Great White Shark “Photo Bombs” an Unsuspecting Surfer

Jordan Anast Shark Breach Behind Surfer

California-based photographer Jordan Anast found himself in the right place at the right time when he was able to capture a rare moment during a surf competition. Anast was photographing the San Onofre Surf Club contest near San Diego when something spectacular occurred. As he was photographing surfer Tyler Warren on a wave, a great white shark leapt out of the water, making for the ultimate photo bomb.

Seeing a shark breach is relatively rare, so Anast initially thought that he'd photographed a dolphin. But, once it became clear that what he'd actually witnessed was a shark, he couldn't believe his luck. “It’s a shot I’ll never get again,” he shared. “It just looks like Sharknado, it doesn’t look real.”

Warren continued his run blissfully unaware of what had just happened behind him. Surfers in the area are accustomed to seeing sharks, as San Onofre State Beach is a breeding ground for juvenile great white sharks. According to the San Onofre Surf Club, which posted a different view of the great white leap, it appeared that the young shark was trying to catch a pelican.

For Anast, who has taken millions of photos of surfers on the beach, it was a weekend to remember. “I get satisfaction stopping time and creating a moment that lasts forever,” he said. And, certainly, this was a moment that warranted capturing.

See more of Anast's stunning surf photography on his Instagram.

In this incredible sequence by Jodan Anast, watch a great white shark leap out of the water behind surfer Tyler Warren.

Jordan Anast Surf Photography

Jordan Anast Shark Breach Behind Surfer

Jordan Anast Surf Photography

Jordan Anast: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Jordan Anast.

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Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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