“I Grabbed It in the Eye”: American Surfer Averted a Major Shark Tragedy in the Most Bizarre Way in 2021

While surfing renders a thrilling rush, it is also a sport of unpredictable dangers. From jagged corals to man-eating predators, the waves have unknown ferocities lurking beneath them. However, while some surfers fell prey to those threats, some fought with all their might to save themselves from those predatory jaws. And one such surfer who plucked up his courage and rescued himself from the shark’s clutches is, Eric Steinley.

Eric is a 40-year-old California-based surfer. In 2021, he was attacked by a great white shark while surfing in Bodega Bay, California. However, Steinley’s moxie to fight back against the beast, helped him remove himself from its ravening grip. Let’s take a look at the surfer’s coping mechanism.

Californian surfing hero fights a shark with a ‘good punch’

In 2021, as per the report of the Press Democrat, Steinley was surfing alone with his friend, Jared Davis in Bodega Bay. While paddling on the waves, Steinley got clamped down by the shark and ultimately dragged down into the water. Elaborating on his experience, he said, “The feeling was very heavy, like swimming with a bag of bricks on you”.

To free himself from the shark, Steinley reached down “with his right hand” and “touched the predator’s massive face”. He then, “grabbed it in the eye” in order to “figure out what it was”. And, once he got acquainted with the beast, he realized that “he was experiencing a rare shark attack”. 

Read More: “Its Upper Jaws Had My Leg”: American Surfer Foiled a Great White Shark Attack in the Most Bizarre Way Earlier This Year

Interestingly, the Californian fought back and punched the shark in its face. “It was such a measly punch compared to how big this creature was”, added Steinley. However, in the process, the shark’s teeth grazed his hand and he got injured. But, fortunately, he was able to escape from the treacherous grip and swim back to the safety of the shore. 

Although Eric broke free, a nerve in his leg got “partially crushed”. And, he “underwent the first of what will likely be many operations”. However, in order to help the surfer recover from the accident, a GoFoundme trust helped him to get the help he needed. While the surfer is still undergoing medical treatment, it goes to show how adventures come with their own high stakes. 

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