The competition was cancelled after Australian Mick Fanning, a finalist in the J-Bay Open, was attacked while he was waiting to compete.
Video captured Fanning clutching his surfboard and kicking at the shark.
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Fanning, 34, was picked up by safety boats, said the World Surfing League, which hosted the event. He was unharmed, ESPN reports.
The competition tweeted that Fanning had made it out safely:
And spoke with him after the attack:
"Mick's composure and quick acting in the face of a terrifying situation was nothing short of heroic and the rapid response of our Water Safety personnel was commendable -- they are truly world class at what they do," read a statement from the World Surfing League.
Watch the full video courtesy of the World Surfing League above.