Surfer defies odds with shark attack survival and storm chase

Charley Hajek, a 62-year-old Florida native, experienced a series of life-threatening encounters when he survived both a shark attack and Hurricane Milton in just five days. Despite the dangers, Hajek, known locally as “Gnarly Charley,” continues to surf with a fearless attitude, showing resilience and determination in the face of nature’s harshest elements.

Shark attack at ‘shark bite capital of the world’

On September 22, Hajek was nearing the end of his 148th consecutive day of surfing when the unexpected occurred at New Smyrna Beach, a notorious location with 343 confirmed shark attacks. As he stepped off his surfboard, he accidentally landed on a bull shark. “I couldn’t see the bottom because there was a lot of foam on the water. When I stepped off my board, I landed right on a shark,” Hajek recounted.

In an instant, the shark bit down on his foot. “We both freaked out,” Hajek explained. “I felt this intense pressure clamp down on my ankle and foot. I knew it was a shark, but I didn’t panic.” According to Hajek, the bite felt more like a warning than a full-blown attack. “The shark was saying, ‘Don’t mess with me,’ and I got the message,” he said.

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Quick thinking saves his life

Realizing the severity of the situation when he reached the shore and saw blood spurting from his wound, Hajek acted fast. Using his surfboard leash as a makeshift tourniquet, he drove himself to get medical attention. Ten stitches later, Hajek was back on his feet, remarkably unfazed by the encounter.

Hurricane Milton and chasing the storm

Just five days after his shark attack, Hajek was back in the ocean, undeterred by the trauma. On September 27, he returned to surf and even braved the massive waves brought by Hurricane Milton. “I barely had my stitches out, and I’m chasing a hurricane,” Hajek said. “How crazy is that? Makes for a good story.”

In preparation for the hurricane, Hajek took precautions, securing his home and belongings before heading south to catch the storm’s waves. Upon arriving at Jensen Beach, he encountered not only fierce winds but also tornadoes. “When I got there, the most terrifying thing I saw was tornadoes,” Hajek recalled. “Coconuts were falling from trees onto the roof, and tornadoes were spawning right behind the house.”

Despite the chaos, Hajek remained focused on his passion. “Emotionally, I had to put the shark attack behind me. I love chasing storms. Wherever the storm goes, I go.”

‘Gnarly Charley’ refuses to be deterred

Even after his ordeal, Hajek continues to surf undeterred by the dangers of the ocean. “Since I’ve been back in the water, I’ve seen 11 sharks,” Hajek noted. “I was never afraid, and I never will be. Sharks are more scared of us than we are of them. But step on one, and it’s going to bite you, no question.”

For Charley Hajek, life on the water remains his passion, regardless of the risks. His ability to survive a shark attack and weather a hurricane is a testament to his unstoppable spirit and love for surfing.