4. Swim, surf, or paddle in groups, as most shark attacks target a solo person. If, on the rare chance a shark does bite you, don’t play dead. I'm 13, female and I've started surfing recently. However, Maine shark fishing guide, Captain Dave Sinclair says slow and steady is best. If you can still comfortably paddle, knowing the situation, you will not be caught wholly off guard should a sea monster rear its head. That is why you must avoid surfing alone in shark-infested waters. Stay close to shore in case you need help, but also know that sharks often hunt in shallow water. If you do paddle in known shark-infested waters (e.g., the South African coast), be aware that sharks may attack, because they are either stupid, mad, or hungry, so plan for it (see below). The truth about sharks is they just aren’t that into us. If you see a shark and are able to get out of the water, you should do so. Shark attacks are more likely to occur at dawn and dusk, precisely when they're more active searching for food. Also, because the visibility is limited during the twilight hours, sharks may mistake you for a prey animal or enemy. The best thing to do is fight back. Boston Helps. Stay Calm and still. My fear while in the water is getting attacked by sharks. Regardless of how epic the waves are, get out of the ocean to surf another day. What To Do If You Encounter A Shark. If you see a shark and are able to get out of the water, you should do so. Like many predators, shark can sense fear and this will only arouse their senses and attack instincts. If you want to get better at surfing, you just have to keep practicing, like most things in life. Avoid swimming, splashing, and surfing around fishing piers or anywhere where you see someone fishing. If you do spot a shark, your instinct may be to get out of the water as quickly as possible. This sounds a lot easier said than done but it is really important. Burt suggests just wearing a rash guard or T-shirt to protect your skin from rubbing against the board. The shark will just finish you off. I was watching Blue Water High the other day, and it was the episode where there was a shark in the water and most of the surfers swam away where one of the surfers stayed, got off his board and went under water to check out the shark. When he went under water, the fish was calm, … You see them all the time but you're usually not afraid because they're your friendly neighborhood dolphins. Also, just avoid splashing on the surface in general; try to minimize noise.
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