A surfing competition in Huntington Beach was scrubbed for the day Friday due to an “aggressive” shark sighting off the coast.
According to the World Surf League, the multi-day Vans Jack’s Surfboards Pro competition was put on hold Friday “for 24 hours following a shark sighting in the competition zone yesterday afternoon, after competition was finished.”
“The safety of our surfers and staff is our top priority, and competition will resume once the water safety team and local authorities confirm the competition area is clear,” organizers wrote on Instagram.
The competition was tentatively scheduled to resume at 7 a.m. Saturday.
According to the Huntington Beach Fire Department, the shark was estimated to be about 10 feet long, “and aggressive behavior was observed.”
The sighting prompted a closure of the ocean water near the pier, extending from Beach Boulevard to 17th Street, according to the fire department. The closure is expected to remain in effect until at least 4:30 p.m.
“Staff will evaluate the possibility of reopening the water at that time based on ongoing surveillance and assessment,” according to a social media post by HBFD. “The community’s safety is our top priority. We ask all beachgoers to obey posted signs and remain out of the water until the closure has been lifted.”