Two Australian open-water sports events have been thrown into jeopardy after a series of shark attacks and crocodile sightings.

The first day of the world's biggest junior surf contest was canceled on Friday after a shark bit a surfboard, while a crocodile sighting has struck fear into organizers of an open- water swim in northern Queensland.

Beaches at Ballina, on New South Wales' north coast, were closed on Friday after a surfer's board was bitten at the same beach as the Oz Grom Open, the world's largest junior surf contest.

The young competers were pulled out of the water just after 9: 00 a.m. (local time) as spotters in helicopters set out for the second day in a row to find a shark.

On Thursday, a 32-year-old bodyboarder suffered severe injuries to his lower legs after an encounter with a shark in waters only 10 kilometers south of Friday's incident.

"We've canceled the event for the day," event organizer Tony O' Brien told 2GB radio of the contest that attracts more than 250 young surfers, many from around the world.

Both attacks were in the same area where Japanese surfer Tadashi Nakahara, 41, died after his legs were torn off by a shark in February.

Sharks are a regular feature in Australian waters, and swimmers and surfers have had their share of encounters with the animals this year.

Experts say attacks are increasing as water sports become more popular but fatalities remain rare. Endi

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)