Looks like a lot of concerns about sharks .......... Have someone tryed to wear a shark shield when sailing? I have a small one that attache to the ankle and activate when in the water I use it diving or snorkelling. Any feedback welcome.

Read this, then get over it! Shark shields are just advertising for sharks anyway (Hey Bruce, what's that pulse energy source over there, let's go check it out).

Australian Snakes, Sharks and Spiders and what to do if you meet one

The cast of Australian Villains

Australian Snakes, Sharks, Spiders and other nasties are responsible for ten of thousands of nightmares and spine tingles every week. Thankfully, the number of actual encounters, bites and fatalities is significantly less.
Sharks

The fact is you are far more likely to be hurt in a car accident than getting nibbled on by a shark. If you were to stay on the beach and never cross the road you'd still more likely to be attacked by a beach buggy, a 4wd, jet skis or errant surf board than chewed up by Aussie Jaws. Another way of looking at it, more people die eating shark (food poisoning / choking etc) than being eaten by one.
The World's deadliest Spiders

You could just stay indoors but Australia boasts some of the world's most deadliest and poisonous spiders and they aren't all the outdoor type. Australia has world class hotels and better than B&Bs but it still seems a waste to spend all your days inside - although there's skin cancer to consider.
Terrorist Attack

If you are really having a bad day you could be abducted by aliens or subject to a terrorist attack. These things happen to people (with the possible exception of alien abduction but who knows, and if they do, they aren't telling.) and maybe that's the point. You should be mindful of the risks but don't let it spoil your holiday.
She'll be right

You can't protect yourself against every potential hazard so it is a little daft to worry over it or another of putting it - 'she'll be right - no worries'
The Facts

So what are the risks? Here are the stats:
Human Deaths in Australia Between 1980-1990, Inclusive (from Stevens & Paxton, 1992)
Cause of Death/ Total Deaths/ Average per year
Crocodile Attacks/ 8/ 0.7
Shark Attacks/ 11/ 1.0
Lightning Strikes/ 19/ 1.7
Bee Stings/ 20/ 1.8
Scuba Diving Accidents/ 88/ 8.0
Drownings/Submersions/ 3,367/ 306
Motor Vehicle Accidents/ 32,772/ 2,979

From: www.sydney100.com/snakes-spiders-sharks/

Now pray for wind so we can get back on the water

I agree totally with the stats... but to stay on the safe side????? It is difficult to sail on one leg only! [}:)]
Don't we say better safe than sorry?

I read someone before on the topic of shark shields. It was fine when sailing out but when he turned to come back, the antenna was contacting his other leg due to the change of foot forward and zapping the bejesus out of him.

I guess you could stop, take it off, change legs, put it back on if that floats your boat.

Otherwise, just go with the odds!

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Have someone tryed to wear a shark shield when sailing?

Felixcat. They make one specially for surfboards.

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The fact is you are far more likely to be hurt in a car accident than getting nibbled on by a shark.

I personally dislike these stats. They are very generalised.

The stats depend on your risk exposure.
Do you apply the same stats on the professional Abalone divers?
Margaret River surfers?
Spear-fisherman ?

I would consider them in a higher risk percentage.

Motocross riders have a higher chance of breaking something than my wife who prefers to work in the garden.
So if helmets, body armors, boots and knee protectors reduce the risk while riding a dirt bike, so do the diving cage, shark shield...

I see windsurfers wearing a PFD, helmets, impact vests...
Some wear boots so they don't break their toes, or step on a broken glass.
Most put the sunscreen on, so they reduce the risk of melanoma...
It's their choice, and their money, and I respect that.

yea but wot happens if u fall in by accident next to one from the shock then ur stuffed ahha

What the F"+K!! There are sharks in the ocean? wish someone had told me that before... soon there gunna tell me there are "Tigers in Africa..."

I totally agree with you Obelix.... The stats are just a feel good thing, it all depend if you are lucky or not and I like to improve my odds as much as possible.!

I've often wondered if a shark has ever attacked a windsurfer whilst the person was sailing? - rather than floundering in the water.

Another reason to ensure you don't drop any gybes.

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P.C_simpson said...

What the F"+K!! There are sharks in the ocean? wish someone had told me that before... soon there gunna tell me there are "Tigers in Africa..."

no tigers in africa,in india,russia and few others i think

I don't think we should underestimate or understate the danger out there, a lot of tourist windsurfers and kiters read these threads and I think its important they realise the terrifying and real danger they may (or may not) be putting themselves into when they sail at heavily shark infested waters like WA coast.

My heart is always in my mouth when sailing in the ocean especially at Woodies where all those huge sharks have been caught lately, there could be nothing worse than being eaten alive by some huge horrifying savage WHITE POINTER (or 'Devil Shark' as I have always called them)

I am especially nervous when there is some cloud cover, the water looks a bit murky and it gets past 3pm (feeding time!!) you can almost sense them in the water ....watching.....waiting... I'm pretty sure they can tell the weak, scared people in the water just by the shaky vibe and nervous sweat they give off.

