So here goes - completely new to the forum and surfing in general so please bear with me.

I've done a search of "shark" on the forums and there was some very funny posts but nothing that helped so I'm hoping someone can talk some sense to me.

I've only recently learnt to paddle surf so that I can take my two boys out on the water when they're older and not look like a complete idiot

I'm about to get my own board and go out around Little Manly (where the in-laws live) when the Sydney Harbour shark attacks started to happen. I'd even said after the Harbour and Bondi attack that I'd wait and see what happened with the Bridge to Beach swim only to see another attack at Avalon and the Bridge to Beach swim cancelled because the water looked "bitey".

I know what the the statistics say and that there's more chance of being hit by a bus, it's just the lack of any consistent, expert commentary on what's really going on with the sharks around Sydney has meant that I'm not that excited about getting on the board again - if I'm doing this for fun that really doesn't make any sense!

So, rather than listening to headlines (which is always a bad idea) I'm trying to see what people that are actually around the Sydney Harbour, especially places like Little Manly and Balmoral, think of the shark issue and if they can help me realise that getting back on the water is no big deal.

Anything that helps would be really appreciated.

Cheers,

Tak

hi Tak,

welcome....

i'm kinda new to the sport too, and live around little manly, actually up next to manly hospital to be precise.

i've been SUPing now for over 1 month (so during the shark headlines), and so far so good, haven't been bitten by anything, although i have seen baby sharks whilst SUPing around Shelley beach.

I too was getting a bit manic on the topic, but frankly, considering how many people are out in the water still, snorkeling, swimming, etc, i feel pretty safe on my board.

I do adhere to Andrew's pointers though, so perhaps that helps.

i even took my little guy out on the board on sunday, and he loved it

i'd say to just apply common sense, such as taking into account what Andrew posted, and enjoy. and if you're ever around little manly with your boys or solo, give me a shout, and we can be safe in numbers :-) i generally try to go out, weather permitting, either tuesdays, thursdays, fridays, and some weekends, depending on who's on babysitting duty (hubby or me)

Have yet to see a shark but I wonder what the best response would be to one approaching your board?

I guess I would jab at him with my paddle but what if that breaks your paddle? Then you're... somewhere.... without a paddle

Hit him with the handle? Grab his tail? Jump in and start beating on him? Isnt sharkskin all tough and cuts up your hands?

........it's not the one you see that you worry about

Thanks All,

That's really helped!!!

I've also leant to use the search a bit better (there's more than one page of results ) - didn't realise that Tans had asked the same question already but at least this way I got to meet you all.

So I've no excuse now not to go and get my board and get on with it.

Tans - thanks so much for the offer and the missus is keen as well so maybe we'll see you around, as long as you don't think it's just because of JonathanC's advice

Cheers,

Tak