How To Avoid A Shark Attack While Surfing
Hannah Brown October 1st, 2020 Posted In: How-To Tags: Surfing
How To Avoid A Shark Attack While Surfing
How can you avoid a shark attack while surfing? With popular movies such as Jaws, The Shallows, and The MEG it is no wonder that people are terrified of sharks. They are made out to be incredibly dangerous and vicious creatures and they are – if you’re a seal. In fact, the International Shark Attack File documented 64 cases of a shark attack on a human worldwide for the year 2019. In addition, only 2 people were killed in a shark-related incident. Meanwhile, about 100 people a year are killed by horses. That being said, many of these attacks are caused by things that can easily be avoided. So, what are the top reasons sharks attack and how do we avoid them?
Reasons Sharks Attack While Surfing
There are two main reasons that sharks attack humans, they are either curious or confused. Much the same as a dog, a shark investigates things with its mouth. So, if they see something thrashing around in the water or a flash of light they will use their mouth to investigate what it is. Many times, the shark is attempting to see if the object is edible. That is why many people who are attacked by sharks are only bitten once or twice before the shark decides it doesn’t want to eat them and swims away. Unfortunately for surfers and swimmers, a bite or two from a shark can prove fatal.
How to Avoid A Shark Attack While Surfing
Because sharks are mainly biting out of curiosity or confusion, there are a few ways that you can avoid being attacked by a shark.
Avoid Prime Feeding Times
Sharks tend to hunt mostly at dusk, dawn, and night time when visibility for other animals is low. Avoid these time periods and try surfing in the late morning or early afternoon. This will decrease the chance of a shark hunting in the surrounding waters.
Avoid Areas Where They Feed
When trying to avoid a shark attack while surfing it is necessary that you avoid areas where sharks tend to feed. This includes drop-offs after a sandbar, river mouths and channels, and near sewer openings. Each of these areas is teeming with fish and ocean life and makes them ideal hunting grounds for sharks.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
This tends to go without saying, but make sure you are being watchful and attentive to your surroundings. Look for signs on the beach of a shark sighting and other signs that a shark might be nearby. This can include dead seals on the beach or seagulls bobbing in the water. If you see any of these signs try coming back another day when it will be a little less risky.
Surf with Others
To avoid a shark attack while surfing you should surf with other people. Sharks are opportunistic; they will target a lone object in the water rather than a group of objects. This means that you are safer with others. In addition, if you end up getting attacked you will have someone to help you.
Don’t Swim in Murky Water
Sharks have excellent eyesight, so many they typically know that you are not a seal or fish. However, after a storm or rainfall, sand and mud are stirred up from the ocean floor making the water murky. This prevents the shark from being able to see you and prevents you from being able to see them. You can make sure you are surfing in the best conditions possible by reading our article.
Be Mindful of What You’re Wearing
Sharks tend to target things that are bright or flashy. Keep your brightly colored bathing suit and jewelry at home while you are surfing. Opt for neutral colors and no jewelry – this will prevent you from looking like a giant disco ball to the shark. Try using a wetsuit to appear less enticing and stay warm in the cooler months.
Don’t Bring Attention to Yourself
Sharks typically go after things that are moving or splashing. If you do see a shark near you avoid any sudden and loud noises. Try to get to shore as quickly as possible without bringing attention to yourself. If you splash around and make a lot of noise a shark will likely try to go after you.
Use Shark Repellents
There are a few different types of ways you can repel sharks. One of them is to use a pepper-based wax on your surfboard. The scent is offensive to sharks and makes them avoid you. Similarly, you can use Shark Eyes which stick onto the bottom of your surfboard and appear to the shark as a predator. In addition, there are also bracelets such as Sharkbanz that emit a magnetic frequency that disturbs the shark’s electro-receptors.
Key Takeaways on How to Avoid a Shark Attack While Surfing
Sharks explore the world with their mouth. If they see something they don’t understand or they want to determine if something is edible they bite it. While they are powerful creatures, just adhering to a few simple measures tends to prevent you from getting bit. Don’t go out when they are hunting, don’t go to places where they hunt, and don’t wear anything that makes you attractive to them.
