Updated: Shark takes bite on my kayak 8/28/20 Shelter Cove

Glad you are ok and were able to make it back to shore. Looks like a shark shield just moved to the top of the list on gear to buy.

Glad you are OK Dave. Sandlance and I were at the cove that day too. We actually spoke with you that morning near the green can.
Later that day, a boater came to my camp with a bag of your stuff he recovered floating in the water. He asked if I knew where you were camped so that he could return it to you . I think they left your stuff at the deli. Hope you were able to get it before you left.
Anyway welcome to the club which nobody wants to a member of. Hope you don't stop kayaking because of this. Get a shark shield. I truly believe they work.

Nice meeting you and Joe! I was camped next to you guys 

Wow, thanks for sharing your experience Dave. That is some Scary shit.

Nice meeting you and Joe! I was camped next to you guys 

It was nice meet you and your camp as well.  When the radio went off and explained a yellow kayak, I immediately though it was you.  Sorry it had to happen at all. never a dull moment at The Cove

Good to read that no blood was shed. HOLY SHIT!
Being tossed from a small plastic vessel, into the ocean, by an apex predator, is a reality that will make you feel alive and a bit crazy at the same time. My safety senses were on "full alert" for a few months after my encounter.

The rule of thumb, according to shark peoples, is the tip of tooth point gap, is roughly: 1 inch = 10ft long, 1.5in = 15ft, 2in = 20ft. Those teeth entry points look widely gaped.
Hope you heal right and Be Safe! 

Glad nobody got hurt.  Lots of interesting followup comments on this thread.  Thanks for sharing this.

Glad your ok, get back on that horse and ride it!! Looking forward to the cdfw follow up report fir size and dna cross reference. Stay safe down there guys.

Yikes!
Glad to hear you are ok. Scary stuff.

VICE-RIDDEN 15-FOOT GREAT WHITE SHARK KNOCKS MAN OUT OF KAYAK IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, ATTEMPTS TO “SMOKE IT LIKE A CIGAR!”

https://beachgrit.com/2020/09/vice-ridden-15-foot-great-white-shark-knocks-man-out-of-kayak-in-northern-california-attempts-to-smoke-it-like-a-cigar/

Glad to hear you are ok.  your story is a testament to being prepared with the safety gear and having a plan.  you have inspired me to practice self arrest more and especially in my full wetsuit and not just in warm water.

darin

So glad you’re ok.  How far from shore were you when the GWS hit you?

Do you have grandkids? You have a hell of a story!
I'm glad you're okay. Great description of your ordeal by the way.

Nice article in the Chronicle today

What  a story.  So glad you came out of it ok. 

  Updates and seeking advice.

First and foremost I am ok.  Good news: The x-rays showed no broken ribs or bones in the hand. Bad news: I am still sore as heck in the ribs and the hand still has limited use. Time will heal the body. I am not real excited about getting back into saltwater for awhile. We went to the beach yesterday for the first time and it still felt funny to be around the ocean; however, I am going to get there someday; hopefully sooner than later.

The Kayak: My yellow Hobie Revo 13' has some damage (holes and gouges ). I am wondering if anyone has had experience with plastic welding. I called Hobie to get advice. Hobie has not return my emails or phone calls. I am not feeling love from Hobie  . So I called our local dealer Wind Toys (great folks every time) who provided me information for a local guy who does plastic welding. I sent him pictures of the damage and he shared it could most likely be repaired. Is plastic welding something that will work and hold up over time? I have no experience with this type of work. I am cautious to have the holes repaired and then use the yak again. Not sure it will be worth it.

Starting Over: I will most likely not use this yellow Hobie Revo 13', except as a spare and close in. I am wondering about the new smaller Hobie PA 360. Anyone have an opinion about this yak? Heavier for sure. Harder to self rescue? Does anyone know of any Hobie PA's getting attacked by sharks? Because Hobie has not returned my calls, I am not feeling the love, so I am open for other makes. Any other suggestions for a peddle yak? I will just to get to the demos stage and start over again. 

Thanks,
David