Blue Shark Encounter

by Jack McGivern
(Santa Cruz CA)

I was longboarding out at "The Lane", specifically middle peak in the middle of July of 2008. I paddled out at around 1 pm, and was having a fine time catching a few small waves.

In between sets, about half-way through my session, I felt water moving past my feet in an awkward motion. I looked down to see a 4 foot long fish with a blue-silver counter-shading pattern. My friend explained to me that it was probably a Yellowtail or a tuna, but I still was uneasy.

The next day, My father was walking past middle peak and witnessed a Blue shark about 5 feet long patrolling through the reef. This leads me to believe that the fish that swam underneath my board was probably a blue shark. I have heard of some reports of sharks on the outer reef kelp patches, particularly at Steamer Lane or surrounding reefs.

If anyone is surfing out there alone, be cautious. While Blue sharks are not as aggressive, Intimidating, or powerful than a Great White, Blue sharks apparently can deliver a powerful bite, and there have been several reports of deaths.