A 40-year-old male surfer suffered injuries to his right leg today in a shark attack at Ka'a'awa, near the Crouching Lion restaurant.

The attack was reported at 5:01 p.m.

The man fought off the shark and paddled to shore with assistance from a surfing companion. Firefighters administered medical aid to the victim on shore before turning him over to Emergency Medical Services personnel, said Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. Robert Main.

City Emergency Services Department spokesman Bryan Cheplic said the man was taken to the hospital in serious condition.

Witnesses said a big chunk of the victim's right thigh is gone and the shark also bit him near the ankle.Fire officials confirmed the shark bit the surfer's thigh and part of his lower right leg, and took a chunk out of his board as well.

The shark apparently was swimming parallel with the board when the attack occurred.

Aren Souza, 26, of Punalu'u brought the surfer to shore and used a towel to stop bleeding before firefighters arrived.

Ocean Safety personnel on rescue craft went out to clear the water of surfers, and warning signs have been posted, although the area is an unguarded beach, Cheplic said. Officials plan to reassess the situation tomorrow morning.

The waves in the area this afternoon were about two feet high, and the water was not very clear.