Caution should be exercised when utilizing this location for your ocean water activities. Please report any shark sighting, encounter, or attack to the Shark Research Committee. (9/15/06)

A shark bit Tim West's surfboard while he was at Maverick's, near Half Moon Bay. He escaped with no injuries. In another encounter, a shark was sighted near Maverick's last Monday morning (the day after the biggest day of that swell). The surfer reported seeing a dorsal fin and a tail fin, moving side-to-side, about 75 yards outside of the surf line. And if those events don't give you the heebie-jeebies, a decapitated seal washed up recently on the beach just north of Maverick's. It's that time of year again. For more info on the attack, click here for San Mateo County Times news blurb. Video news clip at KRON 4 (11/3/05)

Shark Sighting at Ocean Beach, San Francisco
On May 1, 2005, Sven Vahsen and Tobias Golling were surfing Ocean Beach near Noriega Street. It was about 8:15 AM and they had been in the water for 90 minutes. The sky was clear and the water glassy with waves ranging from 1- 9 feet. The depth of the water was about 9 feet with visibility limited to only a few feet.

Vahsen recalled: "My friend and I were sitting on our surfboards waiting for waves. We were sitting in a location where the 2-meter and larger waves would break. I think we can infer from this that there must have been sandbanks about 2-3 meters under the water to cause the breaking waves, with deeper water in between. My legs were hanging in the water. We were quite far out for surfing, perhaps 150 meters. A third friend and two other surfers were in the same area, but closer to the beach. I suddenly noticed a shark fin outside of where I was sitting, about 15 meters away from me. The shark was moving very slowly, if at all, towards the north. It did not appear interested in us. I was looking for incoming waves when I spotted the fin. It submerged after a few seconds, and I did not see it again. I consulted with my two friends and one of them had also seen the fin briefly. We decided to paddle in. We paddled towards the beach calmly and rode the next suitable waves towards the shore. We warned another surfer who did not seem very concerned. Once I described the fin he seemed to believe perhaps it really was a shark, but he stayed out in the water. The fin was triangular in shape, almost black in color, and about 1.5 feet tall. It was only slightly asymmetrical in shape. I noticed that the fin had some 'structure' on the trailing edge. It looked like there were streaks, almost like the hairs on a paintbrush. That end of the fin looked soft. After browsing pictures of shark fins on the web, I think we saw a great white shark."

White Sharks are known to frequent this area. Caution should be exercised when utilizing this location for your ocean water activities. Please report any shark sighting, encounter, or attack to the Shark Research Committee.

Multiple White Sharks & Whale at Maverick's
Click for Photo A large whale carcass washed up on the beach that's inside of the lagoon at Maverick's on the evening/morning of Saturday/Sunday, December 11/12, 2004. The partially decomposed body, which is approximately 10- to 15-feet wide by 20-feet long, drifted through the line up at Maverick's on Saturday afternoon.

All of the surfers left the water on Saturday when they realized that several white sharks were feeding on the dead whale that was drifting towards the peak from the north. Overnight, the carcass made its way into the lagoon, and it washed up onto the east end of the beach, at the foot of the breakwater by Sunday morning. Besides the strong, unpleasant odor on the beach, the dead whale is likely to be attracting more sharks than usual to the area. Surfers and other ocean enthusiasts are advised that surfing- or doing anything else in the water- anywhere near a known shark attractant could be hazardous or life threatening. As of this morning, local authorities did not know what action would be taken to address this different type of Maverick's beast. (12/12/04)

Kang hit the shark on the nose and fought with it for several seconds. Kang paddled to shore and friends called 911. They transported him towards the town of Eureka where he was met by an ambulance. He sustained injuries to his hand, knee and thigh with his thumb almost severed. Surgery was performed yesterday with a prognosis for complete recovery. Witnesses to the attack said the shark's dorsal fin was 3 feet high. White Sharks are known to frequent this area. Caution should be exercised when utilizing this location for surfing and other ocean water activities. Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. This incident makes 2004 the most active year for shark/human interactions ever recorded for the Pacific Coast of North America. (11/14/04)

There has been a substantial increase in reported shark sightings this year. At present the cause of this increase in under investigation. SurfPulse will post additional information soon, including details of the most recent shark attack. Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. (10/10/04)

