Show support and honor of Nick Gabaldon by paddling with the Black Surfing Association July 8, 9:30 AM, Inkwell Beach, Santa Monica.

A Santa Monica surfer was convinced she was going to lose her leg in a surfing accident. A surgeon is convinced she was attacked by a great white shark. Robert Kovacik reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017.



What cut into a teenager in the ocean off Sunset Beach just south of the iconic restaurant Gladstones is still under debate.

But a marine biology major who became a surgeon says a great white shark is responsible even though lifeguards said there was no shark sighting before, during or after the incident.

Up until a few hours ago, Sophia Raab only knew she was severely injured surfing. The 18 year old from Santa Monica hit the water off Pacific Palisades Wednesday with a friend. But suddenly the shoreline around her turned red with blood. "I had no idea," she said. "I thought I was going to lose my leg."


Lifeguards, fellow surfers and a friend came to her aid. But it wasn't immediately clear what happened. Could she have been struck by the back fin of her surfboard? Raab Googled orthopedic surgeons and found Dr. Bert Mandelbaum, who is convinced it's a great white. "It's a shark bite by a great white or a mako," he said. "Probably three to four inches." Mandelbaum also happens to be a former lifeguard who frequently swims with the sharks. "I know my sharks," he said. "This is my first bite, but it's a bite."

Los Angeles County lifeguards say there was no shark sighting before, during or after the incident.

It's May the Fourth, Star Wars Day. So here's a couple Star Wars Surf edits by Six12 Media.

A few waves this morning at the Venice Breakwater. These photos shot by Six12 Media.






There's a few more shots in the complete Venice Breakwater - Thursday 5-4-2017 Gallery.

The high winds are gone and there were some waves this morning. These photos shot by Six12 Media.







There's a few more shots in the complete Venice Pier - Thursday 5-4-2017 Gallery.

There will be waves all weekend... come join the fun, test drive one of the many Channel Islands Surfboards that rip Curl Malibu will have on hand at the shop.

Rip Curl Malibu
23705 West Malibu RD, Suite 100
Malibu, CA
(310)456-0110

Join Surfrider and The Standard Hollywood for a special screening of DISTANCE BETWEEN DREAMS, a new documentary in which the most historic year in big wave surfing comes to life through the eyes of Ian Walsh as he sets out to progress surfing to unimaginable heights.

This event marks the official partnership between the Surfrider Foundation and the Standard Hotel - a company that is committed to developing and adopting ocean friendly business practices throughout their hotels.

Tickets are $12 and seating is limited - Eventbrite Link

All proceeds will go to the West LA / Malibu chapter .

Doors at 7pm - screening at 8pm.

Come enjoy cocktails on the Sunset Strip and take in this outstanding surf film presented by Red Bull Media House.

In every community there's a person that is adored by everyone. In Venice it's Guy Okazaki. Guy moved to Venice in the late 50's and has been here ever since. He's seen all kinds of changes and welcomes all walks of life. A master surfboard shaper and craftsman is what pays his bills but at the end of the day Guy just wants to surf. Please enjoy Foam.

A short film by Mike Pagan and Damien Fahrenfort.

SUP & Paddleboard Races

Tracing its roots back to the 1930’s Santa Monica Pier paddleboard races – some of the first in the world – this iconic event offers epic competition and family friendly entertainment. Courses start and finish on the sand immediately south of the Pier and there are many ways to compete - Fun Paddle, Long Course, Elite Race, SUP / Paddleboard Knockout and ocean swimming events. On the Pier Deck and beach, participants and spectators will enjoy the Ocean Festival featuring live music, Polynesian dancing, food, drinks and a one of-a-kind surf history museum.

Celebrating and honoring the birthplace of Southern California's iconic beach culture through competition, awareness and entertainment.

Not ready to compete? Join in on the festivities and enjoy front row seats to this incredible athletic performance! Thanks to our beautiful city and awesome sponsors, it’s FREE.

Cash prizes will be a minimum of $15,000. To challenge for the money, enter the Elite Race and the Clif Bar SUP / Paddleboard Knockout.

Event Registration

Sat, Jun 10, 2017, 6:00 AM
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401