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.

Why is it Important to Respect the Water and Marine Animals While Paddle Boarding?

Respecting the water and marine animals while paddle boarding is crucial for both your safety and the well-being of the ecosystem. Here’s why:

Safety First

• Minimize Risk: Marine animals, especially sharks, can be unpredictable. By giving them their space, you reduce the risk of a dangerous encounter.
• Stay Calm: If you do spot a shark, remaining calm and paddling slowly back to shore is essential. Sudden movements can provoke an aggressive reaction.

Preservation of Nature

• Avoid Disruption: Touching or feeding marine animals disrupts their natural behavior. This can make them dependent on human interactions, which is detrimental to their survival.
• Prevent Pollution: Wearing shiny jewelry or contrasting colors can attract marine animals, potentially leading to unwanted encounters that could harm both you and the wildlife.

Best Practices for Paddle Boarding

1. Keep Your Distance: Observe marine animals from afar to respect their natural habitat.
2. Stay Mindful: Be conscious of your impact on the environment. Avoid behaviors that could disturb marine life.
3. Appropriate Gear: Use dull-colored gear and avoid flashy accessories to blend into the surroundings.

By following these guidelines, you ensure a safer experience for yourself and help preserve the beautiful marine ecosystem for future generations.

Why Should Paddle Boarders Avoid Paddling at Dawn and Dusk?

Paddle boarding during the early morning and late evening may seem peaceful, but these times come with hidden dangers—sharks are typically more active.

Shark Feeding Habits

Sharks often hunt for prey around dawn and dusk, making these periods higher-risk for paddle boarders. Their increased activity during these hours raises the likelihood of encountering these predators.

Limited Visibility

Low light conditions at these times also reduce your visibility. This makes it harder to spot potential dangers in the water, including sharks and other marine life. Enhanced visibility during daylight hours helps you stay aware of your surroundings.

Enhanced Risk Factors

By avoiding paddling at dawn and dusk, you not only steer clear of shark feeding times but also mitigate other risks like strong currents and poor weather conditions that can arise unexpectedly during these hours.

Summary:

• Shark Activity: Higher likelihood of encountering sharks.
• Visibility: Poor low-light conditions.
• Overall Safety: Reduced risk of other water hazards.

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.

Stay Alert

Stand up paddle boarding is such a relaxing activity. It’s easy to get lost in the peacefulness and beauty of your surroundings. You may not even realize that there’s a shark swimming around you.

Always be aware of what is happening.

It’s Their Home, Give Them Space

Give sharks the respect you’d give any other dangerous wild animal. While you may be tempted to pet them, play with them, and maybe take a few cool photos, that could cost you a limb or even your life.

Don’t go paddle boarding in areas where there has been a shark sighting.

Watch the Colors You Wear

You may have heard people say that sharks are attracted to the color yellow and this has some truth in it.

Sharks don’t have a single color that they prefer – because they can’t really distinguish colors. They will, however, be attracted to high-contrast colors, including red, yellow, and orange. These colors contrast with the water environment, making them easy to spot – and sharks will find them interesting.

This can cause a bit of an issue, as we all know that some paddle boarding gear is brightly colored to make it easier for humans to spot (and also because it can look kind of cool). But if you’re concerned about sharks, or if you’re paddling in an area where sharks have attacked before, then you might want to give the bold colors a miss.

You should also leave your shiny jewelry at home. It could reflect the sun, just like the scales of fish, making a shark think you’re its next meal.

Avoid Shark Meal Times

Sharks can eat any time as long as there’s prey, but they commonly feed at dawn and dusk. These are the times you want to avoid so you don’t find yourself on the menu.

While it might be tempting to enjoy the sunrise on the water – it’s better to exercise caution if shark attacks are a genuine concern for you.

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

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.

To give you a broader perspective, let's delve into some global statistics. According to the International Shark Attack File, there were 57 unprovoked shark bites and 39 provoked bites worldwide in 2020. In total, there were 13 shark attack fatalities. Breaking it down further:

United Staes: 33 unprovoked attacks (16 in Florida, 5 in Hawaii), with 3 fatalities.

Australia: 18 unprovoked attacks, with 6 fatalities.

South Africa: Ranked third in the number of unprovoked attacks.

Considering there are about a billion sharks in the water worldwide and hundreds of millions of water users, shark attack cases are indeed rare. It's just that every time it happens, it attracts a lot of attention and media coverage.

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 Beach.

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.

When it comes to shark attacks on humans, three species stand out most infamously. The great white shark, known for its powerful build and striking aggression, leads the list. Complementing this trio is the bull shark, often found in shallow waters and known for its unpredictable behavior. Finally, the tiger shark, recognizable by its distinctive stripes, is notorious for its wide-ranging diet and bold nature. Together, these three species are the primary culprits in most reported shark attacks on humans.

How Do High-Contrast Colors and Shiny Jewelry Attract Sharks?

When choosing your paddle boarding gear, be mindful of how colors and accessories can affect your safety in the water. Sharks are more likely to be drawn to high-contrast colors and shiny objects. Here's why:

High-Contrast Colors

Sharks have limited ability to distinguish between colors. However, they are highly sensitive to contrast. Bright colors like red, yellow, and orange stand out against the blue and green hues of the ocean. This stark contrast makes it easier for sharks to notice these colors from a distance, sparking their curiosity. Many paddle boarding items are brightly colored for human visibility and aesthetic appeal, but these same colors might inadvertently attract sharks.

Shiny Jewelry

Just like certain colors, shiny objects can catch a shark's attention. Jewelry that reflects sunlight can mimic the glimmering scales of fish, which are one of the primary food sources for many shark species. Wearing rings, necklaces, or other metallic accessories could therefore make you look like an inviting snack to a passing shark.

