I have always wondered what I should do if I was out and saw a reasonable size shark.

Scenario 1: I am paddling back to shore at big left (1 km paddle from the break) and see a shark. No amount of yelling or arm waving would get the attention of surfers. I would like to think I would paddle back out and tell them. Would you?

Scenario 2: I am surfing by myself, a shark comes up close so I go in. There is no one to tell but it is inevitable that others will come for a paddle. Do you sit on the beach to warn people? Do you make a sign? Do you call 000?

Is there an app for that?

Best App = Dorsal

You can post on it directly.

There are so many big Great Whites around here now, that most times I don't leave the water.
I know they are always there, whether we see them or not.

Last Saturday Arthur Medici got killed on a pure glass, very crowded sunny day at noon..... just after I left the beach.

The next day this GW cruised the line-up and we did go in.... giving the "shark" sign.
No calls to anyone. Seasons over, lifeguards are gone. Everyone knows already.

My friends and I all surfed the same spot the next two days because it's not going to change.

there's no way I go out there supthecreek

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supthecreek said..
There are so many big Great Whites around here now, that most times I don't leave the water.
I know they are always there, whether we see them or not.

Last Saturday Arthur Medici got killed on a pure glass, very crowded sunny day at noon..... just after I left the beach.

The next day this GW cruised the line-up and we did go in.... giving the "shark" sign.
No calls to anyone. Seasons over, lifeguards are gone. Everyone knows already.

My friends and I all surfed the same spot the next two days because it's not going to change.

Hey STC - it's a really good point you raise.
Up here in the Top End, we know there are crocodiles - everywhere. And Tiger sharks.
Without a doubt they are there even when we don't see them.
It'll always be this way - we all know there are dangers in the ocean and that's just never going to change.
It's not going to stop me from me gettin in the water.
We're coming into the Wet (Monsoon) Season up here, the water's already warming up and the box jellyfish will be all over the place too soon.
Oh well - time to get the lycra out fellas!

CSE - I remember when I was a young bloke livin' down on the peninsula - we used to surf Big Left heaps - always super sketchy eh - especially paddling across the channel to get out there.
I was at Meanos one evening and had a seal decide to come and play amongst the line up - that was classic - especially when you're looking across Western Port at the Nobbies and Seal Rocks and who knows how many GWs swimming around.

That's part of what made me think about it. I was out on Monday and a seal was hanging around...

But there are two issues here. If you know there is a shark and you decide to stay and try your luck, then that's your choice (and hopefully no one gets hurt trying to rescue you). But if you see a shark, shouldn't you warn others? If I paddled in from big left (or anywhere) and later heard that the shark I saw took a bite out of someone, I would feel responsible. Imagine telling their wife; oh yeah, I saw that shark and got out of the water...

So, what is our "duty of care" to other surfers?

Yeah - it's a really good call CSE.
There's definitely a duty of care for others eh.
You're absolutely right - if you see a Noah and want to take the risk that's your call but without a doubt, you've gotta make sure the rest of the crew out there know also.
I had a look at Dorsal - it looks like a beauty (cheers Hoppo) I'm gonna start using it up here.
It shows a list of all sightings up to the minute - cripes - NSW and South west WA have had two each this morning
Wonder if I can upload croc sightings too...

Had a similar scenario last December when a bull went past me when I was out on my own. Caught wave in and noticed parents with small children in the shallows (the direction bull came from). Didn't want to wreck their day or cause a scene so I quietly went up to those in water and told them what I saw and that bull sharks like shallow
water (in other words get your small children out of water ). Nearby a local water sports business was renting out kayaks to children on school holidays. Didn't want to impact his business but I pulled him over and told him what I had seen and that he should consider telling people before he rented out craft for the day.
You don't want to wreck the guys business but he needs to also take a duty of care . More often than not those that less frequently go in ocean take the biggest risks because they are totally oblivious

It's called caring about human life. I can't believe anyone would stay out in the surf after a confirmed sighting unless you have nothing to live for or don't care about your family. These things bite and they bite hard and fast

As we all know, they are out there in increasing numbers and even in crystal clear water they can be hard to spot.
Whilst he may not have been all that big he was big enough to cause some damage and I didn't see this guy sneaking up when this was filmed because I was focussed on what waves might be coming.
I caught a wave in (I believe seconds after this footage stops) and was paddling back out when the other guy yelled something as he was going passed on a wave.
All I heard was I'm going in, so I kept paddling out till I spotted the shark, he was heading straight for me and got a lot closer than he was here, luckily a wave was coming so I turned around and caught it.



