It's not a completely irrational fear for surfers to be worried about sharks. When we paddle out to the ocean, we're entering their territory, where sharks and other marine life live. But even if they take notice of us, sharks aren't out to get us; they aren't actively seeking out a surfer to attack. That might not be enough to ease the mind of a surfer afraid of sharks, however. So how can you stay safe from sharks while surfing, knowing they are in the area?
Most sharks don't attack humans. Sharks that attack surfers are considered to be exhibiting unusual behavior. When this happens, lifeguards take action to warn and protect surfers in the area - posting signs, closing beaches and surveying the area. But this is rare.
Sometimes being alone in the lineup away from other surfers can send your thoughts to a bad place, and you can't get the idea of sharks out of your mind. It's natural for surfers to have a fear of sharks while surfing every now and then, but most are not worrying about sharks on a regular basis.
If you do find yourself worrying about sharks while surfing and want to do something to feel more protected, consider getting a shark repellent band, like Sharkbanz.
Sharkbanz is a product designed to help repel sharks, helping you to avoid encounters with jaws while surfing. The adjustable band fits around your ankle or wrist and emits an electric field. Since sharks use electroreception for navigation and hunting, they are sensitive to electric fields like this.
This shark repellent technology has been tested by scientists and proven to be effective to help surfers avoid sharks while in the water, which is pretty incredible. Surfers wearing Sharkbanz signal sharks to stay away, without harming them or other marine life.
My Dad gifted me a Sharkbanz for Christmas, worrying about the possibility of a dangerous shark encounter while I'm surfing. I stuck it in my surf bag, unsure of how often I would use it. Then one day I had my car packed up to go surfing after work when news began to spread of a surfer who got bit by a shark up the coast from where I planned to paddle out. Family and friends warned me not to go in the water, but shark sightings and attacks never deterred me. And this time I had my Sharkbanz.
As I got ready to go surfing I took out the Sharkbanz and secured it to my ankle, opposite of the one that I would strap my surf leash to. It was a comfortable fit and lightweight. I didn't even notice it when I was walking down the bluff or while surfing.
The electric field is always active on the device and there's no need to charge it or replace any batteries -- super convenient!
I paddled out and surfed about 30 miles down the coast from where the shark attack had occurred three days before. I had peace of mind knowing that the Sharkbanz was doing its job if there were sharks in the area that took notice of me.
The shark-deterring product was perfect for a day like this, when a shark attack was in the local news and my family was concerned, but I knew I was going surfing anyway.
That's the way it goes; surfers will still go surfing, and sharks will always be around.
Should surfers worry about sharks? Not really. It's only the oddball shark acting strangely that we have to worry about. Those cases are rare and shouldn't stop you from going out and enjoying the waves.
Just because you see a shark in the water while you're surfing doesn't mean you're in danger. In the 20 years I've been surfing around California and Hawai'i, I've seen different species of sharks, mostly great whites and tiger sharks.
I've seen a big great white shark fin sticking out of the water, passing by me and the crowd of 40 other surfers as it made its way north following the rock shelf drop off close to shore. I was the only one who noticed it, and I didn't say anything, not wanting to send the line up of surfers into an unnecessary panic.
While surfing alongside Diamond Head on O'ahu, I saw tiger sharks swimming under my dangling feet, unfazed by my friends and me. In those shark encounter moments, I felt peace, not panic. Being out in the ocean water, immersed in nature, I feel one with the environment. The energy of the waves and marine life make me feel alive, but not in a fearful way.
Having a device like Sharkbanz can provide you with additional confidence and peace of mind knowing that sharks are being repelled away from you, and help you get over the fear of sharks while surfing. If that can help you relax while surfing, it's worth getting one. I'm glad that I have a Sharkbanz with me for those days when it's better to be extra safe.
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