A Close Call: Waves, Winds, and a Shark

Andy McDonald, a seasoned windsurfer from Australia, had an unexpected encounter with a shark off the west coast. The incident was caught on camera, showing the shark suddenly appearing and knocking McDonald off his board. He described the impact as powerful, like being hit by a freight train, and he knew immediately it was a shark. The video footage shows McDonald and other windsurfers gliding on the water near Margaret River. Suddenly, both McDonald and his sail disappear underwater. McDonald recounted how he struggled underwater, trying to get away from the shark and avoid its mouth. He thought his life was over in that moment. After about 10 seconds, McDonald resurfaced. His surfboard had a noticeable bite mark, about a foot wide. Despite the close call, McDonald wasn't deterred. He ordered a new board the same afternoon and planned to go windsurfing again the next day. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the resilience of those who love water sports. It also raises questions about safety measures and how to handle such encounters. While McDonald's experience was scary, his quick thinking and calmness under pressure were impressive.