Sharks !

[rgscpat]

Shark avoidance 101 for the new cruiser:

Fortunately, in the wake of the market meltdowns and recession, some of the worst sharks were indicted and convicted on racketeering charges. However, you might have some shark issues in parts of the world where baksheesh and corruption are endemic.

* Check out the best deals on phone and internet access cards ahead of time.
* Avoid high-load mutual funds or the more expensive full-service brokerages if you don't need to use all of their services.
* Be careful with unmetered "gypsy" taxi cabs.
* Ask someone experienced for a second opinion before making a commitment at a condo time-share presentation.
* Be aware of exchange rates and the best deals on currency exchange; avoid money-changing scams.
* Keep your valuables secure and be alert in situations where pickpockets are likely to work; be careful about displaying flashy jewelry.
* And remember that credit unions are often much friendlier than conventional banks or payday or title loan agencies.

[Wand]

Originally Posted by Hud3

Leave one person onboard to keep a sharp lookout. They'll circle a few times before they bite, so you should have time to scramble back on the boat.

Seems your sharks at least give you some sort of sporting chance. The white pointers that migrate from west to east through here in spring to early summer are not so considerate. They linger low near the sea bed to identify dinner on the surface. They then shoot up at withering speed and take a big bite followed by some furious thrashing about; usually they will return for second helpings to clean the plate. Most victims would barely know they've been hit.

But that's just when they're hungry. Other times they tend to loll around on the surface sunbaking. That's when you can almost sidle by and pat them.

The general rules are a roverhi has said: stay out of the water at dawn and dusk and on overcast days. Stay away from river mouths, especially after rain. In the wide ocean you might feel safe - but read Knox-Johnston's encounter in his first book before you try it; you might decide bringing the sea on board the more discreet option.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by At sea

... The white pointers ... They linger low near the sea bed to identify dinner on the surface. They then shoot up at withering speed and take a big bite followed by some furious thrashing about; usually they will return for second helpings to clean the plate ...

I'd expect this to occur near shore, where they expect to find surface prey (seals, etc).

[Wand]

Originally Posted by GordMay

I'd expect this to occur near shore, where they expect to find surface prey (seals, etc).

Yes, that's right...where humans frolic

[matauwhi]

G'day, mate. I decided to scrape the prop another day. This was in the Pacific, you may feel braver on the Atlantic side. Cheers.

[Wand]

And here's a (relatively benign) 3 metre bronze whaler 25 meters off the beach at Normanville in the southern suburbs...

[downunder]

Matauwhi

Can't be sure but they look like Yellow-tail Kingfish

[boatman61]

If you've no fresh cuts or grazes your fine.... if you have... don't dawdle...

[David M]

We are far more dangerous to them than they to us. One day we will not need to worry about sharks. That's sad. The shark population is being decimated on a world wide scale.

[Blue Stocking]

Sad, but powerful stuff, David. Thanks for the reality check.

[matauwhi]

G'day, Downunder, Sorry, maybe this will help clarify. Cheers.

[downunder]

You would be much larger than that one particually with fins on.

[MichaelC]

I once saw three or four blues, about 6' long, off Cape Blanco, Oregon. Other than that, never saw one - Washington, Oregon, California, Mexico to Cabo, Hawaii. Zip, nada. We swam off the boat all the time. But my boats have low freeboard, easy to reboard .... Don't throw food overboard, keep a lookout, be able to get back aboard without too much hassle, and enjoy. In other words, use your head for something other than a place to put your sun screen. You'll be fine.

[jyoung]

i wouldnt get too worried, just keep a watch. swam, boated, fished, and dove multiple times and have never seen any type of shark at all, except in aquarium

[Patient]

I admit I am a bit nervous about Sharks.

The Film Ocean of Fear about the sinking of the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) is responsible for that though.

I think they speculated it was the Oceanic whitetip shark which is notorious for rushing to a panicked rescue scene. Never the less I am still nervous about swiming in open ocean and doubt I'll shake that fear anytime soon.