white sharks while diving in CA

[the nerve]

What are my chances of seeing a white shark while diving off Santa Cruz or Monterey? I'm right smack in the middle of the Red triangle and there are lots of seals and sea lions living in the bay. However, the few dives I've done around here are typically in the kelp forest, away from sea lion haulouts or surfers. Do white sharks ever enter kelp forests? Does anyone have a story of seeing one while diving (not counting cage dives).

I have a friend who saw one further north near Bodega bay. He was diving with his dad when a 15 foot shark just sorta cruised by. The deflated their BC's and dropped to the bottom, and the shark left them alone.

Also, what is the best thing to do if a white shark circles you underwater? Besides cut your buddy and swim, I've heard that one a hundred times. Poke its eyes when it comes to take a chomp? Stab it with your dive knife? Close your eyes and soil your wetsuit?

 

[SueMermaid]

That just ain't gonna happen. If you get to see one, lucky you!

Okay, I'll humor you and say that if you are postured at by a white shark, (or any shark, for that matter), the best thing you can to is stop swimming and be as still as possible. Put your arm around your buddy so you look like one big diver.
They don't *want* to eat you. They want the seals. People are too crunchy, especially while wearing scuba gear.

 

[SueMermaid]

Well. seals or poodles.

 

[the nerve]

Hey, they might not want to eat me, but they still might wanna take a little test bite to see what I am. Unfortunately there's no such thing as a "little" bite from a white shark.

 

[Wristshot]

even though you are technically at the end of the red triangle, it is pretty unlikely that you will encounter any great whites in the Monterey Bay area. In spite of the large number of seals and sea lions, they are rarely ever seen in the area. (not sure why)

If you do encounter a shark, the advice of the manufacturers of the Shark Shield is to remain vertical and motionless. Think of it this way: prey is horizontal and moving about. Something vertical does not look like dinner, so they are less likely to give a "taste test" nibble.

Wristshot

(ah! we meet again!)

 

[the nerve]

I need to learn to surf, my chances will be better then. Scotts Creek in santa cruz is supposed to be very "sharky." But I'm not so sure if I want to encounter a great white while on a surfboard. :think:

 

[PhotoTJ]

the nerve once bubbled...
But I'm not so sure if I want to encounter a great white while on a surfboard. :think:

You're not sure? YOU'RE NOT SURE!?

Well, I'm one up on ya, then, 'cause I'm 100% certain that I don't want to encounter a GW on a surfboard!

 

[GQMedic]

on what side of the fence I am. I certainly don't want to encounter a great white while on a surfboard. Yup! I'm pretty confident I've made a decision here.

 

[nlbford]

I have seen one from shore in the Monterey area, specifically cruising the seal lion haul out that is right there in front of the Spyglass Hill course along 17 mile drive, but I am sure it is extremely rare to see them while in the water. They are ambush predators, so they tend to try not to be seen. So I guess in one way, seeing one is a good sign in the sense it may not be hunting for you.

As for going into kelp areas, my understanding is they like to cruise barren rocky areas along the bottom, but I do recall a few years ago there were a couple of attacks up in that area that occured on divers in kelpy areas - whether it was in the beds themselves I don't recall.

And being on a surfboard isn't where I would want to be with one in the area. I'd much rather be in the water, where I can keep tabs and would look less like a seal.

But the odds are really remote wherever you go. I know many many people who have spent years diving all over So Cal and only know 2 who ever saw one while diving - and they were both together. I wish sitings were more common, I would love to see one - that wasn't hungry of course.

 

[scubajoe]

If any one sees a great white on a surfboard I want a picture!!

Or a plain old reef shark on a surfboard.

Joe