To find out how to behave around wildlife and the chances of a shark attack on the water, check out our new post below!
In this article, we discuss if you should worry about sharks (or other wildlife) while on the water. To find out, check it out below!
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In honor of Shark Week...
We thought it would be a good idea to tackle the big question...
Should you be worried about sharks while on your SUP?
One of the greatest pleasures to experience on the water is to see wildlife in their natural habitat.
You can be paddling along and a dolphin’s fin might break the surface of the water. Or a whale might crest in the distance. Or a ray can flap its wings and kick up a sand cloud as it shoots through the water underneath your feet.
It’s often beautiful and fascinating.
But not every encounter with wildlife is safe. And at times, it’s best to avoid these animals while in their natural habitat – especially if they’re dangerous.
To help dispel some fears and go over what you should do in certain situations with wildlife, we’re going to break it all down for you here.
How to Behave Around Wildlife
Most people are worried about sharks while on the water. And even though sharks are what people fear the most, there are other forms of wildlife you should be just as wary (or even more wary) about.
In addition to sharks, you should also keep your eyes open for whales, seals, gators, stingrays, jellyfish, manatees, and even oyster beds.
For most of these encounters, it’s always best to follow these simple guidelines:
Stay Calm
Most everything in the water doesn’t want to bother you. However, if you behave frantically and fall into the water, you might find yourself in a bad situation. You do not want to make any wild paddling motions or splashing. To a predator, this can appear like an animal in distress. And an easy one to prey on. So, rule number one is always to try to stay calm.
Stay Balanced & Paddle Slowly
Balance is the key to staying safe. While standing or kneeling on a paddle board, you have the advantage of not being submerged in the water like you would surfing or swimming. Use this advantage to your benefit and make sure you stay balanced on your board. In addition, you don’t want to mimic a struggling animal in the water. Remember to paddle slowly.
Paddle Towards High Activity Areas
By nature, most aquatic species are wary of being around too many species. Humans included. If possible, once you spot a threat, paddle towards more high-activity waters - this can include marinas, bays, or other areas where there is boat traffic or other vessels on the water. The more activity that is happening in a certain area, the less probability there is for a predator species to be present.
Ride A Larger Paddle Board
If you plan on paddling in areas where there is a higher likelihood of encountering alligators, whales, sharks, or other species, it is better to be on a larger paddle board. The larger the board, the more likely an alligator or shark will not want to be near you. They don’t want to put themselves in danger attacking a larger animal and if you are a bigger board, the chances they will be interested in you are very low.
In addition, if you are paddling in areas with heavy oyster beds, it is a good idea to avoid coming into close contact with them.
Oysters are sharp. And full of bacteria.
They can easily slice your skin and give you a bad infection. And they can even slice your inflatable paddle board if you hit them hard enough.
If you have no other choice, always wear proper safety gear such as water shoes and gloves if possible. With the proper safety equipment, you are better prepared if you come across any sharp oyster beds.
How do you know what to look for?
What is Your Paddling Location?
What you see in the water is contingent on where you are paddling.
For instance, you won’t find many gators in California outside of a zoo. Or as many seals or manta rays in Florida. In addition, there is a big difference between paddling in Northern California and Southern California.
This is mostly due to the ocean’s temperatures and other climate factors. And there are always new challenges when it comes to paddling in the ocean versus a lake, river, or bay.
Of course, if you are uncertain of what you might find, or are interested in the best ways to stay safe by avoiding predators in the water, your best bet is to reach out to a Paddling Pro in a specific area.
Head to our SUP Search section on Perfect Paddles, type in the location you plan on paddling, and you will be presented with an extensive list of outfitters in that area. With just a simple message or phone call, you can be connected with a seasoned Paddling Pro in that area where you can ask them about what wildlife you might expect to encounter, and the best way to avoid any dangerous situations.
With this knowledge and guidance, you’ll be protected from whatever might happen on the water, whether it be an animal encounter or even a particular wind and weather pattern.
The best way to stay safe and have fun on the water is by being guided with the best information available. And the best way to learn is through people who are familiar with the area.
Now, let’s get to the big question – “Do I need to worry about sharks while on the water?”
The Chances of a Shark Attack
Should you be worried about sharks while on the water?
The chances of being attacked by a shark are low.
In fact, according to an article published on insider.com, “The likelihood of being attacked and killed by a shark is 1 in 3.75 million — less than the chances of dying by a lightning strike or excessive cold.”
