The no. 1 shark-attack beach in North America is doing a fine job at making sure it holds down that title. While we’re only 2/3 of the way through 2008, New Smyrna Beach, Fla. has already wracked up an impressive 17 shark-attacks.

The latest encounter took place this past Sunday. An unidentified New Smyrna Beach man was paddling his way out to the break when an unknown species of shark grabbed a hold of the 20 yr. old by his left foot. The man was treated on scene and later taken to a nearby hospital. Overall the injuries were pretty minor and in know way life or limb-threatening. “We get a lot worse injuries of people falling on the Daytona Beach pier,” said Capt. Scott Petersohn, Volusia County Beach Patrol spokesman.

New Smyrna’s usual suspects are Blacktip, Spinner, and Bull Sharks that like to feed in the shallow, mirky water. While the typical nature of most of these attacks make it difficult to call them attacks at all, you still have to think it would be a pretty eerie feeling surfing in a place that averages two-shark attacks a month.

Tags: Sharks

Posted by Shaun on Thursday, August 28th, 2008 in Surfing.

• -New Smyrna’s Killin’ It: 19 and Counting
• -Unusual Year for Shark Encounters Continues
• -Shark Goes For Cover Shot in New Smyrna
• -Another Surfer Killed by Shark Near Acapulco
• -Fatal Shark Attack Near Solana Beach