It’s coming to that time of year; shark season. How quaint it coincides with Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. I dislike scare mongering and chances of attack are extremely rare, probably equivalent to that of being eaten by a bear. However, there are some precautions that can be taken.
Photo: Lost Creek State Park, OR
Here’s my list of do’s and don’ts. Don’t surf at sunrise or sunset (when visibility is low). On the west coast of the US, attacks are most frequent Aug-Nov, so try to limit your days surfing during these months to reduce chance of attack. Don’t go out on high productivity days (cloudy water, poor visibility). Don’t go surfing after a big rain (when the salmon are running). Don’t surf near the mouth of a river (sharks chase salmon and seal pups up river). Do surf with other people. I also carry a knife, not sure that’d actually get to use it in an attack, but you never know….
