SuggestedLeadIn: Surfing superman Mick Fanning returns to competitive action in Tahiti for the first time since late July's close encounter with a shark in the waters off South Africa

Script: Imagine this nasty surprise when you're in the water..

But what you don't see is the shark choosing the wrong target for dinner back in July at the J-Bay Open. Superman surfer Mick Fanning throwing a punch before making a hasty getaway.

And now the Australian, a veteran of the pro tour, returns to competitive action.

SOUNDBITE (English): Mick Fanning, surfer:

"I think the following weekend (after the shark attack) I jumped in the water and it was good. I didn't want it to wait for too long. I just wanted to get back out there. And obviously if you leave it for too long, your mind starts playing tricks on you"

The world's best surfers have gathered in Tahiti for the seventh stop on the 2015 World Surf League Championship Tour. Fanning, a three-time WSL champion, is looking forward to getting back on his board.

SOUNDBITE (English): Mick Fanning, surfer:

"For a place like Teahupo'o you can't really be sitting there wondering what is for dinner when a huge set is coming. So you have got to be 100 per cent focused on what you are doing at the time. I am really excited to get back in the water"

The Billabong Pro Tahiti runs until the 25 August. Let's hope the sharks stay at home for this one..