Watch this teen's terrifying encounter with a great white shark—and how he escaped!
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The ocean is a mysterious and awe-inspiring place, full of beauty and unexpected surprises.
For 19-year-old Matt Wells, what started as a peaceful kayaking trip off the coast of New Zealand’s Cape Rēinga quickly turned into an unforgettable tale of survival.
He found himself face-to-face with one of the ocean’s most powerful predators—a great white shark!
Imagine paddling along, enjoying the serenity of the water, when you glance over your shoulder and see the dorsal fin of a great white shark cutting through the waves, heading straight toward you.
This wasn’t a movie scene for Matt—it was his reality. Alone on the water, with only his fishing camera recording the terrifying chase, Matt unknowingly captured a moment that would soon captivate people around the world.
In the video, Matt, clearly in a panic, pleads, “Don’t attack me, bro!” His voice, filled with both fear and disbelief, perfectly captured the intensity of the situation as the shark followed him, seemingly curious.
As Matt paddled frantically to avoid becoming the shark’s next meal, he was left with no choice but to rely on his instincts and quick thinking.
From excitement to fear
When speaking to Good Morning America, Matt described the encounter as both “really, really cool” and incredibly frightening. While he initially marveled at the sight of the great white, his primary concern was the shark’s curiosity, fearing it might mistake him for prey.
As he paddled to escape, Matt humorously noted, “Its main food source is marine mammals, and I’m a marine mammal right now!”
The long journey to safety
After what felt like an eternity, Matt was still far from safety. He had to paddle 2.5 miles to the shore, all while trying to keep the shark at bay. Desperate to distract the predator, he threw a bottle into the water, hoping to divert its attention.
But the great white, described by Matt as “very curious,” kept pursuing him until Matt was finally able to reach the safety of the shore.
A grateful perspective
Looking back on the experience, Matt shared with The New Zealand Herald, “It was terrifying in the moment, but in reflection, I’m kind of thoughtfully gracious that I did get to have that experience.”
Few people ever have such a close encounter with one of the ocean’s top predators, and Matt feels fortunate to have emerged unscathed with a story to share.
Despite the frightening experience, Matt’s love for the ocean hasn’t wavered.
In fact, he was back on the water the very next day, continuing to kayak and appreciating the vastness and excitement the ocean has to offer.
Matt’s encounter is a stark reminder of how important it is to respect the ocean and its creatures. Although shark attacks are rare, it’s vital for water lovers to know how to avoid attracting sharks and how to stay safe if they do find themselves in a similar situation.
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Have you ever had a close encounter with wildlife that left you with a newfound respect for nature? Do you have any tips for staying safe while enjoying the great outdoors? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
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For 19-year-old Matt Wells, what started as a peaceful kayaking trip off the coast of New Zealand’s Cape Rēinga quickly turned into an unforgettable tale of survival.
He found himself face-to-face with one of the ocean’s most powerful predators—a great white shark!
Imagine paddling along, enjoying the serenity of the water, when you glance over your shoulder and see the dorsal fin of a great white shark cutting through the waves, heading straight toward you.
This wasn’t a movie scene for Matt—it was his reality. Alone on the water, with only his fishing camera recording the terrifying chase, Matt unknowingly captured a moment that would soon captivate people around the world.
Matt Wells, the 19-year-old kayaker, captured a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a curious great white shark off the coast of New Zealand. Image Source: YouTube / New York Post.
In the video, Matt, clearly in a panic, pleads, “Don’t attack me, bro!” His voice, filled with both fear and disbelief, perfectly captured the intensity of the situation as the shark followed him, seemingly curious.
As Matt paddled frantically to avoid becoming the shark’s next meal, he was left with no choice but to rely on his instincts and quick thinking.
From excitement to fear
When speaking to Good Morning America, Matt described the encounter as both “really, really cool” and incredibly frightening. While he initially marveled at the sight of the great white, his primary concern was the shark’s curiosity, fearing it might mistake him for prey.
As he paddled to escape, Matt humorously noted, “Its main food source is marine mammals, and I’m a marine mammal right now!”
The long journey to safety
After what felt like an eternity, Matt was still far from safety. He had to paddle 2.5 miles to the shore, all while trying to keep the shark at bay. Desperate to distract the predator, he threw a bottle into the water, hoping to divert its attention.
But the great white, described by Matt as “very curious,” kept pursuing him until Matt was finally able to reach the safety of the shore.
A grateful perspective
Looking back on the experience, Matt shared with The New Zealand Herald, “It was terrifying in the moment, but in reflection, I’m kind of thoughtfully gracious that I did get to have that experience.”
Few people ever have such a close encounter with one of the ocean’s top predators, and Matt feels fortunate to have emerged unscathed with a story to share.
Despite the frightening experience, Matt’s love for the ocean hasn’t wavered.
In fact, he was back on the water the very next day, continuing to kayak and appreciating the vastness and excitement the ocean has to offer.
Matt’s encounter is a stark reminder of how important it is to respect the ocean and its creatures. Although shark attacks are rare, it’s vital for water lovers to know how to avoid attracting sharks and how to stay safe if they do find themselves in a similar situation.
Related articles:
Shocking Discovery: Aquarium Visitors Learn the Truth About Their Beloved Whale Shark!
Retired stranger changes a single mom's life—this story will melt your heart!
Tears and nostalgia: The heartwarming story of Simon & Garfunkel's unexpected reunion
Have you ever had a close encounter with wildlife that left you with a newfound respect for nature? Do you have any tips for staying safe while enjoying the great outdoors? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!
Read next: Hidden treasure unveiled: This family’s antique coins are worth a fortune!
