A West Australian surfer says he is extremely lucky to have escaped injury after a shark charged at him and bit a chunk out of his surfboard.
Albany man Dale Kittow was surfing about 150m off Cheynes Beach, an idyllic tourist spot about 50 kilometres east of the south coast city, when the shark attacked just before 4pm Wednesday.
"I paddled over a wave and I saw this shark swimming 10 metres away," Mr Kittow said.
"Then it just charged at me and I had a tangle with it … it was through the roof."
Mr Kittow identified the shark as a three-metre bronze whaler.
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"When it started heading towards us, I knew it was going to have a bit of a crack, so I swung my board around and it took a bite out of the back. I jumped off the back of the surfboard," he said.
"I didn't swim off, I didn't want to splash too much. I got back on my board and caught the next wave in."
Mr Kittow said he was lucky to avoid a bite.
"I got out scot-free, luckily … I've seen a couple (of sharks) out there."
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The incident sparked a shark warning for the beach which is a busy tourist spot this time of year with thousands drawn to its white sands and clear water.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development issued the warning just before 6pm after it was reported to Water Police.
People in the area area were urged to report any sightings to authorities.
Mr Kittow said his surfboard would be sent to authorities for swab testing to confirm the species.
The area is known for its marine life including whales, seals and sharks and for offering some of the south coast's best fishing.
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