Have you ever wondered what you would do if you had a kayak and shark encounter while on the water? Although sharks generally don’t concern themselves with kayaks or the people in them, there are some safety tips to keep yourself and marine life safe if you should have such an experience.
How to Handle a Kayak and Shark Encounter
The first thing to do is to stay calm. Panicking can lead to erratic movements that could draw more attention from the shark. Rather keep your movements steady and smooth. If you’re part of a group, try to stay close together, as a larger, unified shape would be less likely to be mistaken for prey.
It’s also advisable to avoid excessive splashing, as this can mimic the movements of distressed fish and potentially attract sharks. Place your hands and feet inside the kayak and avoid dangling them in the water.
Are Sharks Attracted to Kayaks?
If the shark seems to be approaching out of curiosity, maintain your composure and slowly back away to avoid a potentially dangerous kayak and shark encounter. Don’t try to touch or provoke the shark in any way. Keep your paddle between you and the shark as a barrier. However, avoid hitting the shark with the paddle, as this could cause the shark to respond aggressively.
Can a Shark Attack a Kayak?
In the unlikely event that a shark becomes aggressive, try to maintain the position of your kayak between you and the shark. If the shark bumps your kayak, don’t be encouraged to flee quickly, as this could trigger a chase response. Instead, continue to back away slowly and deliberately.
If you’ve been kayak fishing and have caught something, release it, as it could attract sharks. If you do have any fish on board, store them in a closed container to minimize odours.
Are You Safe from Sharks in a Kayak?
Always be aware of your surroundings and the wildlife with which you share the water. Before you head out, it would be wise to check local shark activity reports. Check with fellow kayakers or fishermen about recent shark sightings in the area. Avoid areas known for high shark activity, especially during feeding times, such as dawn and dusk.
Read our article: Kayaking in South Africa
Your Goal When Navigating a Kayak and Shark Encounter
Your goal should be to discourage the shark’s interest in you without causing it harm or doing something to escalate the situation. With some careful thinking, you should be able to handle a kayak and shark encounter if one happens.
Kayaking in the Presence of Other Wildlife
Kayaking provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural environment. However, it’s always advisable to exercise caution to ensure your safety and the safety of the creatures you encounter.
Apart from the standard kayaking safety rules you should always respect, consider the following precautions when you kayak near wildlife:
Maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Approaching too closely can stress the animals and might even provoke an aggressive response.
Move slowly and avoid making sudden movements when you encounter wildlife. Gentle paddling can help you blend into the surroundings without startling the animals.
When you’re observing wildlife, don’t point your kayak directly at them; they may perceive it as a threat. Rather turn your bow away and watch them from a side angle.
Do not attempt to feed or touch wildlife. These are potentially dangerous practices; feeding could alter their natural feeding habits and behaviour, while touching could stress the animal.
Familiarise yourself with the local wildlife. Research what types of animals you might encounter and get to know their behaviour. For example, being able to recognise signs of discomposure in a crocodile or hippopotamus could be a lifesaver.
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