California surfer fends off shark by kicking

LOS OSOS, California — A surfer suffered leg bites but survived a shark attack on California’s Central Coast after kicking the massive fish away.

Nick Wapner, 19, was bitten on Tuesday morning while he was surfing with friends off Montana de Oro State Park, the Tribune of San Luis Obispo reported.

Park Ranger supervisor Robert Colligan said Wapner reported being attacked by a 4.6-metre great white shark that clamped down on his right ankle and then up to his left thigh.

Wapner told the newspaper that the shark came up from beneath him as he paddled into position for an incoming wave.

He said the shark thrashed and bit down on his legs for about a second before he was able to kick hard and wrangle free. The shark turned and swam away.

Wapner paddled in and a friend drove him to the hospital, where he received 50 stitches.