General question about surfing with sharks around?

Question

what is it about surfing that you would risk your life each time you go out into the ocean where you could be shark's next meal? that's probably the worst way to die, to be eaten alive. especially by those razor sharp knives as teeth. i could never understand why people would take a great risk to lose their life for such a hobby.

Answer 1

When I surfed in Florida I saw sharks everyday.  They are really not that interested in you.  

You are much more likely to be killed in a car crash driving to the beach than you are to be eaten, much less just bit, by a shark.

Life is full of risks.  Everybody's perception of these risks are different so some people are willing to accept risks other would not.  Me?  I"ll take my chances with the sharks.

Answer 2

The problem is if you arnt a surfer you dont know the feeling... there is nothign like it, trust me one of my biggest fears is being eaten alive. but its not gonna happen around california and well even if it does happen at least i will die doing what i love... its the best feeling in the world!

Answer 3

Yes there is a chance to get eaten, but it is an unlikely chance. People who really love surfing take that chance because surfing is awesome. It feels great to ride the waves.

Answer 4

Everybody dies of something.  I really think that chances of being eaten by a shark are pretty slim even if you're surfing.  Probably the same or less than if you're just swimming at the sea.

I don't surf, but I understand sports and hobbies.  I do mountain bike, and I know it's possible to fall and break something.  I just take precautions (wearing a helmet) and don't ride over my skill level.  

I don't think someone would try a surf board if he/she doesn't know how to swim, or there are shark fins around.

Answer 5

It's more than a hobby, it's a lifestyle.

Some things that draw me in are  the environmental aspect, the opportunity to not just get involved with the Surfrider Foundation, but to connect with people who need help through SurfAid.

Like an increasing number of surfers I'm into spiritualism like Buddhism, yoga, and healthy eating. We still like our beer though! While the community is worldwide, it's also rather small.

It lifted me out of deep depression and studies are actually now being done on how being in water has a positive affect on brain chemistry. The ocean is a fascinating place.

So, what about sharks? Shark attacks are on the rise, reportedly due to global warming migration and more people heading into the water. Most people do not actually die from shark attacks. Bethany Hamilton lost her arm after a shark attack in Hawaii but still surfs.

You may purchase a Shark Shield for piece of mind. It sends out an electrical impulse. Anytime a shark comes with a certain radius of you then it becomes very painful for them, like a shock, so they back off.

For safety, always surf in 3's. If one person gets bit, then someone can go for help while the other stays with the victim. Also, a common ideal is that you help each other out. So if you were being attacked I'd beat the %$#! out of that thing to get you free.

Answer 6

why would you risk your life each day that you drove your car?

it is kinda scary to know that sharks are around you, but i never surf where there is a shark, and have tons of fun wherever i go.

Answer 7

It's safer than driving your car.

Answer 8

because shark attacks are soooo rare, sharks don't hunt or chase humans, so they don't go after us, in certain areas, it is a possible risk, but shark attacks just barely happen

when i go surfing, sharks are the last thing on my mind...im more worried about being flipped over by a wave then about a shark coming and killing me

Answer 9

Surfing is like any sport, some are more dangerous than others. The odds of being bitten by a shark are small, even smaller is dying from a shark attack. Your chances of dying are greater doing the following.

1) driving a car 1-6500

2) riding a motorcycle 1-7900

3) swimming in a pool 1-564000

4) hit by lightening 1-600000

5) dog bite 1-147000

6) falling down stairs 1-183000

Shark 1-8000000

These odds are the chances in one year not lifetime for a person living in the U.S.

However you can always temp fate by do foolish things or just not being aware of what is going on around you.