Heads up for SLO kayakers.

Big GWS off of Cambria.

Big GWS off of Cambria.

How big? 

Big GWS off of Cambria.

How big? 

They were heading forward and as they went past the 10+ foot of blood puddled in the water they circled it and took a picture of the black and white sea lion then the shark came up next to there zodiac and was every bit of the 13 feet that the boat is. They sped off and as they did so did the shark along with them. They said that they weren't sure if the shark was confused and thought they were more food but it was weird that the shark appeared to be gaining on them for a couple moments before losing site of it again.

Michael

Crapping yourself would probably be the second worse thing...

Staying put doesn't sound so great either.

Beautiful pic, also goes to dispell that myth that the GWS don't hunt in the kelp.

My son just left for school down in SLO, wanted me to come down for some freediving, I told him I'd have to do a little research, so I'll send him the link......

Sorry, Guys, but Jerry says we need to stay 100' away from GWS.  We're required to turn away, lift our rear ends in a submissive posture and whimper slightly as we retreat...  Anything else is clearly harrassment.   

If one bothers you...this is what Abking says you should do;

 

keep splashing them, paddling toward them, barking and belching at them as loud as I can, slapping the water with my paddle, chasing them down, hucking my hardware at them if they're competing for the same fish I am... 

 

Sorry, Guys, but Jerry says we need to stay 100' away from GWS.  We're required to turn away,

Eff GW's! I won't hunt one down, but I can assure you if one cruised by me and I had a 12 gauge shotgun handy I would pump all 7 loads into it.
I only say this because I only use the plug when I am required to.
Personally I am very easy going...that is.... until I feel my life is in danger. In that case, you die! Case closed. It doesn't matter what species you are.

Mr. Abking, are you referring to Jerry Garcia... I know he was an avid diver back in the day and used to have a house up in our area...

Beautiful pic, also goes to dispell that myth that the GWS don't hunt in the kelp.

That was my first thought...............

No, Brendan, this "Jerry" is an urban legend.  He paddles up to yakfishermen who are minding their own business and accosts them with over-zealous regulations meant to somehow protect the already over-protected sealions from us.  He then offers to fetch DFG to write a ticket...

Beyond the sarcasm and a humorous story about a member's interaction with "Jerry", serious issues were discussed.  I came away from it feeling that we should never be required to show submissive behavior to a wild animal.  So I've carried it further here, and I really do intend to try to scare a shark if I ever see one.  Whether I'm crapping myself at the same time or not.   

Right,
 Just watch the dog whisperer guy and hear his constant refrain;
 "They will test you and always probe for weakness. They will take advantage if you show you will relent."

 Hey thats dealing with dogs, kids, wives, sea lions and probably GWS's.

Seriously, since many animals aren't quite sure of our offensive capabilities, its best to keep em wondering if its worth the risk to mess w/ us.  I have bonked young sea lions on the head w/ my paddle to teach em not to even think of trying to mount my kayak while Im in it.
Pointing a spear at em underwater and at harbor seals also keeps em more respectful.

Its in their best interest to not let them become spoiled freeloaders and to keep them a little worried around us. Theres a reason for the "do not feed the bears" signs.

Steve

hey were heading forward and as they went past the 10+ foot of blood puddled in the water they circled it and took a picture of the black and white sea lion then the shark came up next to there zodiac and was every bit of the 13 feet that the boat is. They sped off and as they did so did the shark along with them.

GWS are apex predators and territorial--this is well-known. If any predator thinks another animal is moving in on their kill, they'll pursue the interloper, confront it, and attempt to drive it off with posturing and even fighting if necessary. That appears to be exactly what happened. Circling the kill in a boat the size of a GWS definitely was seen by the shark as a throw down over the kill. Not a wise move--one bite and that zodiac would have burst given a GWS which could bit a sea lion in half.

and I used to feel so safe in the kelp...