like the clear water and small-wave conditions. So, I think I’ll stay out of the water for a few days after that encounter!’
Take a look at the now-famous encounter below:
Image credit: Screenshot from Instagram video/ @crazy_nature2.0