Shark Attack near Rogue River, Oregon
On September 20, 2004, Seth Mead was 50 yards from shore and 35 yards south of the jetty at Gold Beach, Oregon, adjacent to the mouth of the Rogue River. Salmon use this river for their spawns and the area is also frequented by pinnipeds, which feed on the spawning fish. He observed an undetermined number of harbor seals in the water that were scattered throughout the area. It was sunny with a light, 5 - 10 mph breeze from the East. Seth had looked at his watch when he entered the water with a companion. It was 6:50 A.M. At about 8:30 A.M. his companion went ashore for work, leaving Seth alone in the water. At about 8:45 AM he was sitting upright on his board, legs astride, facing out to sea. Seth recalled: "I was watching for a set when the shark came from directly beneath me, striking the board on my right side. It hit me with such force that the board and I were lifted out of the water, as I rotated before landing back in the ocean. The shark had grabbed hold of my lower right leg and foot when it struck. I rode my board into the beach and then drove my car to a law enforcement vehicle that was parked nearby. The officer called the Para Medics and I was taken to the hospital." Mead's wounds were sutured and cleaned and he was sent home. Mead described the shark as: "A white shark that was dark gray with a mouth larger than the circumference of the circle made by his arms." This is the third attack at this 'recurring location.' Caution should be exercised when using this area for your ocean water activities, especially during salmon and steelhead spawns. Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. (9/23/04)

Shark Encounter at South Beach, Oregon
On September 5, 2004, Charlie Plybon, Aquarium Educator, Oregon Coast Aquarium, was surfing with a friend about 100 yards from the beach and just north of South Beach State Park (near blue pole). It was 9:30 A.M. and the sky was clear. There were 4 - 5 foot swells and the water was 10 - 15 feet deep with the temperature being 52 - 55 degrees F. They had been in the water about 15 minutes prior to the shark encounter. Plybon and his companion observed "two small harbor porpoises" as they paddled out through the surf. Plybon recalled: "My friend and I had just paddled out and were lining up on an incoming set of waves. My friend was about 10 yards away from me and we waited... eventually letting the waves pass us by. I turned and started to paddle south down the beach and heard something break the water behind me. Alarmed, I turned and saw a fin break the surface of the water in a quick turn and disappear, maybe 100 yards from our location. I was sitting on my board, legs dangling when I saw the fin again. This time it was close, maybe 20 yards away. The fin rose to 2 - 3 feet out of the water. The upper lobe of the caudal fin followed at least 4 - 6 feet behind the dorsal fin. I then realized it was a shark. With its dorsal and caudal fin somewhat exposed it was moving quick enough to create a small wake coming straight at me. I was frozen, sitting on my board fully focused on the shark. It slowed down and submerged about 10 yards from me. Its shadow seemed nearly as wide as a small car. It moved under my board and turned up looking at me. As it pitched its body in the turn, a pectoral fin rose out of the water nearly hitting my board. On the other side of my board I looked down and clearly saw its scarred snout, giant eye and flared gills. As the shark rose towards my board it abruptly turned its head away, splashing its tail fin in one fluid movement. In this one motion it had turned and began smoothly swimming away. That's when the adrenaline kicked in. My entire body went numb and I began to shake. I paddled a terrifying 100 yards to a group of people and caught the first wave in. My friend and I were both rather shaky, but the others stayed in the water not really believing what had happened." Plybon described the shark as: "being longer than my board and very wide and deep bodied. It had numerous scars on its nose and a deep black eye about the size of my fist with dramatic counter shading from grayish blue to white. The dorsal fin appeared to rise 2 feet above the water." White sharks are known to frequent the Oregon coastal areas near river mouths and bays. Caution should be exercised when utilizing these areas for your ocean water activities. Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. (9/14/04)

