Shark attack in Capitola

Seems like they confirm their preference to "yum yum yellow" and especially stark contrasting colors. Also silver looking (no surprize there) Not that we can ever guarentee preventing an encounter. It can't hurt to reduce the risks statistcally. Also, Chad were you there when Adam got hit at the bean? If so, I'd be a little nervous if I were you.......

Glyn, that was not a very scientific test. They came to their conclusion after only one strike. And don't forget that Dan's chewed up kayak was red.

Howard

Glyn, that was not a very scientific test. They came to their conclusion after only one strike. And don't forget that Dan's chewed up kayak was red.

Not to mention Harry's kayak was olive in color. I am not sure if GWS prefer yellow kayaks, or it is just coincidence due to the sheer number of yellow kayaks out there. But here is what we do know:

Just an FYI / reminder

July 21,2007 - Dan at Bean Hollow
August 12, 2010 - Adam at Bean Hollow
November 22, 2011 - Harry at Pigeon Point light House
July 7, 2012 - Mel at Capitola

So 3 Hobies and 1 non-Hobie. This despite Hobies making up less than a third of NCKA members' primary fishing kayak according to our own survey:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=36621.60

Pare, thank God you're okay. Sorry to hear about your Revo. Well, now i guess you can justify getting the AI.

LL

Glyn, that was not a very scientific test. They came to their conclusion after only one strike. And don't forget that Dan's chewed up kayak was red.

Not to mention Harry's kayak was olive in color. I am not sure if GWS prefer yellow kayaks, or it is just coincidence due to the sheer number of yellow kayaks out there. But here is what we do know:

Just an FYI / reminder

July 21,2007 - Dan at Bean Hollow
August 12, 2010 - Adam at Bean Hollow
November 22, 2011 - Harry at Pigeon Point light House
July 7, 2012 - Mel at Capitola

So 3 Hobies and 1 non-Hobie. This despite Hobies making up less than a third of NCKA members' primary fishing kayak according to our own survey:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=36621.60

I think the Cambria attack in May, 2012 was on a blue Cobra.

I think the Cambria attack in May, 2012 was on a blue Cobra.

Yep Blue, Starting to think color doesnt matter. I think these things are just getting to curious. Has any of these been a full breech out of the water. Sounds like they are coming up and bumping them and then taking a taste and getting out of dodge as plastic taste crappy.

Hope no one gets the bite hitting flesh. Could turn nasty in a second if that happened.

Adam's and Harry's were full breach.

Heard the news last night; was out of cell range. Glad to hear Mel is okay and made it back safe.

Adam's and Harry's were full breach.

The GWS "HIT" right under my seat (kill shot), knocking over 300 lbs. (Gross weight) into the air, like I was a beach ball floating on the water.

In the east coast news yesterday, they talked about warning the public about GWS sightings at local beaches because of the over abundance of Harp and Gray seals.  They also had video of GWS in 5 to 10' of water stalking seals.  So this thing about GWS not coming in shallow to hunt is "Horse Patooties"

I think the Cambria attack in May, 2012 was on a blue Cobra.

Yep Blue, Starting to think color doesnt matter. I think these things are just getting to curious. Has any of these been a full breech out of the water. Sounds like they are coming up and bumping them and then taking a taste and getting out of dodge as plastic taste crappy.

Hope no one gets the bite hitting flesh. Could turn nasty in a second if that happened.

Luckily it seems like they come straight up on a missile attack and target the front of the kayak. In the surf they come in from the side which is why surfers sometimes get bit. Kayakers don't spend much time hanging out in the surf zone like surfers do so we get hit fishing in and around the kelp or shallow structure. Agree that color doesn't matter but contrast might. The good news is that polyethylene kayaks can survive a full on GWS missile attack. The bad news is that the hull was penetrated in every attack so if you are far from a landing site, things could get bad. Hobies can be peddled and pumped out at the same time in theory.

There was another yellow yak out there (Kirk) Idk if it was because Mel was just a little further from the kelp or because it was hobie, or yellow with stripe. All I know is that you never know when or why those beasts attack. I wish some one did.....but I don't, and no one here really does....and i don't think we ever will. I really do hope the shark shields works, I don't doubt that they do. For me sticking close to my buddies gives me a bigger sense of security. I guess Im trying to say don't go out alone(my2cents)

Be safe out there you guys 

I've had a couple experienced yak vets tell me to feel safe South of Santa Cruz.  I'm just not sure that is the case anymore.  There was a guy in Gaviota on a SIK that got hit a few years ago. 

Capitola, Cambria, Gaviota.  These are all south of Santa Cruz. 

Bean is obviously the most sharky but we need to be aware on buddied up on all of our outings IMHO.

Shark shield is sounding like a good bet but the other threads tailing about battery life have me concerned.

I'm glad Mel is ok.  This will probably happen again and I hope the next guy is ok as well.  Lets just hope we go a few more years or never have this happen again.

Shocked to say the least. We are so happy everyone made it to shore safely.

http://news.yahoo.com/great-white-shark-cape-cod-beach-reopens-sighting-164529546--abc-news-topstories.html

Another sighting the stalking being talked about as well as Mels incident being mentioned.

I've had a couple experienced yak vets tell me to feel safe South of Santa Cruz. 

Saw this on big waters edge

that yahoo "news" article sucked.  that lady cop should stick to desk duty and mr. van sommeran needs to go find another line of work. nothing they said jives with Mels account or the historical accounts of the attacks on members.

7/9/12 update; Yep hit the east coast news alright. Short blurb tying the two coasts together for early shark sightings, with a really ignorant lady cop from Capitola giving a sound bite.

Mel & Co. I really wish you best of luck and peaceful seclusion from the whackjob media