Young man is attacked by shark, but remains determined to return to the sea: “I love surfing”

Teddy Wittemann, a 16-year-old surfer, He was the victim of a shark attack off the coast of Brevard, Florida, United States, while practicing his favorite sport. Despite the terrifying experience, he says he will not stop pursuing his dream of becoming a professional surfer.

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On Friday, October 11, Teddy Wittemann was enjoying a day of surfing in the rough waters of a beach in Brevard County, Florida. The waves were strong due to the recent passage of Hurricane Milton, making the session perfect for more experienced surfers. However, what seemed to be another day of adrenaline and fun turned into a life or death situation when Teddy was attacked by a shark.

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While surfing, Teddy lost his balance and fell into the water. It was at that moment when he felt something strange on his arm. “I felt a strong pressure next to me, and when I looked, there was the shark,” said the young man.

According to local station WESH, Teddy knew immediately what was happening: a roughly six-foot bull shark had bitten him. Fortunately, the shark only attacked him once before swimming away.

The attack occurred about 200 feet from the coast, at a time when the waves were larger than usual, as a result of the hurricane that had just hit the area. Although the shark did not persist, the damage was done. Wittemann was seriously injured and began to bleed worryingly.

In the midst of panic, the young man did not lose his composure. He knew he had to get back to shore as quickly as possible, but he was also aware that his bloody arm could attract more sharks. “I couldn’t stop thinking that another shark could appear at any moment,” he later explained.

Upon reaching the beach, Wittemann was helped by a group of bathers. Among them was Dave Crespi, a veteran surfer who knew Teddy. Crespi did not hesitate to take off his shirt and use it to put pressure on the young man’s wound, with the aim of stopping the bleeding. Together with others present, they managed to carry Teddy to the nearby road, where a neighbor who knew the family helped him contact his parents before he was taken to the hospital.

Once at the medical center, doctors sutured his arm with 30 stitches and put a cast on it to immobilize it. Wittemann spent two nights under observation before being discharged. The doctors were clear: he would have to wait for his injury to completely heal before surfing again.

But not even a shark attack can stop this passionate surfer. “As soon as my arm is okay, I’ll be back in the water. There’s nothing I love more than surfing,” declared Wittemann determinedly. “It’s my dream, I want to be a professional surfer.”

At 16 years old, Teddy has already achieved important milestones in the world of surfing. He is a part of the USA Junior Surfing U16 Men’s Team and has competed numerous times in the USA Surfing Prime Series.

Additionally, he has been a two-time USA Surfing Prime East Coast Champion, He has won titles in the National Scholastic Surfing Association East Coast and the Eastern Surf Association.

With a promising future ahead of him, Wittemann has no intention of letting this unfortunate encounter with a shark keep him from his passion. For him, the waves remain his second home, and his goal of achieving professionalism in surfing is more present than ever.

While some might be hesitant to return to the ocean after such a traumatic experience, Teddy sees it differently. “Surfing is what I love. I can’t imagine my life without it,” he said. With admirable strength and courage, this young surfer continues to look to the horizon, ready to face the waves, no matter what may lie beneath the surface.

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