Ralph Collier from the Shark Research Committee replies:

This question is frequently asked by surfers, divers, kayakers and swimmers and is of concern to many. The perception that sharks seem to frequent all of the same places we humans want to utilize for our recreation is reasonably accurate. In example; divers like to dive those areas where the ocean topography consists of reefs and/or deep water drop-offs because these areas seem to attract large assemblages of benthic and pelagic fishes.

It is for that exact reason that these areas also attract other apex predators, from marine mammals to sharks. During the last quarter century the pinniped populations have increased substantially along the Pacific Coast causing an increase in their residency along coastal beaches, the same areas utilized by surfers. Pinnipeds are known prey of adult white sharks.

The likelihood that we might encounter a shark is theoretically possible every time we enter the ocean, however, these events are rare and generally without contact by the shark or consequence to the human.

Scot continued: "I have a two part question: (1) What to do if a Shark is spotted in the water? This may seem obvious, like "get out dude," but you never know. (2) Are there any tried and true escape methods that we should be aware of when trapped by one of these crazy critters?"

The observation "get out dude" is obvious and intelligent, however, the way you exit the water could determine whether you attract further investigation or attention from the shark. In exiting the water, try to keep sight of the shark at all times so you can determine if the sharks movements are smooth and leisurely or erratic and agitated?

If the latter, move swiftly to shore, a rock, or even a floating kelp canopy. Adult white sharks tend to avoid kelp forests and canopy's and in fact several divers during the Twentieth Century escaped aggressive white sharks by using these two natural barriers. When exiting try to minimize your disturbance of the water by using smooth and rhythmic strokes to propel your board toward shore. Move swiftly but as quietly as possible to a safe location. Use your discretion before reentering the water.

In regard to the second question, there is really no 'tried and true' method of protecting yourself from any shark aggression when you enter the ocean. Along the California coast if a surfer has an encounter with a shark it is almost a 100 percent probability that it will be with a white shark, or as some members of the surfing community prefer to refer to them -- the Landlord.

There have been 47 authenticated unprovoked white shark attacks on surfers since the first authenticated case in 1972 on Hans Kretschmer at Point Sur, California. No other species of shark has been implicated in these incidents directed at surfers. During this same 31 year period there have probably been incalculable numbers of encounters between surfers and white sharks without injury or contact to either party.

However, in those cases when a surfer was struck, they frequently used their fists to hit the shark or fingers to poke at its eyes. However, this form of retaliation can result in serious injury should your hand rake over the sharks exposed teeth. More often than not the subjects of these attacks have used their surfboard as a buffer to keep the shark at bay. Unfortunately, there is no specific action that you can take that will repel a shark 100 percent of the time.

As to the chance or probability of encountering a shark along the Pacific Coast, well I'll leave that question to you. You tell me how many surfers, in total, have entered the ocean since the sport became popular in the late 1950s? How many total man hours have been accounted for by surfers along our coast since the late 1950s?

Take those numbers and plot them for annual participation and then we can estimated the approximate odds of being attacked by a shark while surfing. It would seem reasonable to assume the odds would be
in the several millions to one. You are more likely to be injured by stepping on a piece of broken glass while walking in the surf toward the beach than you are by a shark.

I would tell your visitors to enjoy the ocean, but to be alert and observant. If you see marine animals; fish, birds, marine mammals, displaying unusual behavior, it might be advisable to exit the water. These unusual behaviors have been reported prior to shark encounters and attacks.

(*Note: this response was written before the Avila Beach fatality of August 19th 03)