Shark Sighting at Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA
On September 9, 2004 Benjamin Wheeler was 40 yards from shore, in 10 feet of water at the South end of Ocean Beach, riding a 10-foot baby blue long board. It was about mid-day and he had been in the water 2 hours. The sky was clear and there was a light wind chop on the sea surface. He had observed several dolphins prior to the encounter. Wheeler recounted: "I was paddling pretty erratically, back and forth, from the surf line to the beach trying to get as many waves as possible before the wind blew it out. There was another guy out on a hybrid, but not paddling for waves very hard. A fin popped out of the water about 20 ft in front of us and then went back underwater. We got out and talked it over. We both agreed it was not a dolphin fin and we were done for the day. We alerted a few others in the area, but they did not seem to care." Wheeler said the fin was approximately 2.5 ft high and looked like a shark fin. White sharks are known to frequent the area at and around Ocean Beach. Caution should be exercised when utilizing this area for your ocean water activities. Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. (9/14/04)

Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. (9/5/04)

Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. (9/5/04)

Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. (8/25/04)

Annotated List of Shark Attacks Along the Pacific Coast 2000 - Present

Since 1900 there have been 118 authenticated unprovoked shark attacks on humans off the Pacific Coast of North America. Of the 118 confirmed attacks, 104 have been attributable to the white shark with 10 of the 104 cases fatal. Since the year 2000 there have been 10 authenticated unprovoked shark attacks off the Pacific Coast, all involving the white shark with 2 of the 10 fatal.

Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. (8/16/04)

White shark sighting at Ocean Beach, San Francisco
On August 11, 2004, Conor McDonald was surfing South Ocean Beach at 11:30 AM. It was foggy and overcast with a light breeze. McDonald reported, "Six surfers and I were surfing South Ocean Beach and I had already been in the water for about an hour. Looking on the horizon for the next wave I saw a 12- dorsal fin about 75 feet from our location. It slowly traveled north and parallel to the lineup of surfers. I observed the fin for a moment but then my view was blocked by a wave rolling in. I have seen many dolphins before but when I saw this fin my heart skipped a beat because this one was significantly different. I alerted the other surfers and told them I had seen a "fin" that didn't look like a dolphin. I waited for 20 seconds after the wave passed me and saw another fin still 75 feet from our location but about 30 or so feet from the original location of the observed fin only it seemed shorter and/or more submerged. The other surfers paddled to shore along with me. Only one other surfer saw the fin and he agreed with me that the fin was too big to be a dolphin's. He also said he saw two different fins in different locations." Four days earlier, August 7, a shark was reported from this area by 'Maz.' White sharks are known to frequent this location. It is suggested that caution be exercised while using this area for your ocean activity. Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. (8/15/04)

White shark kill at Ocean Beach, San Francisco
On August 10, 2004 Jack Dyer reported, "At 2:00 PM today, just prior to entering the water to surf, I observed a white shark, about 15 feet in length, attack and kill an elephant seal at South Ocean Beach. The shark decapitated the seal and then proceeded to feed on the dead animal. Several seals were observed cruising about the area as they normally do." White sharks are known to frequent this area. Caution is advised when using this area for your ocean activities. Please report any shark sightings to the Shark Research Committee. (8/15/04)

White shark sighting at Ocean Beach, San Francisco
On August 7, 2004, 'Maz' emailed the following: "While surfing with my friend at about 8:00 PM near Pacheco Street, Ocean Beach, we observed a dorsal fin, 12 to 15 inches in height, about 10 yards from our location. It appeared the shark was feeding on something as birds were diving in the water around it." White sharks have been reported frequently from this location. It is suggested that caution be exercised while using this area for your ocean activity. Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. (8/15/04)

White shark sighting at Atascadero Beach, Morro Bay
On August 7, 2004 Katie O'Neill was surfing with a friend at Atascadero Beach, Morro Bay. It was slightly 'foggy' with 2- to 4-foot waves. O'Neill had been in the water about one hour and it was mid-morning. She recalled, "I was sitting on my board waiting for the next set when a shark, 6 to 8 feet in length, dark gray and black on top and white on the bottom, swan from my right to my left. I was looking at my friends when I first saw the shark. It went under the front of my surfboard and behind my friends that were about 10 feet away. I didn't stick around long enough to see if it would come back. I don't know how long the shark might have been in the area before we saw it." This is the same area where large sharks were sighted on July 29, 2004 by John Hamers and on July 2, 2004 by Piper Heisig and Amy Thompson. White sharks are known to frequent this area. Exercise caution when using this area for your ocean activity. Please report any shark encounters or sightings to the Shark Research Committee. (8/15/04)

