B2HOL Surfers

When you begin surfing, someone will ask you if you worry about SHARKS. Truthfully, my answer is a firm NO!

There is always a risk that you might be attacked by a shark, but in reality, a shark does not want to eat you. He just has you confused with someone else. If you avoid looking like a seal, you probably won't have a problem. That means surfing when the water is clear, not murky, and avoiding the times of day sharks like to feed, dawn and dusk.

Of course there are sharks in the water, in fact some of the largest concentrations along the Oahu coastline islocated at the power plant outlet, just half a mile from our beach. But you are far more likely to be hit by a car on your way to the beach than you are to be bitten by a shark. If you see a shark, remain calm. Peggy Jo has seen them many times. Warn others, and leave the water quickly and calmly -- splashing makes you a tempting morsel. Chances are your sharky visitor is just passing through. And your shark may not even be the species that would be tempted anyway.

You are far more like to see other wonderful water creatures.

For example, Endangered Monk Seals frequent the beach at Barber's. This includes one of Oahu's most-loved seals, Kermit. It is not uncommon to see a dark shape pass by you in the water, pop its head out, and then wander on the beach for some time in the sun. Because the seals are endangered, you may not approach them. When they lounge on the beach like Nebraskan tourists, don't touch them or harrass them in any manner. Not only is it against the law -- subject to a $10,000 fine -- they won't respond anyway. Their total indifference to humans is one reason they are endangered. If the life guards have not surrounded the lollygagger with signs and police tape, please notify them that a seal is reclining on the beach so they may do so.

Other visitors are Green Sea Turtles. They often pop up between surfers, poke their heads out to say, "Hi!" and even catch a few waves with you. They are also endangered, so again, don't touch or harass them or be subject to a fine. They are unlikely to sprawl on the beach, but they swim amazingly fast.