Shark Bites Foilboarder's Foot

[ricki]

That is interesting Jake. Do you think they were just there or swimming an intercept when they got too close to the target of interest, you? You ride mainly in the Bay area, a fairly sharky place, right? You could be right or based on my experience with the Aqueon, perhaps the foil sound is like a wounded fish in general.

You are right to think about that. Although, sharks could easily knock us off plane, they don't seem to have done so very often. When the fairly rare attacks have happened, we have usually been in the water. Perhaps just after wiping out as in a number of cases including Kevin's or after swimming around a while as in body dragging. Best advice, stay on plane in questionable waters and times!

Originally Posted by Jake

I have had several instances where I have hit sharks while kiting in shallow, 2'-3', waters. I could feel the board ride up a bit at impact. My thoughts on foil boards is that the shape of the foil and the acoustic signature may be similar to a ray fleeing from a shark.

My biggest fear is when body dragging back to my board or back to shore when the wind drops.

[Jake]

I believe that they were just there cruising the flats. They were startled and swam right under my board. Most were 4-5 footers. I had one approach me once when fly fishing(wading), about 8' long. I was about 100 yards off shore. Fortunately it left me alone when I slapped the rod on the water.

I got bit once on the knee while fishing by a 3' blacktip. After three days of pain and suffering, the shark died...