Sharing the waves: An exploration of surfer and shark interactions

Abstract

Despite the complex relationship that exists between surfers and sharks due to the possibility of shark-surfer interactions, to date there has been little research into these interactions. This study provides preliminary insights into the shark-surfer relationship. A sample of 391 surfers who frequently surf in 24 countries (predominantly USA), were surveyed. It was found that 51.3 % of surfers reported seeing a shark while surfing, while a further 17.2 % had personally been or know someone who had been bitten by a shark while surfing. Of the surfers who had seen a shark while surfing, the most reported shark species was white sharks (39 %). Despite these common interactions with sharks, 60 % of surfers stated that they are not afraid of sharks when surfing and 44 % stated that a shark being spotted would not stop them from going in the water. There is a need for further research into this space, to understand how frequent ocean users, such as surfers view sharks and the potential implications this has for shark conservation and management policies.