A surfer has recounted his harrowing encounter with a shark while recovering in the hospital after the attack at a picturesque California beach.

James Eastman, 39, was riding the waves at Big River Beach in Mendocino on a Wednesday evening when a shark suddenly leaped onto his board, delivering a vicious bite to both of his legs.

“I felt something dragging me,” Eastman shared with ABC News as he recuperated in the hospital.

Eastman had headed to the surf spot in Mendocino Headlands State Park for a quick session before picking up his nine-month-old son from daycare.

“I saw the shark’s head above the water and immediately thought of my wife and child. I knew I couldn’t die; not now,” he recounted.

In a desperate bid to fend off the predator, Eastman pushed the shark away and struck its nose, hoping to prevent a more severe assault.

Eventually, it let go, leaving Eastman with gaping wounds to both of his legs. Despite his injuries, he hung on to his board and paddled back to shore. 

Three off-duty lifeguards who were surfing nearby rushed to his aid, providing medical care until first responders could arrive.

James Eastman, 39, spoke out from his hospital bed after a terrifying shark attack

Eastman is pictured with his wife Chloe, who worked at the emergency room where he was treated

Eastman was surfing at a California beach when the shark hopped up onto his board

The California State Lifeguards issued a statement after the terrifying accident, thanking the lifeguards for their ‘heroic actions.’ 

‘Three off-duty lifeguards assisted the victim out of the water and provided medical aid per their training,’ it read. 

‘This incident highlights the importance of having ocean lifeguard programs and we thank our lifeguards for their quick, heroic actions.’ 

Eastman was taken to Adventist Hospital, where his wife was working in the Emergency Room. 

‘I’m in the middle of work in the ER and I just like dropped to the ground like, ‘What?” she said. ‘It’s my worst fear too.’ 

Eastman is an English teacher at Mendocino Community High School. He met his wife through their mutual love of surfing. 

The couple got married just above the beach where he was attacked.

Eastman had swung by the beach for a surf before he was supposed to pick up his son from daycare

A file photo of a Great White Shark. The species of shark that attacked Eastman is not known

The beautiful Big River Beach in Mendocino where the attack happened

Loved ones posted a GoFundMe to aid with the expenses brought on by his extensive medical treatment and physical therapy. 

According to the fundraising page, Eastman has major tissue and muscle damage in both legs and cannot stand or walk. 

‘The next few months will be challenging and costly for them, being out of work while James recovers from surgery and works through physical therapy to get back on his feet…’ it read.

‘Anyone who knows James and Chloe would agree they are the most humble, generous, and selfless humans who deserve nothing but love and support during this unforeseen, difficult time.’

The California Department of Fish & Wildlife is leading the investigation into the attack, reported People. 

Officials collected DNA samples to determine the exact species of the shark.

The couple met due to their love of surfing and got married just above the scene of the terrifying attack

California State Parks issued a 48-hour beach closure after the incident. 

‘State Parks would like to remind visitors that sharks are an important part of the coastal ecosystem and that interactions between people and sharks are rare,’ the department said. 

Shark attacks are relatively uncommon in California, with just 234 shark-related incidents reported since 1950. 

Despite the terrifying run-in, Eastman is cautiously excited about returning to the waves. 

‘I love surfing so much and I would be very sad if I didn’t surf again,’ he said. ‘As far as everything else is concerned, I was extremely lucky.’ 

The Daily Mail contacted Eastman and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife for comment.