The girl that was flying the drone said she was going to try to signal by flying the drone up and down above me then towards the shark but the battery was low and it headed for home.
Apparently that is a signal used for warning, I had never heard of it, has anyone else?
She then ran down the beach to yell a warning but I heard nothing, I was a fair way out.
Also I was on a foil and have heard others (mainly kiters) say sharks seem to like foils, not sure if this is true or not.

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micksmith said..
It's called caring about human life. I can't believe anyone would stay out in the surf after a confirmed sighting unless you have nothing to live for or don't care about your family. These things bite and they bite hard and fast

same here micksmith, we all take risk but I can never understand why ppl just go knowing things might/will bite you oneday.

It's simple... and then again, it's not

We don't have any good choices ....just quit surfing, or move.

We have amazing waves and unlimited flat-water options of pure beauty.
Our surf community is tight... Surfers and SUPsters share easily.... we are all friends.
I love where I live. Cape Cod is paradise.... with a seal problem. (60,000 seals this year)

The seals have attracted so many Great Whites where we surf, that it's freaky.
We are fooling ourselves if we actually believe they are not there, just because no one sees them.

The Ocean is alive
I am alive
I refuse to quit living.... just to breath longer.

Here's the reported sitings in the past MONTH (Shark researchers estimate 300 GW's are here this season)
in Just over 30 miles of beach.
I live in Orleans (obscured on lower right) and surf the entire coast.





Seals had been hunted out of existence here, for hundreds of years
Now, that is illegal and they are back
how many seals ????? Watch this vid all the way
Taken on the island that hangs off the lower right of Cape Cod

creek don't move to Sandwich, they'll take a bite out of you there

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supthecreek said..
It's simple... and then again, it's not

We don't have any good choices ....just quit surfing, or move.

We have amazing waves and unlimited flat-water options of pure beauty.
Our surf community is tight... Surfers and SUPsters share easily.... we are all friends.
I love where I live. Cape Cod is paradise.... with a seal problem. (60,000 seals this year)

The seals have attracted so many Great Whites where we surf, that it's freaky.
We are fooling ourselves if we actually believe they are not there, just because no one sees them.

The Ocean is alive
I am alive
I refuse to quit living.... just to breath longer.

Here's the reported sitings in the past MONTH (Shark researchers estimate 300 GW's are here this season)
in Just over 30 miles of beach.
I live in Orleans (obscured on lower right) and surf the entire coast.





Seals had been hunted out of existence here, for hundreds of years
Now, that is illegal and they are back
how many seals ????? Watch this vid all the way
Taken on the island that hangs off the lower right of Cape Cod

Your saving grace might just be those great numbers of seals, well fed sharkies don't need snacks

I get it creek, getting bitten there by shark with all those seal as food is like winning a lottery.

paradise and friend are everywhere not just cape cod

Fk that footage is unbelievable! For a species nearly wipeed out very impresive ! Here wherei live they got down to 600 in the killing days to 35 thousand now and will mayb make 70 thousand in the future i always hope the whites here r well fed !!!

That's a lot of seals!!

But, if you saw a serious shark, would you paddle 500m back out to the line-up to tell everyone or just get out of the water and hope the shark was not hungry?

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cantSUPenough said..
That's a lot of seals!!

But, if you saw a serious shark, would you paddle 500m back out to the line-up to tell everyone or just get out of the water and hope the shark was not hungry?

