Drone Footage Captures Surfers Inches From Great White Sharks

Experts warn of increasing shark sightings along Southern California coast

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:03pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic interaction between surfers and sharks in the ocean, with the shapes and movements of the figures blending together in an expressionist style.Drone footage captures the heart-pounding proximity between surfers and great white sharks off the Southern California coast, a stark reminder of the need for increased public awareness and safety measures.Manhattan Beach Today

Drone footage has captured surfers in Manhattan Beach, California paddling just inches away from great white sharks lurking beneath the water's surface. Experts say shark sightings are becoming more frequent in the area due to warmer ocean temperatures and an abundance of prey, raising concerns about public safety despite the rarity of actual shark attacks.

Why it matters

The increasing frequency of shark sightings near popular surfing spots in Southern California highlights the need for greater public awareness and safety measures to protect beachgoers, as well as the importance of scientific monitoring to understand the factors driving these changes in shark behavior.

The details

The drone footage shows a surfer riding a small wave as a large shark can be seen swimming directly beneath them, just inches away. Other footage captures a great white shark breaching the water's surface. Experts attribute the rise in shark sightings to warmer ocean temperatures and an abundance of prey, which are drawing the sharks closer to shore. While actual shark attacks remain rare, with fewer than two per year statewide, the close encounters are raising concerns among local officials and researchers.

  • On April 15, drone footage was posted showing the close encounter between surfers and a great white shark in Manhattan Beach.
  • In March, ocean access was temporarily halted in Newport Beach after a surfer spotted a shark circling beneath their board.

The players

Bob Ridges

A visual artist who was out paddling when he saw a shark breach the water's surface about five feet into the air, prompting him to investigate further and capture the drone footage.

Chris Lowe

The director of the Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach, who has warned that unusually warm ocean temperatures and a potential El Niño could bring more sharks closer to shore.

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What they’re saying

“'They're back! It's been a little over 10 years since the last great white summit here in the South bay! And it looks Mother Nature and El Niño have invited all the babies.'”

— Bob Ridges, Visual artist

“'The water has been progressively warmer — unusually warm. We think that may have brought females back earlier to give birth. All those are signs it will be a sharky summer.'”

— Chris Lowe, Director, Shark Lab at Cal State Long Beach

What’s next

Researchers and officials will continue to closely monitor local waters and issue warnings to the public about the increased risk of shark sightings, particularly as summer approaches.

The takeaway

The dramatic drone footage of surfers paddling mere inches away from great white sharks serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater public awareness and safety measures in coastal communities, as well as the importance of scientific research to understand the factors driving changes in shark behavior.