Dave Peterson Maui stand-up paddler attacked by shark
Maui stand-up paddler attacked by shark
An avid stand-up paddler on Maui avoided injury after a shark took a bite out of his board in waters off Ka’a Point.
The incident happened at about 7:30 a.m. 300 yards off shore near Kahana Beach Park.
Dave Peterson, of Pukalani, says he was waiting for another wave when all of a sudden the shark hit his board and knocked him into the water.
The 55 year old landed on the shark, hit it with his paddle, and pushed it away. He then crawled back up on his board and never saw it again.
“I was actually mad because I thought it was a friend of mine pushing my board out from underneath me,” said Peterson.
Peterson is the owner of Maui Dawn Patrol and makes stand-up paddle boards as part of his business. He’s usually in the water three to four times a week.
Officials have not identified the species of shark involved in the attack. They believe the shark may be between six and eight feet in length.
Peterson did not sustain any injuries and says he’s “just happy things worked out.”
County of Maui Ocean Safety officers and the Department of Land and Natural Resources have closed the beach one mile on either side, ranging from the mouth of Kahului Harbor to the Kahului side of Spreckelsville.
Officials will continue to monitor the area throughout the day.
The area will be closed through sunset and will be re-evaluated Friday at first light.
Picture of bitten board at http://sharkattacksurvivors.com/shark_attack/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=1659