How to Avoid a Shark Attack When Surfing

While surfing in the ocean, it's inevitable to encounter sea life. Most sea life is harmless or causes minor injuries. Rare, but more threatening, is the dreaded shark sighting. Although attacks by sharks are statistically small, given the number of daily swimmers on our world's beaches, it doesn't hurt to prepare for an encounter with this unwelcome fellow surfer.

Instructions

    • 1

      Avoid surfing where there usually aren't people, and don't surf alone. Sharks stay away from beaches and those areas where there is a lot of swimming and noise. Night time is the wrong time for surfing because it's calm.

    • 2

      Stay away from areas where there are increased chances of a shark attack. These are areas with a deep drop off near the shore, very deep water, shipping channels, and any type of dumping area. Don't surf near fishing boats, near wounded fish, or when you see groups of squid or other shark food migrating. Also, avoid surfing near piers or other fish hideaways. Sharks love these areas when looking for food.

    • 3

      Leave a shark alone if you do see one. Do not harass him or try to interact with him.

    • 4

      Raise your arms and legs onto the surfboard, if you see a shark close by. Do not panic. Panicking only causes the shark to panic and when a shark panics, he attacks. Paddle into shore calmly once the shark has moved on. Don't make too much noise because it causes the shark to think you are a fish in distress.

    • 5

      Shun the water if you are bleeding or have an open wound. This attracts sharks. Women who are menstruating should consider avoiding surfing during that time.