VIDEO: Shark attacks surfer during competition in South Africa

JEFFREYS BAY, South Africa -- A professional surfer was attacked by a shark today in South Africa during a competition.

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.

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.