White shark sighting at Miramar Beach, Half Moon Bay
On August 5, 2004 Patrick McConnell reported: "At about 3:30 PM, at Miramar Beach, Half Moon Bay, my friends and I sighted and photographed a 10- to 12-inch dorsal fin of a shark. The sighting was slightly north of the parking lot of the Miramar Beach Restaurant. The shark remained in the area for about 5 minutes before dropping out of sight. The shark was observed by a number of individuals in the area." Over the prior decades there have been a number of white shark sightings and encounters with humans in the area of Half Moon Bay. Caution should be exercised when using this area for any ocean activity. Please report any shark encounters to the Shark Research Committee. (8/15/04)

Shark sighting at Linda Mar Beach, Pacifica on Monday, July 26, 2004. (7/26/04) Update: at least two other shark sightings have been reported at Linda Mar- one on the morning of July 26th and another on July 31st, 2004. (8/1/04)

Two shark sightings at Ocean Beach. An eye witness reported seeing an 8- to 10-inch dorsal fin at Kelly's Cove on Saturday, July 24, 2004. Click here to read the details. Also, within the last few days. SurfPulse heard secondhand news that there was a shark sighting at Noriega a few days prior to Saturday's sighting. Please report any shark encounters to SurfPulse and the Shark Research Committee. (7/25/04)

Shark sighting at Ocean Beach, San Francisco
on Saturday, June 19, 2004 between Noriega and Lincoln. A reliable source, and an experienced surfer, reported seeing a fin cruising the surface near the surf line while they were sitting on their board waiting for a set wave. The fin, which was approximately 8 to 12 inches out of the water, cruised steadily above the surface before slowly submerging. It's uncertain what type of shark, i.e. whether or not it was a white shark. (6/20/03)

More details of shark encounter with Bernard "Butch" Connor, Jr. at Salmon Creek on Friday, May 28, 2004. The details of this unusually long shark encounter should give you the willies! Source: SFGate.com (6/1/04)

Shark encounter at Salmon Creek - On May 28, 2004 at about 11:00 hours, Bernard Connor, Jr. was 150 yards from shore at Salmon Creek Beach. Connor recounted his story to Rick Lawton, Supervising Ranger at Sonoma Coast State Beach: "I looked behind me and saw a shark's fin about one foot out of the water. The shark was 8 to 12 feet in length and it began to circle me, and then bumped my left thigh knocking me off my board into the water. When the shark circled back, I smacked it in the side with the pointed end of my board. The shark swam away but stayed in the area as I began paddling quickly toward shore. The shark left me and headed north toward another group of surfers. They spotted the fin approaching and all headed toward shore." There have been four prior shark attacks in this area from 1961 to 2002. Because of the physical contact between subject and shark, this case is classified as a shark attack. Signs were posted on the beach informing visitors of the incident and they are being advised to enter the water at their own risk. (5/28/04)

Shark Attacks of the Twentieth Century: From The Pacific Coast of North America. Book review by Ben Marcus. SurfPulse highly recommends this book! (4/19/04)

Shark Attacks Drop 30% Worldwide - Unprovoked shark attacks dropped to 55 last year, which is the third straight year of decline. Source: Yahoo! News (1/31/04)

The Ocean's Most Feared Predator by Ralph S. Collier (12/8/03)

Woman killed in apparent shark attack while swimming near Avila Beach pier in Central California on Tuesday. Source: SF Gate (8/19/03)

Towing Before Blowing: Shark expert Ralph Collier discusses some alternatives to burying large sea animals at Ocean Beach. (8/15/03)

Several shark sightings reported at Ocean Beach
There have been several reports of shark sightings over the past couple of weeks- at least two happened over the last few days. Someone claimed to have seen a shark at Kelly's on Friday late afternoon. Another "triangular fin" was reported south of Sloat on Sunday around noon. We cannot verify accuracy of these sightings, but several of the sightings sound legitimate, so keep your eyes peeled and if you start feeling uneasy- pay attention and leave the water. The elephant seal at Noriega was buried today, but it's possible that fluids from both the seal and the whale could leach into the water for some time. (8/4/03)

