Fear of Sharks

Support | Event Directors & Organizers

This Question is Possibly Answered

1 "correct" answer available (10 pts)

Last post: May 20, 2008 2:43 PM by amandasurf24

Sir Winston

39 posts since
May 30, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

Apr 26, 2008 9:32 PM

With last Friday's fatal shark attack in Solana Beach I figured I'd see what everyone thinks about hopping back into the water in an area where a recent shark attack has occurred. I happen to live near where this last one happened and have surfed that break and those around it hundreds of times, but I'm curious to hear how quickly you would be back in the water if a 'man eating' shark was known to be in your area. Personally, I will be back in the water whenever the next swell hits, if for no other reason than the law of percentages tells me it's super unlikely to happen again, but what about you? Does something like this make you think twice before you paddle out?

Tags: san, diego, solana, beach, surfing, sharks

runnessyrun18

1 posts since
Apr 17, 2008

Currently Being Moderated

1. Apr 27, 2008 1:07 AM

in response to: Sir Winston

Re: Fear of Sharks

I think I personally will paddle out next swell too. The way the waves have been this week, I am not too sure how soon that will be, haha. If I go out yeah it will probably be in the back of my mind unfortunately even though nothing will probably happen. I will just go out with at least one friend and try to sit at a peak where there are a few other guys- safety in numbers thing. I love surfing cardiff and Encinitas too much to stay out of the water long. See you out there

Report Abuse

CoachScott_SBLL

2 posts since
May 30, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

2. Apr 27, 2008 4:58 PM

in response to: Sir Winston

Re: Fear of Sharks

I was surprised to see as many surfers in the water this morning. Even without decent surf, there were at least 75 guys out between Swami's and Cardiff reef. For me, I'll wait until there are decent waves before I re-enter the water. I will also surf where there are other surfers. I definately don't want to be the only guy on a break. Sitting there by myself, I'll just spook myself out. I realize the odds of being killed by a shark are much less than crossing the street to surf, but it's a little too close to home (literally) for now.

Report Abuse

Sir Winston

39 posts since
May 30, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

3. Apr 27, 2008 5:04 PM

in response to: CoachScott_SBLL

Re: Fear of Sharks

Well put. I'm certainly not eager to get out and surf by myself. For the first time in my life, I'm actually going to be looking for a small crowd next time I'm out. I may not be afraid to get back out there, but a little human company will help quell the inevitable fear.

Report Abuse

Mr. Manion

10 posts since
Jul 17, 2007

Currently Being Moderated

4. Apr 28, 2008 1:14 PM

in response to: Sir Winston

Re: Fear of Sharks

I think that the typical daily activities we do are WAY more dangerous than the chance of getting bitten. Surfing itself is probably more dangerous than surfing near a shark. The fact is, sharks are not out hunting humans. they bite and upon getting a mouth full of neoprene, sunscreen, Wax, fiberglass, foam etc...realize they made a mistake and head elsewhere.

I feel like the media coverage, adds to this fear and makes people more scared than they need to be. All of you have great ideas. Surf in groups (is there any other option in CA), keep your eyes peeled and have a blast. There is a reason that there are so few shark attacks each year.

Report Abuse

amandasurf24

5 posts since
May 20, 2008

Currently Being Moderated

5. May 20, 2008 2:43 PM

in response to: Sir Winston

Re: Fear of Sharks

that definitely scared me a little. the thought that a shark could attack someone entirely unprovoked is never a comforting thought. like you guys said though, the only reason its such a big deal is because it almost never happens!