A Northland surfer says he's not angry at sharks - despite escaping with his life after being bitten by a great white

25-year-old Andrew Brough now has about 40 stitches in his arm after he was attacked off Baylys Beach, near Dargaville yesterday.

Mr Bruff says thankfully, his arm took the full impact.

Also, he says if his board wasn't there, it would've been all over.

Mr Brough says he won't let the experience stop him going surfing - and he's looking forward to summer to head back into the waves.