Ron Takeda and Tavis Boise were enjoying a downwind foil run off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, on April 25, 2026, when they realized a large shark was trailing them. Takeda, a retired mechanical engineer, initially mistook the creature for a dolphin, but Boise quickly recognized the danger. The shark, believed to be a great white, pursued Takeda for about five minutes at speeds of around 10 mph, with its fin visible above the water.
Harrowing Encounter Captured on Video
Boise filmed the encounter, which has since gone viral on social media. In the footage, he can be heard shouting, “Don’t fall!” and “Oh my God, it’s coming for you!” as the shark closely followed Takeda. The pair, experienced surfers familiar with marine life, had encountered sharks before but never in a sustained chase. Takeda focused on staying upright on his foil board, a specialized surfboard that lifts above the water, to avoid falling into the shark’s path.
Shark Loses Interest After Extended Pursuit
After several tense minutes, the shark eventually lost interest and swam away. Takeda’s first words to Boise after the ordeal were about the excellent surfing conditions, showing his calm demeanor. The pair shared the video with experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), who confirmed the creature was likely a great white shark. The footage sparked questions about whether it was generated by AI, but Takeda and Boise insist it is real.
Theories Behind the Shark’s Behavior
Takeda and Boise theorize that the foil on the board, which resembles a stingray from below, may have accidentally hit the shark, triggering a curious pursuit. “Put yourself in the mind of the shark. Your prey just tapped you on the shoulder and ran past you,” Boise said. They believe the shark was curious rather than aggressive, as it never touched them. Boise titled his video “Friendly Shark Chase” to avoid demonizing the animal.
Despite the harrowing experience, the duo planned to return to the water on Thursday. “We feel pretty confident that even if this happens again, we know what to do next time, which is don’t fall,” Boise said. The incident has drawn attention to the growing popularity of foil boarding and the importance of respecting marine wildlife.
