Do Shark Attacks on Surfers Make You Less Likely to Surf?

I lived right by the ocean and loved to go thigh-deep in the surf to fish for salmon and striper when they were running. I also SCUBA dived a lot and often saw nurse sharks resting on the bottom but they didn’t worry me at all. With global warming though, more bait-fish schools are swimming in closer to shore and sharks will come after the fish to eat them. If you see a school of fish around you in the water, get OUT of the water as fast as you can to prevent any uninvited attention to you!

I live in the mountains now but if I did live by the ocean, I’d be very careful about possible sharks coming into the shallows more than they did and take precautions to not tangle with them. Don’t swim at dawn and dusk as that’s when sharks feed the most, don’t wear any shiny objects like jewelry or belt buckles as they reflect light and can look like fish scales to sharks. And get out of the water immediately if you see fish swimming near you.

The Reality of Shark Encounters

Absolutely. Once man had control of everything that pertained to the Earth. Unfortunately, he gave that control away and now hes trying to get it back. The oceans and seas are home to fish, amphibians, some mammals, and not man. Even though you may enter these large bodies of water with good intentions, you may not emerge with the same body parts you entered with. Many swimmers and surfers have looked at the surface of an ocean and saw no shark fins and assumed it was safe to go in. But some sharks that are deeper than surface view will charge straight up and surprise and shock a person completely unprepared and take off a limb and think nothing of it. For me, a nice clean swimming pool or a nearby lake will suit me just fine.

Surfing Despite Shark Risks

Not at all. I go into the surf two or three times each week. A recent study out of California State University Long Beach concluded that 98% of the time a surfer is in the water, there is a shark nearby. What this means is that they are out there but really don’t care. It is like having a neighbor with a Rottweiler that hangs out in the front yard. It can easily kill you but it just doesn’t.

Despite the risks, many surfers still choose to spend time in the ocean. There are several reasons why shark attacks don’t make people less likely to surf. Firstly, the odds of encountering a shark while surfing are relatively low. Shark attacks on surfers are rare compared to other water-related injuries. Secondly, surfer demographics skew younger, and younger individuals tend to be more risk-tolerant. Thirdly, the joy and freedom that surfing provides often outweigh the small risk of a shark attack. The ocean offers a unique and thrilling environment where surfers can experience the raw power and beauty of nature.

Surfing Safety Tips

To minimize the risk of shark encounters, surfers can follow several practical guidelines:

Stay aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to any unusual marine life or strong currents. Avoid dawn and dusk: These are peak feeding times for sharks due to the low visibility and abundance of food. Wear diving masks or wet suits: These can make you less visible from below the surface. Avoid wearing bright colors: Sharks are attracted to bright colors as they may blend with fish scales. Group activities: Sharks are less likely to attack in groups due to increased vigilance and noise. Do not swim near schools of fish: These areas may attract hungry sharks.

By following these precautions, surfers can greatly reduce their risk of shark encounters. Furthermore, it's important to educate oneself about shark behavior and ocean ecology to appreciate the complex relationship between humans and marine life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the risks associated with shark attacks are real, they do not make surfers less likely to engage in the sport. The joy and thrill of surfing, coupled with advancements in safety awareness, make the beauty of the ocean accessible to many. Whether you are a seasoned surfer or a beginner, understanding and respecting the ocean’s ecosystem is key to enjoying this exhilarating activity safely.