And even more astounding, “The US has had 1,400 recorded shark attacks in the last 171 years.” That’s a very low number considering how many people now live in the United States and how many surfers and paddle boarders are in the water every year.
Of course, these odds can change depending on your location. Most shark attacks in the United States happen on the East Coast, in Florida. And more specifically in a small beach town called New Smyrna Beach.
According to statistics, there are an average of 60 reported shark attacks in the world per year, of which 50% are in Daytona and most in New Smyrna.
This is because the water is warm enough for sharks to come close to the beach and meet surfers in the water. In addition, it is located where certain species of shark like to congregate. And it is home to some of the best waves on the East Coast.
This means there are always plenty of surfers in the water.
However, even with these high numbers, a large percentage of these attacks are quite mundane. And almost none of them were fatal.
So, if you live near Daytona or New Smyrna Beach, be sure to keep a wary eye on the water when you’re swimming or surfing. Outside of these areas, the chances of being attacked by a shark are incredibly low.
Plus, this is a big factor...
What Do Sharks Prey On?
The good thing about being a human is that we’re not on the menu for sharks.
While researchers are still uncertain as to why sharks sometimes bite people, they know we’re not their natural prey as humans are not consumed by sharks.
In fact, most attacks involve a bite before the shark moves on.
For sharks, their natural prey comes in the form of small fish, seals, sea turtles, or other aquatic creatures.
Due to this, most attacks are simply a case of mistaken identity. A shark might confuse your hand or foot for a small fish. Or a surfer for a larger seal.
Once they know that’s not what you are, they move on rather quickly.
What to Do if You See a Shark
Why shouldn't you be worried about sharks while on the water?
In most cases, paddlers and surfers will see a shark before it tries to come any closer.
In these situations, it’s always best to remain calm (if possible). You do not want to make any quick movements the shark might confuse for a struggling or scared prey.
If you’re swimming, head back to shallow water at a steady pace until you are back to shore.
On a surfboard, you should always begin paddling back to shore and if possible, ride a wave to shallow water.
On a SUP, drop down to your knees. Bring your paddle onto the deck of your board and keep your eyes on the water.
While on your knees you will have better balance and this will allow you enough time for the shark to move on.
The key here is to stay calm. The shark naturally doesn’t want to attack you as you are not their prey.
Once they figure this out, they will leave you alone and let you continue having fun on the water.
With that being said, where are you most likely to see or encounter a shark?
Red Triangle Zones
Where should you be worried about sharks while on the water?
Red Triangle Zones are areas located around the world with a heavy shark population with the name being given to a stretch of water in NorCal. Of course, the shark population is contingent on the season and changing climate.
If you're not sure about a specific location's seasons, be sure to reach out to a Paddling Pro.
However, it's good to know where the hot spots for sharks are before you head to an area. Here a list of the waters with the most sharks around the world:
Recife, Brazil
Due to coastal development, a higher population lives where the sharks have always made their home. More people in the water with sharks equals more encounters.
Northern California
Known as the Red Triangle Zone. This danger zone extends from Bodega Bay, north of San Francisco down just south of Monterey Bay, and then out beyond the Farallon islands.
Florida
As we've already discussed, most of the shark attacks on the East Coast happened in Florida with the hot zone located in Daytona/New Smyrna Beach at the Ponce Inlet.
South Africa
While there has always been a high Great White population here, the practice of chumming the water for cage diving to spot sharks in the water has increased the propensity of attacks closer to shore.
Australia
The land down under has the second most attacks every year behind the US. One thing to keep in mind, while they are second in attacks, they experience more fatal attacks. Be sure you know where to go and when if you plan on SUP surfing in Australia.
Reunion Island
This French Indian Ocean tourist destination has experienced many shark attacks over the years. And due to a sharp increase in attacks has given the island the infamy of being the most dangerous surf zone in the world for shark attacks.
Even with all that said, it's important to remember...
Don’t Be Scared of Sharks (Or Other Wildlife)
So, should you worry about sharks while on the water?
As you can see, the chances of being attacked by a shark are incredibly low. Especially outside of these hot zones. Low enough that we are confident when we say you shouldn’t let it stop you from giving SUP, kayaking, or surfing a try.
Plus, with the right knowledge about a specific area and the correct guidance, once you’re on the water, you’ll have all the tools you need to have a fun and safe time paddling.
So, get out there! You won’t regret it.
Questions? Comments? Want to learn more about SUP? Head to our Knowledge/Resources tab for additional information on all things water sports related.
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