



Different waves are known for different things. Lowers is “the most rippable wave in California.” Chopes is the heaviest and most perfect paddle barrel out there. Pipeline is the ultimate arena. And New Smyrna Beach in Florida is the shark bite capital of the world. Literally. They claim it.

If there were any doubts about this claim, they have been laid to rest yesterday, when three surfers were attacked by sharks at New Smyrna in just around three hours.

In case you need a taste of what New Smyrna Beach has to offer.

First a 43-year-old man was bit on the leg. Then, 20 minutes later, a 36-year-old man was bit on the arm. Finally, two hours later, just to prove that sharks have no age bias, a 16-year-old boy was bitten on the inner thigh.

This spate of shark attacks is nothing new for New Smyrna Beach, although three in three hours must be some kind of a record. But what’s more disturbing than the rash of attacks yesterday is that the waves weren’t even that good. After all, it’s one thing to risk getting chomped for dredging barrels, but when you are groveling with gaping sea monsters, well that’s another thing altogether.

It's not yet known which species of shark is responsible for the attack(s) yet.

Here’s hoping everyone heals up quick, and the shark population leaves us alone for a week or two.

Cover shot of New Smyrna Beach by Jamie Mattson.