Official GWS Thread

What are the odds that you'll even see or come into contact with a GWS in the months that they seem to be in our area?  Given that, what are the odds that a GW will attack a kayak?

Is there anything to do to mitigate a potential attack?  Reflective tape or something like that?

Ask a number of our members what the odds are.  They can speak from first hand experiences.  Use the search & you will find the stories & photos including at least one from the SC area.

Ask a number of our members what the odds are.  They can speak from first hand experiences.  Use the search & you will find the stories & photos including at least one from the SC area.

Agreed. 

I can say at least twice I have been diving and later found out a GWS was seen right near where I was.  I truly hope never to have to encounter one but I have been made aware of several encounters through this site.  Not sure the odds but i am sure my odds go up the more I dive.  But then again someone could see one the first time out so I just try to be aware and pray it's not my time before getting in. 

The odds are you will not encounter a white shark. But it is certainly possible!
I've probably logged 250 trips on the ocean in a kayak during the last 10yrs and I have never seen a white shark. From Big Sur to Shelter Cove, but mostly in the Monterey bay area. During that same time, I know of at least 8 kayaks that were attacked by white sharks.
There is no "foolproof" method to avoid encounters. But you can reduce the chances by avoiding certain areas (San Mateo coast) during certain times (Sept-Nov). It is also wise to paddle with other people and stay near each other.

Is there anything to do to mitigate a potential attack?  Reflective tape or something like that?

Then you'll just look like a big ass lure 
Let us know how it works 

Is there anything to do to mitigate a potential attack?  Reflective tape or something like that?

Then you'll just look like a big ass lure 
Let us know how it works 

epic fail 

If that's the before pic Adam, here's some of the "after" pics: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=25902.msg274944#msg274939

Note taken, don't draw more attention than necessary.  Can't believe the marks it left on fishhunters kayak.  Insane! 

whew! re-reading all that is spiking my PTSD! where's my MEDS!! 

no shit..knarly read ,and pics for sure 

Find the link to Mel's pics from capitola & the damage it did.  Quite similar.

Find the link to Mel's pics from capitola & the damage it did.  Quite similar.

similar,,,, but very different.

Find the link to Mel's pics from capitola & the damage it did.  Quite similar.

similar,,,, but very different.

I'm sure!  I wasn't playing it down or trying to compare your experience to his & vice-versa.  I'm still amazed every time I look at the story & images.

 

http://www.iflscience.com/plants-and-animals/great-white-sharks-exploit-angle-sun-while-hunting#overlay-context=technology/blind-man-now-able-see-shapes-thanks-bionic-eye

What are the odds that you'll even see or come into contact with a GWS in the months that they seem to be in our area?  Given that, what are the odds that a GW will attack a kayak?

Not in a MILLION YEARS. All these stories are made up and false...

Sharks do not even frequent Cali waters.

 

Never, ever