Energetic spearfish with warning. Within the South Pacific, we discovered in some locations that getting off a single shot with a speargun attracted sharks that is likely to be, effectively, extra curious than we’d like. Particularly if that shot nailed a fish that was vibrating in all places, or bleeding within the water. We’d take one shot after which transfer on to a unique coral head or a part of the atoll. This isn’t common, however native; native information on shark presence and exercise is all the time an incredible place to start out for info.
Murky water is finest prevented. The place there are bites (do we have now to name them assaults? It’s extra like instances of “oops, you’re not what I believed”) it’s most likely as a result of the shark thought the human was a seal. Effectively, more often than not we’re in fairly good water! No downside. However that’s additionally why it’s good to keep away from low mild conditions, and why you could hear folks speak about avoiding swimming at “shark thirty” – these dusky hours when mild is low. Will we nonetheless swim then? Certain! However it’s contextual, and now you realize.
Make eye contact! “Crucial factor we attempt to impart is to all the time preserve eye contact with a curious shark,” says Andy. “By no means flip your again to at least one that’s swimming in direction of you.” I didn’t notice this was an element till checking in with the Corbes. Andy continued: “just about in each hunt as quickly as eye contact is established the sport is up because the prey is usually extra maneuverable than the shark.” Most of us don’t wish to be shut sufficient to have to consider making eye contact via our masks, however that is one thing I like understanding about.
Keep mellow. “Calm down!” affords Laura. “The shark is just not there to eat you, they don’t truly have to eat quite a bit to maintain themselves and the probabilities are it’s not even hungry. So be calm, keep away from jerky actions and sounding like a tasty dying fish!” This was laborious for me, for a very long time, and can most likely take some adjustment interval as soon as we’re in a position to swim in sharkier locations once more.
Know your sharks. Attempt to find out about totally different species, their totally different behaviors, and relative threat. There are sources and studying on the backside of this publish to assist. However understanding what’s regular, and what represents agitation, issues – weighing that with the shark you’re observing. Actions from a shark like jerky motion as an alternative of clean; arching their again; gill popping… are indicators it’s time to maneuver away.
Our typical expertise
What can cruisers count on? It’s possible you’ll hardly ever see sharks (Mexico) or see them on nearly each snorkel (French Polynesia). It will depend on the place you go and the way a lot time you spend within the water… and when you’re paying consideration!
