NewsKTLA 5 — CaliforniaOctober 27, 2026Los Angeles County
Kayaker David Slavich encounters great white shark near Half Moon Bay
Photo: KTLA 5 — California
A kayaking fisherman named David Slavich had a close encounter with a great white shark off the coast of Northern California on Sunday after a paddleboarder warned him one was in the area. The shark swam directly alongside his kayak without attacking while Slavich pulled his fishing gear from the water and braced for impact.
Read the full story at KTLA 5 — CaliforniaWhy It Matters
A local resident experienced a direct, non-aggressive wildlife encounter with a large marine predator while fishing on public waters.
Key Facts
- David Slavich encountered a great white shark while fishing from a kayak off the coast of Northern California on Sunday.
- A paddleboarder had warned Slavich prior to the incident that a great white was swimming nearby.
- The shark swam directly alongside Slavich's kayak and made eye contact without attempting an attack.
- Slavich quickly pulled his fishing equipment out of the water to prevent the shark from pulling on his line.
- Slavich's wife, Andrea, told him he needs to get a boat before going out on the water again.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationKRON4“San Francisco news outlet that first reported the encounter”locationHalf Moon Bay“Specific location near where the fishing and shark encounter occurred”locationSan Francisco“City where KRON4 is located”locationNorthern California“Region where the encounter took place”PersonAndrea Slavich“Wife of David Slavich”PersonDavid Slavich“Kayaker who encountered the shark”