A great white shark has attacked Eric Geiselman (New Smyrna Beach) while he was surfing off Laguna Road, Santa Cruz.

The 21-year-old pro surfer’s board was broken in half.

When he felt he was under attack, Geiselman paddled fast to shore, as he was 50 yards from the beach.

Later, the O’Neill Cold Water Classic California, held very close to the shark attack, got an alert call from the Floridian, who was also competing in the event.

Eric Geiselman, his brother and some friends were not injured.

TRANSWORLD’S TEXT CORRESPONDENCE:

We first heard about the incident via a text message from Etnies team manager Joey Daroza, here’s that conversation:

From Joey Daroza (Etnies Team Manager) to TransWorld SURF’s Scott ‘Desi’ Desiderio:
Geiselman just texted and said he can’t make dinner. A Great White shark ran into him and broke his board!

Naturally, Desi texts Eric Geiselman…

From Desi to Eric Geiselman:
You OK Buddy? I heard you had a close call!

From EG to Desi:
Yeah, was so nuts!!! The thing came up from underneath me and broke my board in half. So sketchy!!!!!!!

From Desi to EG:
Holy crap! You OK?

EG to Desi:
Luckily!!! Just trippin’ still, thank God!!!!]

video and text from transworld

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing presented by Rockstar Energy Drink (an ASP Specialty Series) makes history today, announcing the TRIPLE CROWN – TRIPLE THREAT bonus purse that makes this prestigious Hawaiian series the first $1,000,000 stop on the Association of Surfing Professionals Dream Tour. More than 150 surfers from 17 nations have a crack at the loot as the series kicks off this Thursday, November 12, at Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore.

Vans is very proud to announce that the TRIPLE CROWN – TRIPLE THREAT will award $50,000 to the men’s Triple Crown series champion, an extra $50,000 for the Billabong Pipeline Masters winner, a $50,000 bonus to the ASP World Champion, and a $25,000 bonus to the women’s Triple Crown champion. The $175,000 Triple Threat is in addition to the existing $825,000 in event prize money, making for a $1 million total purse.

The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing will culminate with the final battle for the 2009 ASP World Title at the Billabong Pipeline Masters, December 8-20. Not since 2006 and the ASP World Title battle between Kelly Slater (Florida) and Andy Irons (Hawaii), has there been such a climax to the showdown. This year it will be between Australians Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning, and on that final day, it is possible that one surfer could walk away with a record $230,000.

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he Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS) 6-Star PRIME O’Neill Cold Water Classic California witnessed an action packed day of competition when Nathan Yeomans (San Clemente, CA), 28, claimed the event over Heath Joske (Coffs Harbour, AUS), 20, in pumping eight foot (2.5 meter) waves at Steamer Lane. Nat Young (Santa Cruz, CA), 19, won the Oakley Pro Junior ASP North America Championships and also claimed the ASP North America Pro Junior Series Title.

The O’Neill Cold Water Classic California’s ASP 6-Star PRIME status attracted some of the world’s top surfing prospects out to qualify for the 2010 ASP Dream Tour, who were all hungry to capitalize on the mass of points available at the premier event.

Yeomans wasted no time in the bombing surf at Steamer Lane, jumping on the scoreboard early and leading the heat throughout the entire bout against Joske. The San Clemente native capitalized on the surf at middle peak, ping a solid 15.33 heat total to earn the convincing win. Yeomans dominated on both his forehand and backhand to take the biggest victory of his career.

“I can’t believe it,” Yeomans said. “This is the biggest result of my career and I’m speechless. I’ve been winning 2-Stars for too long and it was time for a big 6-Star win. To have my name up there with all of the great surfers who have won this event over the years is amazing.”

read more at asp