Shark bitten, elephant seal carcass washed up at Ocean Beach Wednesday morning just south of Noriega. The seal, which is approximately 8 feet long, had several large bites taken from various parts of the body. The largest bite mark is approximately 2 feet in diameter, which if it's from a single bite, could indicate the presence of a very large whitey. Many of the bite marks are clearly from (at least) medium-sized sharks. The fresh carcass is oozing fresh blood and dislodged entrails into the water. Be advised that this is fresh chum and there are likely some hungry critters in the area. There were at least two reported shark sightings at Ocean Beach last week while a whale carcass was beached just a 1/4 mile north of this sea lion's present resting place. (7/30/03)

Beached whale at Ocean Beach could attract more sharks to the area. Warning: graphic whale carcass photos. (7/21/03)

Shark sighting at Montara on Saturday, May 31, 2003
"I had to drop you a line to let you know of my "encounter" on Saturday, 5/31/03, just in case you wanted to let others know. I got a pretty heavy vibe at Montara while surfing the north side on Saturday afternoon. At almost the same time, my girlfriend onshore spotted a big critter just inside of me that was silhouetted in the wave I'd just paddled over. The size was such that she said, "it looked like a movie," because it was so large. She estimated the size to be at least twice my length, so 12- 14' is about the length. That's the second time in a row at Montara I've had some sort of spooky contact. And seeing as how we're heading into prime season, I thought I'd be remiss to not say something. So, just a heads up for you, do with it what you will." - Mike Neumann (6/2/03)

Surfboards As Shark Bait: a scientific look at an emotionally charged topic for Nor Cal surfers (3/3/03)

Mike Casey: Exclusive SurfPulse Interview Part 1 & Part 2 with Nor Cal's most recent shark attack victim at Salmon Creek in Sonoma County. Viewer discretion is advised- very graphic photos of injuries. (2/10/03)

Shark attack at Salmon Creek on Thanksgiving
Mike Casey gets hit in Sonoma County on Thursday, November 28, 2002. Click here for details.
(Posted 11/28/02)

Another great white sighting at Sloat, Ocean Beach
Surfer rides a wave with a 12-footer! Click here for details.
(Posted 11/4/02)

Ralph S. Collier, head of the Shark Research Committee and author of a new book entitled Shark Attacks of the Twentieth Century - from the Pacific Coast of North America responds to comments below about a recent shark sighting at OB:

These latest comments were added 9/16/02:

"I have been working with numerous shark species for over 40 years. In that time period I have performed autopsy's on over 30 adult white sharks ranging in size from about 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) up to a 6 meter (19 ft 3.5 in) animal. In addition, I have performed autopsies on at least 250 or 300 other species of sharks, most common to the California coast. With this limited experience with large sharks, I will admit that I was never able to estimate a shark's actual length to within a foot prior to measurement. Only once did I estimate a length that was within a foot of the actual length and that was for female white shark that was 16 ft. 9 in. total length (tip of snout to tip of upper lobe of caudal fin). My guess was 15.5 ft. I also estimated this same animal's weight at around 3,700 to 3,900 lbs. When weighed on Dept. of Weights and Measures truck scales, its weight was 4,745 lbs. The accuracy of the scales was checked the following day by a supervisor and found to be accurate to within less than one pound.

My point is this... IF we assume that the pectoral fin was at least 2 ft in length and that the jaw diameter was 18 in, then the shark, assuming it was a white shark, would be approximately 14 or 15 ft in length. However, I am troubled by one of the observations made by the witnesses, and this is not a reflection on their reporting. The color of the shark that ascended from the depths ("he saw a white shape rising from the depths) does not coincide with any species of shark that is indigenous to the Pacific Coast. Also, the actions and coloration of the animal do not represent any known pinniped that frequents our coast.

There is no doubt in my mind that the subjects of this encounter saw a shark; I'm simply puzzled as to what species it might have been. Of course, basking sharks frequent our coastal waters, but seldom are they observed making the movements described (rolling over on their backs) by the surfers. This is definitely one of those times a photo or video would have been very helpful in determining the possible species of shark involved in this encounter."
(Posted 9/16/02)

The eye witness, who originally reported the shark sighting at OB, gives more details:

After seeing the comments from an expert and another surfer on your web site, I thought I'd follow up on the shark sighting I reported at OB on this past Monday. There is no question in my mind it was a shark, the only question is what kind, and how large.

