This is the terrifying moment a great white shark leapt out of the water just yards from a boogie boarder in Newport Beach.

Soaren Stevenson, the Orange County man who spotted the shark, told KTLA he was filming his brother on Saturday close to Lifeguard Tower 40 when he noticed the shark erupted out of the water in the background of the video.

Christopher Lowe, a professor of marine biology and director of the Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab, said the shark was apparently a young great white and that it was likely trying to scratch an itch or having fun.

“Based on how they often jump and land on their sides or backs, I suspect they are jumping to dislodge parasites crawling on their sides and backs, relieving a case of the itchies,” he told the network. “The only other reason I can think of is that they are jumping for fun.”

According to the Cal State Long Beach Shark Lab, great white sharks can live upward of 70 years. They can grow as long as 14–16 ft. (4.3–4.5 m) on average, with females typically growing bigger than males.

Great white sharks also tend to increase in girth as they age.

Newport Beach is known to have a large harbor filled with boats. The local beaches include the Wedge, which is known for its huge waves, and Corona del Mar State Beach.

According to Tripadvisor, the coastal city is also the filming location for popular TV series like “The O.C.” and “Arrested Development,” so it’s often a stop on many Hollywood tours.

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