500 M out is a long way offshore. Anyone who paddles that far out should understand the risk, and will probably hear a well timed shout.... and will know what it means.

ALL of our sharks are serious. Only sharks here are Great Whites. All big.... even the juvies are 8-10'
Our line-ups are fairly close to the beach, so no long paddles... but many of us paddle far from public access.
There has been talk about the wearing the little plastic whistles that come with every PFD.
Some are even starting to wear medical tourniquets on their arm

We all use the "Shark Dance" sign.... hand on head, like a fin. (See insert in pic above, of GW cruising by)

The Cape Beaches clear instantly when they need to be cleared.... everyone knows exactly what a hurried retreat signals.

There was a huge public hearing in Wellfleet tonight, brought on by 2 serious bites in 4 weeks, one fatal. (in 4 mile area)
Shark Conservancy, seal foundation, local authorities, concerned surfers, parents and beach goers.... carried live on the radio.
I listened, but didn't go... I had this discussion with myself 6 or 7 years ago.

My buddy 'longboard Mark" had one circle him Sunday.... after 2 loops it came right in and bumped him.
He was shook.... saw him surfing in Rhode Island today, we were both relaxed without whitey around.

One local shop said he would sell "Shark Shields" to everyone for his wholesale cost.... which is awesome, because not a lot of us can afford them at retail.

There has definitely been a change in the GW behavior in the past month.... way more circling and biting.
My belief is the younger ones (becoming more numerous) who were fish eaters, are now growing to seal eater size, and act like dumbass teenagers making bad food choices.... plus they are more curious than cautious.
But whatever it is, it's getting sketchy.

If there's a healthy tourist economy here next summer, I will be surprised, as we are getting world wide attention.
Even local surfers are forbiding their surfing teens from going in the ocean anymore.
The guy who has studied Cape Cod Whites for 5 years said he wouldn't go in past knee deep.

Anybody got a cheap room to rent?

Whitey gets a nice left at my local.... (he didn't get the seal)

I believe there was a study done some time back... and it concluded that a human can swim faster in water, than a shark can through poop...

So I reckon I will be safe!

That is a mad coastline STC... or should I say mad buffet!!

How did the shark miss? Imagine having that thing behind you... I guess the good news is that you would never see it coming...

Actually, the surf break is 1 km off shore. About half-way back there is a channel and I often see non-existent sharks in there. The shadows, reef, and the seaweed plays on your mind...

You know the girth of these monsters
is freakish . 2m long is still very fat

The shark chasing that seal is powered up and moving very quick

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cantSUPenough said..
How did the shark miss? Imagine having that thing behind you... I guess the good news is that you would never see it coming...

Actually, the surf break is 1 km off shore. About half-way back there is a channel and I often see non-existent sharks in there. The shadows, reef, and the seaweed plays on your mind...

CSE... yikes, that's along way out!
you do get hyper sensitive to any shadow, dark spot or movement.

We have off-shore bars here, that break when big.... but no one has ever surfed them.
In Thailand I would paddle out a long way, to surf a distant reef alone.... but I won't do it here.

Seals are extremely good at evading GW's.... they are agile, slippery acrobats.

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supthecreek said..
There are so many big Great Whites around here now, that most times I don't leave the water.
I know they are always there, whether we see them or not.

Last Saturday Arthur Medici got killed on a pure glass, very crowded sunny day at noon..... just after I left the beach.

The next day this GW cruised the line-up and we did go in.... giving the "shark" sign.
No calls to anyone. Seasons over, lifeguards are gone. Everyone knows already.

My friends and I all surfed the same spot the next two days because it's not going to change.

Is that voluntarily suicidal? What do you do, just ignore it and take your odds?