I was approximately 4-5 feet from were the shark surfaced next to my buddy. A pectoral fin (not a flipper) approximately 2 feet in length, came out of the water as the shark rolled over. It was rigid, white underneath, with a black outline. It was not a flipper! I asked my buddy what he saw and he stated he saw a white shape rising from the depths toward him, which he thought was a jellyfish at first. When it rolled over just next to his leg, he saw the distinctive shark snout, and a mouth which was partly agape, and which he estimated to be approximately 18 inches across. The underside of the snout was white, and not dark, which leads me to believe it was not a salmon shark. I too saw the sea lion on my way into shore, and it was definitely not the same animal that surfaced four feet from me.

I've have close to 200 scuba dives, have dove with reef sharks in the South Pacific and the Caribbean, and with sea lions in Monterey and the Channel Islands, and can tell the difference between a fin and a flipper. I'd be interested in the shark expert's estimate of how large he thinks a shark with a two-foot pectoral fin and an 18-inch wide mouth might be. I have a feeling it might be a lot larger than I first thought. As for not informing other surfers, we informed the one individual that was within earshot of us, and I informed others on shore who were getting ready to go in. For one writer to assume because we didn't notify other surfers, that it must have been a pinniped is ridiculous. I think the fact that there was a sea lion in the water might explain why the shark was nearby. "
(Posted 9/16/02)

Ralph Collier commented a few days earlier to one critic's (of the validity of the shark sighting) statements:

"Actually adult white sharks, and I would assume juveniles and sub-adults as well, do roll over on their backs, exposing the underside and will slowly descend and or swim in this attitude for short distances. However, this is not to say that the assumption that the 'critter' was a pinniped is wrong. There is a case that I discuss in my book that occurred off Morro Rock between a surfer and an unidentified animal, that was assumed to be a white shark. The impressions left behind in the underside of the surfboard were more reminiscent of a pinniped's dentition than that of a white shark. As you know, it is not uncommon for pinnipeds to strike surfboards and occasionally surfers. Whether this particular case was a sub-adult white shark or pinniped we'll never know for sure."
(Posted 9/13/02)

A person who was skeptical of the shark sighting writes, "I don't think what those guys saw was a great white. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I majored in Biology, and actually concentrated on Wildlife Biology. I have spent quite a bit of time with seals and sea lions at Pier 39, Ano Nuevo, and Long Marine Lab in Santa Cruz. I have also spent a lot of time watching fish and sharks, mostly in tanks albeit, but fish don't like to roll over and swim upside down with their belly facing upwards. A shark can, and would turn very quickly and dive in an upright position. It was a Harbor Seal. My 2 cents." -Erik
(Posted 9/12/02)

A surfer who was in the water at the time of the sighting is doubtful it was a shark: "I was out about 15 feet to the right of the guys who claim they saw a shark. I also heard them warning a select few guys on the inside as they made their way to shore. (Funny they didn't bother to warn everyone). More than likely what they saw was one of the large harbor seals (roughly the same size as reported and grey/white in color, too) that I observed frolicking in the area all morning. One of the seals did a pop-up thing behind me, too. There were also a few sea lions around, as well." - Trevor
(Posted 9/11/02)

Here is the first-hand report from an eye witness/surfer, who wishes to remain anonymous:

"I just thought I'd let you know that a buddy and I were surfing Kelly's Cove at OB this morning when my buddy and I saw about a five foot white shark. I was about four feet from my friend when the shark surfaced right next to him and his longboard, rolled over on its belly, and dove back down into the depths. I saw it as it rolled over, noticing the distinct lighter underside, and black outline of its pectoral fin. We think it came up for a bite, noticed the size of my buddy and his 9'6" longboard, and decided otherwise. Just thought I'd get the word out, as other than the scare, it was a nice, sunny morning and a few overhead waves."
(Posted 9/9/02)

Several recent shark sighting in Pacifica and San Francisco. See our bulletin board for the scoop.
(Posted 4/11/02)

The lineup at Scott's Creek was cleared on Friday November 23rd after a white shark moved through the lineup, within a board's length of the surfers.
(Posted 12/2/01)