Tips to Stay Safe

• Opt for Neutral Colors: Choose gear in colors that blend with the sea, such as blues or greens.
• Leave Jewelry at Home: Avoid wearing any reflective items that could catch and reflect sunlight.

By considering these factors, you can reduce the likelihood of unwanted attention from sharks, making your time on the water safer and more enjoyable.

Understanding Why Sharks Might See Your Paddle Board as a Threat

Size and Shape

Paddle boards are notably large and rigid. To a shark, this size disparity alters its perception, making the board appear as a potential predator or an unknown threat in the water. The streamlined, elongated shape of the paddle board only intensifies this perception, resembling certain marine predators.

Movement

The way you paddle can also play a significant role. Sudden, aggressive strokes or erratic movements might mimic the behavior of distressed prey or another threat. Sharks rely on detecting movement to interpret their surroundings, so inconsistent paddling can easily make them wary or defensive.

Shadow and Surface Disruption

From below, the paddle board casts a considerable shadow. Depending on the water clarity and depth, this shadow can obscure a shark's vision, creating uncertainty. The disruption of the surface caused by paddling can disturb the water, further confusing the shark and prompting a defensive response.

Sound and Vibration

The action of paddling generates not just visible movement but also underwater sound and vibrations. Sharks have highly sensitive senses that pick up these signals. If these cues are perceived as hostile, a shark might react aggressively.

By understanding these factors, you can make more informed decisions to minimize any perceived threat when paddle boarding among marine life.

Why Would a Shark Attack a Paddle Board Unprovoked?

Although humans aren't on sharks' preferred menu, these ocean predators occasionally attack paddle boards. So, what triggers such behavior?

Curiosity

Much like humans exploring unfamiliar objects, sharks exhibit curiosity when they encounter new items in their environment. Paddle boards, along with the associated splashing and movement, can pique their interest, prompting them to investigate closer.

Perceived Threat

Sharks may see a paddle board as a potential threat. Because stand-up paddle boards are relatively large, they can intimidate a shark. If the shark feels threatened, it might react defensively by attacking. This behavior is amplified by sudden or frantic paddling, which the shark may interpret as aggression.

Mistaken Identity

Another reason sharks might attack paddle boards is misidentification. From below, the silhouette of a paddle board, especially when coupled with splashing, can resemble prey. Sharks have been known to take a bite out of paddle boards, mistaking them for something edible. The unfortunate surfer may find their board with sizable chunks missing, indicating the shark was searching for a meaty meal, not fiberglass.

In summary, while shark encounters with paddle boards are rare and typically not driven by a desire to hunt humans, curiosity, perceived threats, and mistaken identity can sometimes lead to these unprovoked attacks.

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?

Understanding Provoked vs. Unprovoked Shark Attacks

When discussing shark attacks, it's crucial to distinguish between provoked and unprovoked incidents, as they occur under very different circumstances.

Provoked Shark Attacks

A provoked attack happens when a human initiates contact or interaction with a shark. Examples of such scenarios include:

• Attempting to feed the shark: Offering food can trigger defensive behavior.
• Touching or handling the shark: Any physical interaction could provoke an aggressive response.
• Harassing the shark: Actions like trying to ride or hold onto the shark will often lead to an attack.

In these situations, the shark is reacting to perceived threats or disturbances. Essentially, the human's actions lead to the attack, making it a predictable outcome given the circumstances.

Unprovoked Shark Attacks

On the other hand, unprovoked attacks occur without any direct interaction from the human. These attacks can be more frightening because they happen unexpectedly. Types of unprovoked attacks include:

• Sneak attacks: The shark approaches its victim without warning, often from behind.
• Hit and run: The shark might bump a surfboard or kayak, causing the person to fall into the water and then attack.
• Mistaken identity: Sometimes, sharks may mistake a person for prey like seals or fish.

In unprovoked attacks, the shark's actions are not a direct result of human interference, making these incidents more alarming and seemingly random.

By understanding the differences between provoked and unprovoked shark attacks, one can better comprehend the behaviors that lead to such events and take precautions to avoid risky interactions with sharks.

Why is it Safer to Paddle Board with a Friend?

Paddle boarding is an exhilarating way to enjoy the water, but safety should always be a top priority. One key safety measure is to paddle board with a friend. Here’s why:

Immediate Assistance in Emergencies

In case of an emergency, having a friend nearby can make all the difference. For instance, if you fall off your board, get injured, or encounter a dangerous situation like a shark, a friend can provide immediate help. They can assist you back onto your board or call for additional help if needed.

Increased Visibility

When you paddle board with a friend, you become more visible to other watercraft and people. This increased visibility reduces the risk of accidents involving boats or jet skis, making your time on the water safer.

Shared Responsibilities and Gear

Paddle boarding with a partner allows you to share responsibilities and gear. For example:

• One person  can carry a first aid kit while the other brings navigation equipment.
• You can split the load of snacks, water, and other essential supplies.

This way, you’re both well-prepared for any situation that might arise.

Enhanced Enjoyment and Motivation

A friend not only adds a layer of safety but also makes the experience more enjoyable. You can motivate each other to paddle further and explore new areas. Plus, sharing the adventure makes for great memories and stories.

Practical Tips

• Always let someone on land know your plans. If something goes wrong, they can alert rescue services.
• Carry a whistle or other signaling device. It’s easier to attract attention if you need help.

By paddle boarding with a friend, you significantly enhance your safety and the overall experience. Plus, it’s always more fun to share the adventure!

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.