Kia ora brothers and sisters
Stay safe..I think I'll stick to NZ...a couple of years ago at my local I paddled to the island..I stopped at my regularly rest place- the cray pot line...about 1.5 kms from shore..the very day this happened...https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503462&objectid=11535578..
Yip they are always there...my mum worries noe when I'm out
Chur

You should give a shout of shark as you come in for anyone in the line up for sure, most surfers have families. As for letting people know once your out of the water, the shark may have swam away so just notify people as you head away from the sea. Anyone in your path line of site just say a friendly hello and I saw a shark out the back be careful.
Know your shark breed. Over here in OZ whites don't tend to be as big of an issue as other types, bull sharks are much worse.
Whites are solitary hunters unless you are on top of a seal colony and or near a dive boat crew who are baiting or using chum to attract the sharks.
Also all sharks attack from the blind spot behind you so remember to be aware when you are in the lineup.
Bulls and hammerheads will come into the shallows to hunt for fish where as whites tend to stick to deeper water. Tigers like to follow migrating fish schools so if you see them be extra vigilant. Birds in the water is also another sign of shark activity.
Sup the creek you are paddling on borrowed time, with so many seals, you can be easily attacked for a number of reasons. A white may be annoyed at your presence in its feeding zone, and bite out of annoyance or curiosity.
SUP the creek if you need a holiday can I suggest indian head on fraser island north queensland.
Mango dingo paddling near crocs is just insane. Shark will bite you and say hello, but a croc jeez they are going to eat you whole. Rather take my chances with shark over a salty.

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pumpjockey02 said..
Mango dingo paddling near crocs is just insane. Shark will bite you and say hello, but a croc jeez they are going to eat you whole. Rather take my chances with shark over a salty.

Yes, I was very surprised to see a documentary on salty crocs. Their aspect has not evolved for million of years, but that's deceptive: their organs have evolved significantly, and especially their brain. They even have developed a mammal-like cortex, and thus have no more a mere reptilian brain. They are able to observe people for a week and learn their habits, and determine when to attack. really scary.

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colas said..

pumpjockey02 said..
Mango dingo paddling near crocs is just insane. Shark will bite you and say hello, but a croc jeez they are going to eat you whole. Rather take my chances with shark over a salty.

Yes, I was very surprised to see a documentary on salty crocs. Their aspect has not evolved for million of years, but that's deceptive: their organs have evolved significantly, and especially their brain. They even have developed a mammal-like cortex, and thus have no more a mere reptilian brain. They are able to observe people for a week and learn their habits, and determine when to attack. really scary.

There's no way you can substantiate these claims, as long as man has been studying these things ( which isn't that long really ) nothing has changed, to say their organs have changed is absolute nonsense.
Yes crocodiles observe movements but this is on any animal not just humans, they hunt on instinct.

Yeah, it's funny, no matter what the risks are I guess some of us just need to get in the water.
People can't believe there's waves up here in the Territory - there are, you just need to know where to look AND be prepared to take the risk.
But, I think back to when I was young(er) , and like CSE, Mick and others from Vicco know, sharks are always around. So maybe the risk is the same.
Heaps of crew getting bitten by sharks around Oz over the past few years.
A woman was taken by a croc a few weeks ago up here ( and sadly died) so it's a very real risk we choose to make when we play in the ocean.

Colas - I dunno if it's evolution either mate. Maybe more just sheer weight of numbers. There are heaps of saltines around these days since they stopped culling in the 1970s.

PumpJockey- (great name - I laughed!) I hear ya mate - mind you a young fella got bitten by White-tipped reedy last week and it nearly took his arm off. He was hangin' around for a bit more than just hello and how ya goin!

Mick - tend to agree with you mate - I think crocs (like sharks) are what they are and that's why they're good at it. Again, probably more to do with the exploding population, rather than a stroke of evolutionary wizardry.

Maybe there's a bit of truth in all of it - but at any rate, if there's waves and I've got my board - I'm out there!

So much wisdom from a mandingo,
calculated risk, ignorance or stupidity, pick one and then go surf.
what you can't see won't hurt you Right?

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micksmith said..
So much wisdom from a mandingo,
calculated risk, ignorance or stupidity, pick one and then go surf.
what you can't see won't hurt you Right?

Agreed!