More evidence from Swell.com on why some of the great breaks in north Santa Cruz can be empty from time to time... "The lineup got cleared at a semi-secret spot not far north of Davenport on Tuesday, Oct. 16, when a good-size white shark surfaced about 30 feet beyond the pack. Too bad, because the wind had just shifted offshore. That's in addition to the story about a white that attacked and gobbled a seal just outside the lineup at Waddell Creek on Saturday, Oct. 13, on a day when the place was packed. Whitey's in the house this time of year, so we suggest staying out of the water if you're bleeding profusely."
(Posted 12/2/01)

Thinking about going spearfishing at Fitzgerald Marine Preserve (between Mavericks and Montara State Beach)? After you get your head examined you should read about two divers that ran into a great white while doing just that!
(Posted 10/23/01)

Another early season Maverick's close call! Santa Barbara surfer Eric Akiskalian has his tow-in equipment tasted by a great white shark.
(Posted 10/5/01)

There was a confirmed Great White siting off of Pedro Point (Linda Mar) recently. Surfer, fisherman and SF Maritime History Museum employee John Heid, who lives at Shelter Cove, was fishing in a small aluminum rowboat when a 15-footer appeared and cruised around and under his boat for a while checking him out. The shark didn't engage in any kind of agressive behavior though and soon left the scene. Perhaps this was the ledgendary shark "Pedro" who is said to live in the deep waters off the point? - Marabout Rich
(Posted 10/3/01)

"I wouldn't say it was recent, it was about 8 months ago, but I had what appeared to be an Oceanic White Tip, approx 8ft. in length, break the surface about 10 feet from me at Montara Beach. I happened to turn my head at just the right moment or I never would have seen it. Dorsal and tail fin broke the surface and then dissapeared, and so did I." -Dave
(Posted 9/12/01)

"Just got chased out the water at Montara by a shark. Didn't see it myself but about 5 guys said they saw a "large triangular fin" and about 15 of us all paddled in pretty quickly. I guess some people saw it on shore and videotaped it. Wish I could see the video myself. It was just before sunset... nice sunset, too." -Chris
(Posted 8/25/01)

A small 6-8 ft white shark spotted by surfers at Salmon Creek about 4 PM Thursday (7/26). It came up to possibly investigate a surfer, when it surfaced a few feet away, thrashed its tail, and swam away. Submitted by "Kid Turbo."
(Posted 7/26/01)

Someone reported seeing a 15-foot shark that was chewing up a seal at Linda Mar Beach on Friday (7/21) evening. Submitted by "Patrick Co."
(Posted 7/21/01)

Shark sighting at Ocean Beach on July 4th. "I just talked to a guy that said he watched the beach patrol cruise out in the water around Judah on the 4th of July to run two sharks out of the surf zone. He said they were heading north and that there was a longboarded around Kirkham or Lawton (within 100 yards of the fish). The guy was positive about what he saw. Have you heard any other stories lately?" Submitted by "B.Z."
(Posted 7/15/01)

BZ's 4th of July sighting post prompted this. I believe I saw a shark off of Sloat on June 29th, the Friday before July 4th. It was about 7:30pm and I paddled out alone into the choppy stormy surf. Just before my sighting I notice an odd boil or swirl of water to my left. This could have been my imagination since it was stormy wind chop conditions. As I paddled back out from a wave and crested a swell I clearly sighted a black back and ~12" tall triangular (not a dolphin) dorsal fin. "He" was about 100-120 feet out and appeared to be heading away out to sea. I remember being amazed thinking "thats a shark!" and then paddling in real fast trying to catch anything. Submitted by Douglas
(Posted 10-2-01)

Shark sighting at Ocean Beach in late June... "I paddled out at Noriega around 8am in small, junky, sloppy surf. About 10 minutes after I got out I saw a triangular dorsal fin about 25 yards out to sea. It was very close (within 10-20 feet) of a California Sea Lion and it appeared to be turning around slowly. I didn't wait around to confirm that it was a shark or watch any attempted attack on the sea lion (or worse). Paddling like hell to catch anything, I caught a weak wave about halfway back to the beach and then continued to paddle the rest of the way to the sand with my heart pounding." Submitted by "Brian"
(Posted 10-2-01)