Great White Shark Passes Inches From California Kayaker

David Slavich was fishing in the Pacific off San Mateo County on October 25 when a great white shark swam extremely close to his kayak. Helmet-camera footage captured the encounter as Slavich turned and saw the animal behind him.

He quickly reeled in his line and put his fishing rod inside the kayak. The shark then passed alongside, its dorsal fin breaking the surface. It appeared only inches from the kayak before diving underwater and disappearing.

Slavich said he felt the animal was watching him with curiosity. He described the experience as one that left him more fascinated than frightened, and began paddling away once the shark was out of sight.

White sharks migrate seasonally to remain in waters between 50 and 80 degrees, NOAA Fisheries says. California wildlife officials say most shark encounters with people are not predatory attacks, but may involve sharks investigating unfamiliar objects. White sharks account for most shark-related incidents with people in California.