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Shocking Video: Great White Breaches Feet From Boogie Boarder
Great White Shark Surprises Boogie Boarder at Newport Beach: What Happened and What It Means for Beach Safety
The Shocking Moment Caught on Camera
Imagine you’re at the beach, watching your family play in the waves. Everything seems normal — until you look at a video later and see a giant great white shark jumping out of the water just feet behind your loved one.
That’s exactly what happened to Soaren Stevenson and his family at Newport Beach, California.
Important Callout:
The shark breached (jumped completely out of the water) just yards behind Stevenson’s brother-in-law, who was boogie boarding. No one on the beach saw it happen in real time. The family only discovered it when they watched the footage hours later.
How It All Went Down: Step by Step
- The family was praying on the beach — hoping for "a miracle," Stevenson said.
- Stevenson started filming the waves and his brother-in-law boogie boarding.
- Nothing seemed unusual at the time — no screams, no panic, no lifeguard alerts.
- Hours later, they reviewed the video and saw something incredible.
- Stevenson zoomed in and realized: "That’s not even a dolphin — that’s a shark."
- It was a great white shark, launching itself out of the water right behind the boogie boarder.
Who Was Involved?
- Soaren Stevenson – A college ministry leader from California who filmed the video.
- His brother-in-law – The boogie boarder who had no idea the shark was so close.
- The shark – A great white, estimated to be around 10 feet long (based on similar sightings in the area).
- Other beachgoers – No one else noticed the breach in real time.
Fun Fact: Stevenson grew up in Hawaii and has seen sharks before — but called this a "once-in-a-lifetime experience."
What the Family Thinks Now
Despite the scare, Stevenson isn’t staying out of the ocean.
"I don’t think they want to eat us," he said.
But he added: Beachgoers should stay alert and follow safety guidelines.
He also found it ironic that the breach happened just as Shark Week 2026 began — calling it a "funny little coincidence."
Are Shark Attacks Common? Let’s Look at the Numbers
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total shark incidents in California since 1950 | Fewer than 250 (all species combined) |
| Source | California Department of Fish and Wildlife |
| Trend | Incidents have not increased proportionally — even though more people swim, surf, and dive than ever before |
Bottom Line: Shark encounters with humans are extremely rare.
Another Recent Shark Incident: Florida
Just days earlier, a man in his early 20s was bitten by a ~4-foot shark in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida while helping his pregnant fiancée to safety.
- Bitten on left foot and ankle
- Injuries: Non-life-threatening
- Treated at scene, then taken to hospital
This shows sharks are present in many coastal areas — but serious injuries remain uncommon.
Why Do Sharks Breach?
ELI5 Explanation:
When a shark breaches, it jumps out of the water — like a whale! Great whites often do this when chasing prey (like seals) from below. They swim fast, rocket upward, and launch into the air to catch their meal by surprise.
In this case, the shark may have been hunting or just passing through — not targeting the boogie boarder.
Safety Tips for Beachgoers (Simple & Practical)
Do:
- Swim near lifeguard stations
- Avoid dawn/dusk (when sharks are more active)
- Stay in groups — sharks prefer solitary targets
- Avoid shiny jewelry (looks like fish scales)
- Don’t enter water if bleeding or near fishing activity
Don’t:
- Panic if you see a shark — stay calm, move slowly to shore
- Splash excessively — mimics injured prey
- Swim near seals or sea lions (shark food!)
Summary
- A great white shark breached just yards behind a boogie boarder at Newport Beach.
- The family didn’t see it live — only noticed it on video later.
- The boogie boarder (Stevenson’s brother-in-law) had no idea how close he was.
- Shark incidents are rare — fewer than 250 in California since 1950.
- Despite the scare, the family still plans to enjoy the ocean — with awareness.
- Sharks aren’t hunting humans — they’re just sharing the same waters.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. How big was the shark?
The video suggests a large great white, likely 10+ feet long — similar to other recent sightings in the area.
2. Was anyone hurt?
No. The boogie boarder was unharmed and unaware until seeing the video.
3. Do sharks attack people on purpose?
Almost never. Most bites are mistaken identity — sharks confuse humans for seals or fish. They don’t see us as food.
4. Should I stop going to the beach?
No! Millions swim safely every year. Just follow basic safety rules and stay informed.
5. What should I do if I see a shark?
- Stay calm
- Don’t splash
- Slowly move toward shore
- Alert lifeguards immediately
Final Thought: The ocean is their home — we’re just visitors. With respect, awareness, and a little caution, we can share the waves safely.
