The victim of Sunday’s shark attack off Kangaroo Island says it was “like being hit by a truck”.

The 29-year old local has thanked the “awesome” emergency services and medical staff who helped him after he managed to get back to land at D’Estrees Bay.

In a hand-written note he says, “It was a normal day’s surfing at D’Estrees Bay."

I was sitting on my board when I felt a hit on my left side – it was like being hit by a truck.”

It bit me around my back, buttock and elbow and took a chunk out of my board.

I got a glimpse of the shark as it let go and disappeared.”

I still had hold of my board and paddled into the beach.”

I walked up to the carpark and yelled out to another surfer who was about to go in. He drove me to Kingscote and we were met half-way by the ambulance.”

I want to thank all those involved in getting me to hospital, the awesome emergency services and medical staff and my family and friends for all their love and support.”

I’m feeling incredibly lucky and grateful and I’m going optimistic I’m going to make a full recovery.”

The attack happened about 2pm Sunday 6 December.  

Police closed D’Estrees Bay the same afternoon.

SA Ambulance responded to the man's thanks by wishing him a full and speedy recovery from "what must have been an utterly terrifying experience."