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California Surfer Touches Great White Shark Without Realizing

Screenshot from: "Close Encounter: Surfer Touches Great White Shark & Doesn't Realize It" Source: YouTube, Uploaded: TheMalibuArtist

In the warmer waters of Southern California a video occurred that showed great white sharks cruising near the shoreline alongside unsuspecting surfers who remain unaware of their presence. 

Introduction

Screenshot from: “Close Encounter: Surfer Touches Great White Shark & Doesn’t Realize It” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: TheMalibuArtist

The video footage captured by a drone in the warmer waters of Southern California is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It shows great white sharks gracefully swimming near the shoreline alongside unsuspecting surfers who continue their activities as if nothing unusual.

The Scene

Screenshot from: “Close Encounter: Surfer Touches Great White Shark & Doesn’t Realize It” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: TheMalibuArtist

The video footage reveals an increasing number of great white sharks as the exploration moves further south. One explanation for this phenomenon could be improved visibility through the green-hued waters. Astonishingly, the surfers in the video continue their activities, seemingly oblivious to the regular occurrence of sharks joining their surf sessions.

Unveiling The Presence Of Great Whites

Screenshot from: “Close Encounter: Surfer Touches Great White Shark & Doesn’t Realize It” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: TheMalibuArtist

The video was shot near Sunset Beach, famous for its surf spots and attracting surfers worldwide. The proximity of the sharks to the surfers in the video is striking, as they seem to be swimming just a few meters away.

Exploration Moves Further South

Screenshot from: “Close Encounter: Surfer Touches Great White Shark & Doesn’t Realize It” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: TheMalibuArtist

As the exploration moves further south, the video reveals an increasing number of great white sharks. Experts who have analyzed the footage suggest that this could be due to several factors, including the migration patterns of the sharks and the availability of prey in the area.

Diverse Population

Screenshot from: “Close Encounter: Surfer Touches Great White Shark & Doesn’t Realize It” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: TheMalibuArtist

Interestingly, the sharks in the video are not all the same size. Some are juveniles, while others are fully grown adults measuring up to 10 feet in length. This diversity in shark size provides evidence for a healthy ecosystem that supports the growth and development of different shark populations.

Possible Factors Influencing The Visibility

Screenshot from: “Close Encounter: Surfer Touches Great White Shark & Doesn’t Realize It” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: TheMalibuArtist

One fascinating aspect of the video is the clear visibility of the sharks in the green-hued water. Unlike the murky waters often associated with shark sightings, the visibility in this area enables a clear view of the sharks as they glide through the water. This improved visibility could be that the water in this area is warmer, which increases the amount of light that penetrates the water, allowing for more compelling viewing.

Surfers Remaining Unaware Of The Sharks’ Presence

Screenshot from: “Close Encounter: Surfer Touches Great White Shark & Doesn’t Realize It” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: TheMalibuArtist

Despite the great white sharks near the surfers in the video, the surfers remain blissfully unaware of their existence. It suggests that sharks in this area are a regular occurrence and that the surfers have become accustomed to their company.

Safety

Screenshot from: “Close Encounter: Surfer Touches Great White Shark & Doesn’t Realize It” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: TheMalibuArtist

While it is important to exercise caution and take appropriate safety measures when sharing the water with sharks, this video provides a fascinating insight into the coexistence between humans and these magnificent creatures. With the right precautions, humans can safely share the same waters as great white sharks and appreciate their beauty and majesty.

Surprising” Behavior Of Great White Sharks

Screenshot from: “Close Encounter: Surfer Touches Great White Shark & Doesn’t Realize It” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: TheMalibuArtist

Great white sharks may seem like the ultimate predators, especially for those who surf or swim in the ocean. Their mere presence can send shivers down our spines. However, the footage paints a different picture altogether. It’s a major contrast to what we usually see in movies and what we hear from sensationalized news stories, with the latter highlighting the rare instances of shark attacks.

Limitations Of Human Perception Underwater

Tagged great white shark in the blue ocean
Tagged great white shark for conservation in the blue ocean. Image via Deposit Photos

Although the ocean can appear peaceful and serene from above the surface, diving beneath the waves reveals a vastly different world. The underwater environment presents various challenges to human perception, hindering our ability to detect and respond to potential dangers accurately.

Visibility

Great white shark
Great white shark By Elias Levy – Great White Shark, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40577027

One of the main limitations of human perception underwater is reduced visibility. In clear water, divers or swimmers can typically see distances up to 60 feet. In cloudy or murky water, this range can be reduced to just a few feet. This reduced visibility can make it difficult to detect potential threats, like sharks until they are very close.

Sound

Great White shark ready to attack
Great White shark while coming to you on deep blue ocean background. Image via Deposit Photos

Another limitation is our dependence on sound. The underwater world is a relatively quiet environment without the ability to communicate through speech. Without the sounds of waves crashing, animals moving, or other ambient noise, it can be challenging to detect potential danger.

Insights From The Videographer

Great White shark
Great White shark in the deep blue. Image via Depositphotos.

The videographer said the sharks were not aggressive or interested in attacking the surfers. Instead, they seemed curious about the humans in their environment. The videographer also emphasized that the great white sharks were not intentionally seeking out human contact. Instead, they were swimming along the shoreline, likely searching for food or following their migration patterns.

Understanding Shark Species

great white shark
Image by MLbay via Pixabay

Different shark species have other behaviors and tendencies, so understanding and distinguishing them is crucial for implementing effective safety measures. For example, some species, such as bull sharks, are known to frequent shallow, murky waters. They can be more aggressive toward humans. Others, such as nurse sharks, are generally more docile and pose less of a threat. By learning to identify different shark species and their behaviors, we can better manage our interactions with them. Thus we can minimize the risk of dangerous encounters, and avoid harming these important marine predators.

Conclusion

great white shark
Large Great White Shark. Image via Unsplash

Thanks for following along with me! I hope you enjoyed reading about a topic that intrigues me. You can watch the full clip here.

YouTube video
Source YouTube
Latest posts by Jen Fitschen, BSc Computer Science and Oceanography (see all)