Great white shark approaches surfers at Pismo Beach

A massive great white shark, weighing approximately 1.8 tons, was filmed swimming extremely close to surfers at Pismo Beach on the central coast of California on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Drone footage captured the predator swimming directly toward a man on a longboard, passing so close that it caused a splash before changing direction. The surfers remained calm during the encounter. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), great white sharks can reach lengths of 20 feet and weigh over 4,000 pounds, typically preferring water temperatures between 10°C and 27°C (50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).

Pismo Beach is a known habitat for several shark species. The great white shark's range along the Pacific coast extends from Alaska to Mexico, and they are also found in the Atlantic Basin, including the Eastern Seaboard, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean.