February 26, 2026 at 2:49 am

‘Real encounters. Wild places.’ – A Paddleboarder Had A Close Call With A Hammerhead Shark In Florida

by Matthew Gilligan

paddler encountering a shark

TikTok/@juha4709

Depending on what kind of person you are, this guy’s experience was either amazing or terrifying.

A man took to TikTok and showed folks what he encountered when he was paddleboarding in the ocean in Florida.

shark in the water

TikTok/@juha4709

The video showed a hammerhead shark swimming alongside him as he paddled.

The text overlay reads, “This is why I paddle. This is why I share it.”

The TikTokker added, “Real encounters. Wild places. No fear-bait.”

shark in the water

TikTok/@juha4709

In the video’s caption, he wrote, ” I had the pleasure to paddle with it for 3 days in a row at the same spot same time. Only Day 1 did it allow me to film it, the next two days it was quite shy.”

shark in the water

TikTok/@juha4709

Here’s the video.

@juha4709

Same shark, different angle! I had the pleasure to paddle with it for 3 days in a row at the same spot same time, only day 1 did it allow me to film it, the next 2 days it was quite shy. #shark #fyp #naturevibes #standuppaddle #oceanlife @National Geographic @Discovery @GoPro

♬ original sound – ROLI Create

The TikTokker shared a follow-up video that showed another angle of the encounter.

Take a look!

@juha4709

#shark #fyp #naturevibes #standuppaddle #oceanlife @Discovery @National Geographic @GoPro what an experience paddling with great hammerhead for over an hour on this morning at my local beach in Miami

♬ original sound – Astromortus – Astromortus

Viewers spoke up.

This person chimed in.

Screenshot 2026 02 06 at 2.33.28 PM Real encounters. Wild places.   A Paddleboarder Had A Close Call With A Hammerhead Shark In Florida

Another viewer shared their thoughts.

Screenshot 2026 02 06 at 2.33.50 PM Real encounters. Wild places.   A Paddleboarder Had A Close Call With A Hammerhead Shark In Florida

And this TikTokker shared a photo.

Screenshot 2026 02 06 at 2.34.02 PM Real encounters. Wild places.   A Paddleboarder Had A Close Call With A Hammerhead Shark In Florida

You never know what’s gonna happen when you get in the water in Florida!

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