In an incredible display of bravery and resilience, 16-year-old championship surfer Teddy Wittemann faced down a terrifying shark attack on the shores of Melbourne Beach, Florida. The teenage athlete, a member of the USA Junior Surfing U16 boys team, narrowly escaped losing his arm when a shark attacked him during a routine surf session last Friday.
Wittemann’s passion for the ocean has always been a driving force behind his competitive surfing career, but last week’s incident could have derailed everything. As he reached for his surfboard, the unthinkable happened—a shark clamped down on his left arm.
“I see it right here on the inside of my arm and along my body, shaking its head and thrashing around,” Teddy recounted to Fox35 Orlando. “I could have lost my arm.”
Despite the shock and fear, the young athlete remained focused. With blood pouring from his arm, Teddy’s immediate concern wasn’t just for his injury but for his future as a surfer. “The first thoughts were, ‘Am I going to be able to surf contests again?’” he said. His level-headedness in the face of this near-tragedy speaks to the discipline and courage that have helped him rise in the competitive surfing world.
Thankfully, help was close by. Neighbors Dave and Toie Crespi, who were on the beach at the time, quickly sprang into action. Dave removed his shirt and used it as a makeshift tourniquet to stem the bleeding from Teddy’s wounded arm, while Toie called 911. Their swift actions, along with Teddy’s own presence of mind, likely saved his life.
“I was looking at my arm freaking out, but trying to do the right thing,” Teddy explained. Even as he paddled back to shore, blood seeping into the water, he couldn’t help but worry about a second shark attack. But, as any champion knows, pushing through fear is part of the game.
Paramedics treated the young surfer on the scene before rushing him to Holmes Regional Medical Center, where he was examined and treated for the shark bite. The attack left his arm bloodied and punctured with teeth marks, but incredibly, there was no severe damage. Wittemann required 30 stitches and will wear a cast for the next month.
Teddy’s father, Ted Wittemann, expressed his gratitude for his son’s survival but is still cautious, telling Fox35, “We’re just praying against infections.”
The injury is a setback for the ambitious teen, who is homeschooled to allow more time in the water and has his sights set on a professional surfing career. A two-time East Coast champion, Teddy will miss several upcoming competitions, but his determination hasn’t wavered. His doctors expect him to fully recover, with the possibility of returning to surfing once his arm heals.
This young athlete’s story is not just one of survival but of grit and tenacity. Despite facing one of nature’s deadliest predators, Teddy Wittemann remains focused on the future, determined to get back to doing what he loves—surfing. As he heals, he continues to set milestones, ensuring his return to the water will be just as triumphant as his courageous escape from the jaws of a shark.
Teddy’s brush with danger is a reminder of the risks that come with pursuing a passion, but it’s also a testament to the American spirit of perseverance. This young champion has proven that no challenge, not even a shark attack, can keep him down.