A close call for a morning paddleboarder on Maui as a shark bit his paddleboard while in the water off Kanaha Beach Park in North Maui.

According to officials from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the attack happened Thursday morning off the beach park located just east of Kahului.

The paddler reported that the shark was about 6-8' in length, according to DLNR. He was not injured in the encounter.

The beach has been closed to all water activities for the time being. Signs will be posted notifying beachgoers of the incident.

MauiNow.com's Wendy Osher caught up with the paddleboarder, Dave Peterson, who described the encounter.

“I was standing outside waiting for a wave and something came up and knocked me off my board.  I fell down and landed on the shark and it was biting my board,” said Peterson, who is an avid ocean-goer.

Click here for the full interview with Peterson, who said he felt bad that he had to report the encounter which required the closure of the beach when the surf was so good.