NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- Harold Bradner said he was catching the last wave of the afternoon on Friday when a shark bit his foot in the waters off New Smyrna Beach. Bradner said the water was just seven feet deep.

"In one bite, it got my whole foot in its mouth," said Bradner.

Bradner said once he felt the pain and heaviness on his left foot, he knew it was a shark. Fortunately, the shark let go and Brander was able to pull himself onto his board and get back to shore. He had gashes on his ankle and toes. Doctors used 25 stitches to sew up Bradner's wounds.

"[Monday] was the first day I've been able to kind of walk, more like hobble around," said Bradner.

Shark attacks in Volusia County have been on the rise for four years straight. There were just three reported attacks in 2004. In 2007, there were 17.

Experts say attacks are increasing worldwide. They believe it's because more people are spending more time in the water.

Bradner said he won't let the shark bite slow him down. He plans to get back in the water in two to three weeks. That's when doctors expect him to be healed.