/2014/10/04/shark-attacks-kayakers-off-santa-barbara-county-coast/
I got some giggles from this article. My glee, probably inappropriate at best, is partially because it is NOT me that is having these shark encounters. Paraphrasing another article: "this current crop of shark encounters is due to the rise in recreational kayaking" is succinctly put. So far it has not been "sea kayakers," in long skinny composite boats, getting chomped. Every attack this year, that has made the news anyway, has been directed at plastic rec or fishing kayaks.
I imagine fishing kayaks are especially attractive to sharks. Just like the divers who spearfish, these fishing kayaks have fish thrashing near them. Maybe throw a little fish blood into the mix, some stress hormones? It really should not come as a surprise when some bold shark decides it is time for lunch.
Which reminds me of something slightly related: I understand some Aussie guides near the Great Barrier Reef refer to yellow kayaks as "yum yellow." Apparently, they have developed the theory that sharks are partial to the yellow boats. Remind me, should I ever make my bucket trip to Aussie-Land, to request a nice blue boat from the kayak guides? Yes, blue or maybe green. Anything but yellow.
Below, a link to what is billed at the "top ten shark attack videos," courtesy of Discovery's Shark Week. While the commercials are annoying, the videos enlightening. I have never witnessed a diver screaming under water before. Damned moving.
shark-week/videos/top-10-shark-attack-videos.htm
Remember above, where I said it is not "sea kayakers" getting chomped? I did notice the one video about two thirds down the list is billed as "sea kayakers." But alas, it was just more fishing boats getting the bite. At this point you could not pay me to take a fishing 'yak out into the ocean. Heck, I don't even like to fish!
Or how about this link:
nj_womans_picture_of_great_white_shark_goes_viral.html
Holy smokes! I think maybe I just need to forget I ever saw that...
I do like paddling in the ocean. I love the open water, waves, salt air. Sigh. I do not (or at least did not) feel any particular fear of the native fauna of the sea. Okay, maybe box jellies, I must be honest.
My next training trip will have me training in open water. "Open Water Skills," which I am sure I need. That and navigation, as well. Time to hit the books! And forget about the sharks. There are certainly a thousand more likely ways to meet my creator than a chance encounter with a shark. Right?
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