Teen surfer survives shark attack in Brevard County: ‘It could have been so much worse’

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla – A teenager is recovering after a shark attack in Brevard County.

16-year-old surfer Teddy Wittemann was released from the hospital last Friday after a close call. He said he was in the ocean to get his surfboard when a shark grabbed his arm. Luckily, the teenager returned to shore and is recovering from the shark attack.

In photos from the hospital, teeth marks and blood can be seen on Teddy’s arm – the injury left new battle scars after a shark attack in Floridana Beach.

“I see it here on the inside of my arm and along my body, shaking its head and thrashing around,” the surfer said.

The shark bit him on the left arm but spared his life.

“I could have lost my arm,” he said. “I wouldn’t have been able to use any of my fingers or move my wrist. It could have been so much worse.”

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Teddy wants to become a professional surfer and is already causing a stir in his career. The teenager is being homeschooled so he can surf more and is already a two-time East Coast champion.

“The first thoughts were, ‘Can I compete in surfing again?'” he said, thinking back to the attack.

Doctors say he should be able to surf again after his arm heals. His parents support their son every step of the way and hope for the best as he recovers.

16-year-old surfer Teddy Wittemann has been released from the hospital after being bitten by a shark in Brevard County.

“We just pray against infections,” said his father, Ted Wittemann.

Teddy will miss several upcoming surfing competitions but is grateful for the support he has received since the attack.

Teddy says he sets goals on the calendar for different milestones he wants to achieve in his recovery.

Although this is a setback in his surfing journey, he says nothing will stop him from getting back in the water.

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