Nutter was pulled from the surf by friends. Following a beach side tourniquet and a quick ride to the hospital, Nutter was lucky to still have a hand. But recovery was long and arduous. “I suffered a lacerated ulnar nerve, cut tendons and ligaments and heavy muscle/nerve damage. It eventually lead to 78 staples, nerve graphs from my right ankle and my hand almost dying. I’m really lucky to still have my hand and have enough strength to ride.”

Fortunately, Nutter did make a full recovery, and enjoys his time riding the trails, building new trails throughout the US and keeping his shark story under wraps. “I don’t really brag about it. It’s not really a cool thing. It’s pretty haggard and gnarly, so I just keep it under my sleeves,” he says. He also holds no grudge against his hungry adversary. “They’re animals. They’re just fightin to survive too, and I can’t hold that against them.” He has also made several returns to the ocean.

And when asked if he had final thoughts on the topic of shark bites, Nutter didn’t hesitate to inject his fine brand of humor, bringing light to his encounter by mentioning a fruit snack made by Betty Crocker for kids. “Shark Bites are delicious. They can be found in your local supermarket in the snacks section. I like the white ones myself...”