Watch Surfer Fight Off Shark Attack on Live TV in South Africa

— -- A surfing competition in South Africa was cancelled today after one of the finalists was attacked by a shark.

Australian surfer Mick Fanning was waiting in the water at the J-Bay Open when the shark attacked him. Video captured Fanning clutching his surfboard and kicking at the shark.

Fanning, 34, told the World Surf League, which hosted the event, he felt something get stuck on his leg rope.

"I instantly just jumped," Fanning said. "It just kept coming at my board."

Fanning said he "just saw fins" -- not the shark's teeth. "I was waiting for the teeth to come at me," he said.

The surfer said he even defended himself, punching the shark in the back.

Fanning was picked up by safety boats, according to the World Surfing League. He was unharmed.

"Before I knew it, the boat was there, the jet skis were there... I just can’t believe it," Fanning said. "To walk away from that, I'm just so stoked.”

"Mick's composure and quick acting in the face of a terrifying situation was nothing short of heroic and the rapid response of our Water Safety personnel was commendable -- they are truly world class at what they do," read a statement from the World Surfing League.