Having said that it is quite possible you could sail in WA and never be eaten or savaged hardly at all.

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sinker said...

I don't think we should underestimate or understate the danger out there, a lot of tourist windsurfers and kiters read these threads and I think its important they realise the terrifying and real danger they may (or may not) be putting themselves into when they sail at heavily shark infested waters like WA coast.

My heart is always in my mouth when sailing in the ocean especially at Woodies where all those huge sharks have been caught lately, there could be nothing worse than being eaten alive by some huge horrifying savage WHITE POINTER (or 'Devil Shark' as I have always called them)

I am especially nervous when there is some cloud cover, the water looks a bit murky and it gets past 3pm (feeding time!!) you can almost sense them in the water ....watching.....waiting... I'm pretty sure they can tell the weak, scared people in the water just by the shaky vibe and nervous sweat they give off.

Having said that it is quite possible you could sail in WA and never be eaten or savaged hardly at all.

Just image from my POV with my exceptionally sh1t gybing skills

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Just image from my POV with my exceptionally sh1t gybing skills

Well that is my major worry too! and maybe more pple are killed on the freeway ...... OK but I have better odds there as I am a better driver than gyber[}:)]
I had a close encouter with a hammer head when fishing in a small 10 ft dingy and that was not a good feeling... unforgetable

A guy got the back of his board chomped on up at Gnaraloo a couple of seasons ago. He was not fully planing at the time I believe.

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sinker said...

I don't think we should underestimate or understate the danger out there, a lot of tourist windsurfers and kiters read these threads and I think its important they realise the terrifying and real danger they may (or may not) be putting themselves into when they sail at heavily shark infested waters like WA coast.

My heart is always in my mouth when sailing in the ocean especially at Woodies where all those huge sharks have been caught lately, there could be nothing worse than being eaten alive by some huge horrifying savage WHITE POINTER (or 'Devil Shark' as I have always called them)

I am especially nervous when there is some cloud cover, the water looks a bit murky and it gets past 3pm (feeding time!!) you can almost sense them in the water ....watching.....waiting... I'm pretty sure they can tell the weak, scared people in the water just by the shaky vibe and nervous sweat they give off.

Having said that it is quite possible you could sail in WA and never be eaten or savaged hardly at all.

Most shark attacks happen on clear sunny days, sharky weather feels just that, but it isnt normally. The last fatal attack in Gracetown was on a clear blue morning.
Avoid seals and sea lions at all cost.

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doggie said...

sinker said...

I don't think we should underestimate or understate the danger out there, a lot of tourist windsurfers and kiters read these threads and I think its important they realise the terrifying and real danger they may (or may not) be putting themselves into when they sail at heavily shark infested waters like WA coast.

My heart is always in my mouth when sailing in the ocean especially at Woodies where all those huge sharks have been caught lately, there could be nothing worse than being eaten alive by some huge horrifying savage WHITE POINTER (or 'Devil Shark' as I have always called them)

I am especially nervous when there is some cloud cover, the water looks a bit murky and it gets past 3pm (feeding time!!) you can almost sense them in the water ....watching.....waiting... I'm pretty sure they can tell the weak, scared people in the water just by the shaky vibe and nervous sweat they give off.

Having said that it is quite possible you could sail in WA and never be eaten or savaged hardly at all.

Most shark attacks happen on clear sunny days, sharky weather feels just that, but it isnt normally. The last fatal attack in Gracetown was on a clear blue morning.
Avoid seals and sea lions at all cost.

what about the boobs (.)(.) doggie??

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saltiest1 said...

doggie said...

sinker said...

I don't think we should underestimate or understate the danger out there, a lot of tourist windsurfers and kiters read these threads and I think its important they realise the terrifying and real danger they may (or may not) be putting themselves into when they sail at heavily shark infested waters like WA coast.

My heart is always in my mouth when sailing in the ocean especially at Woodies where all those huge sharks have been caught lately, there could be nothing worse than being eaten alive by some huge horrifying savage WHITE POINTER (or 'Devil Shark' as I have always called them)

I am especially nervous when there is some cloud cover, the water looks a bit murky and it gets past 3pm (feeding time!!) you can almost sense them in the water ....watching.....waiting... I'm pretty sure they can tell the weak, scared people in the water just by the shaky vibe and nervous sweat they give off.

Having said that it is quite possible you could sail in WA and never be eaten or savaged hardly at all.

Most shark attacks happen on clear sunny days, sharky weather feels just that, but it isnt normally. The last fatal attack in Gracetown was on a clear blue morning.
Avoid seals and sea lions at all cost.

what about the boobs (.)(.) doggie??

Its always about the (.).) saltie mmmmm BOOBS