What is a shark?

What to do if you see a shark while surfing?

• I'm 13, female and I've started surfing recently. My fear while in the water is getting attacked by sharks. I was watching Blue Water High the other day, and it was the episode where there was a shark in the water and most of the surfers swam away where one of the surfers stayed, got off his board and went under water to check out the shark. When he went under water, the fish was calm, and there was no shark in sight. The surfer said if there was a shark it would have attacked them because * One of the girls were wearing jewellery and it reflects off the sun and sharks mistake it for fish. * They were on a board with their hands and feet hanging off the edge, could be mistaken for turtles. * The way they swam away looked like a herd of injured sea animals Is this true? And if i do happen to see a shark should i get off my board? And any advice for surfing is appreciated. Thankyou (:

• Answer:

  Here is an answer I found. I would add most attacks in CA are swimmers, bodyboarders or kneeboards (dangling both hands and feet over the edge). If you are surfing you should have most of your feet on your board. Never surf alone. Even if you are by yourself, find areas where surfers are already present. In case of an emergency, there will be others who can help. Don't surf at dusk, dawn, or at night. These are peak times for many species of sharks to feed. Also, it's harder to see what's around you at these times. Don't go into the water if you have an open wound. This should be common sense, but you would be surprised at the number of people who do this. Sharks have an incredible sense of taste and can detect even the smallest traces of blood. Many surfers abide by these guidelines and still come into contact with these creatures. Most shark attacks, especially those to surfers are completely unprovoked. If an attack does occur there are a few things you can do to help yourself. If you are attacked, first defend yourself any way you can. Use your surfboard to block the shark. If you can't do this, use your fists or kick. Concentrate on the shark's gills or eyes. These are the most sensitive spots on their bodies. Be as aggressive as possible. Don't play dead. Your best bet is to fight as much as possible.