What do you do if a shark attacks your kayak?
4 min read
Asked by: Rob Houston
Swim calmly away from your kayak and to the closest way out of the water. Panicked actions will entice the shark to follow through with the attack, make sure not to splash. If you are too far from land or another vessel then your only option may be to return to the kayak after the shark is gone.
How do sharks deal with kayaks?
If you do see a shark, don’t try to paddle away. Your splashing paddle could make you look like an injured seal and attract more attention. If a shark is becoming aggressive, a sharp rap on the snout with your paddle may deter it.
How do I keep sharks out of my kayak?
Blood into the water right next to your kayak. So if you are going to bleed the fish bleed it into your game bag don't have that blood flowing out because if you just bleed it into the cockpit.
What to do if a shark is swimming at you?
If you find yourself in the middle of an attack…
- Don’t panic. So you’re being circled by a shark. …
- Maintain eye contact. As the shark swims around you, keep your head on a swivel and try to maintain eye contact. …
- Stay big … or get small. …
- Don’t play dead. This isn’t a bear, it’s a shark. …
- Cut off the angles. …
- Slowly back away.
Do sharks bother kayakers?
Do kayaks attract sharks? No, sharks are not at all attracted to kayaks. Sharks are opportunistic feeders who feed mostly on fish and small invertebrates with the larger species feeding on seals, sea lions, and other large marine mammals.
Do sharks mess with kayakers?
In 2020, there have been 78 shark attacks so far. As of May 2020, 59 shark attacks out of a recorded 6,522 are related directly to kayaks. This makes up 9% of all kayak-related shark attack incidents. This statistic is low on the list of incidents in which a shark will attack a person.
What color kayaks attract sharks?
Sharks are not attracted to any specific colored kayak. Shark attacks are rare, but it’s important to know what you should do if you encounter one. We’ll share everything you need to know as well as statistics and shark attacks on kayakers.
Is it safe to kayak in open ocean?
First and foremost kayaking is not safe in any type of water, especially the ocean, unless you wear your life jacket. The Coast Guard may only require you to have it with you in the boat, but that won’t do you any good if you get separated from your kayak.
What color does not attract sharks?
Most divers will agree that safety is more important, and that the chances of attracting a shark are very minimal. In fact, as divers, we WANT to attract more sharks. But if you are worried about sharks, and you do not want to attract their attention, then you can stick to wearing dark colors, such as black or blue.
Why do sharks bump you?
Experts feel this attack may be because the shark mistakes a human for its normal prey. In a “bump-and-bite” attack, the shark bumps the victim prior to returning for further bites. In a “sneak attack,” the shark bites without warning, and then follows up with further attacks.
What should you not do while kayaking?
Beware of off-shore winds that make it difficult to return to shore. Always follow the boating rules of the area you’re in. Never mix alcohol or drugs (prescription or non-prescription) with boating. Never exceed the weight capacity of your boat and always check your equipment for wear and tear before you paddle.
What if a shark circles your boat?
Stay calm and do not make sudden movements.
- Move slowly toward the shore or a boat; choose whichever is closest. Do not thrash your arms or kick or splash while you swim.
- Do not block the shark’s path. If you are standing between the shark and the open ocean, move away.
- Do not turn your back on the shark as you move.
Can a shark smell period blood?
A shark’s sense of smell is powerful – it allows them to find prey from hundreds of yards away. Menstrual blood in the water could be detected by a shark, just like any urine or other bodily fluids. However, there is no positive evidence that menstruation is a factor in shark attacks.
How can you tell if a shark is near?
Do you see birds diving into the waters or a small fish jumping out that could be a sign that a predator is after a small fish in the area.
