Shark Stories
Thanks AW, love your work.
Anyone know what the crew over in WA are using as shark repellent if anything. are shark eyes still popular or have i just opened up a can of worms?
Shark eyes on my sharkiest board(the one i use at the sketchiest spots) @wavie.
Probably should get them on all my boards tbh
southernraw wrote:Shark eyes on my sharkiest board(the one i use at the sketchiest spots) @wavie.
Probably should get them on all my boards tbh
I had them on all my OZ boards SR , I was mainly surfing northern rivers NSW , $25 for a bit of psychological peace of mind .
I’ve got a Sharkeyes Steamer, eyes on the back of the legs. Awesome rubber, flushes though and fills up with water. Has done from the beginning
I’ve got a Sharkeyes Steamer, eyes on the back of the legs. Awesome rubber, flushes though and fills up with water. Has done from the beginning
Bit too close to home this time.....
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-15/man-bitten-by-shark-at-port-noarl...
Wow that's the last place you would expect to get bitten. The wife and I often swim out to the southern end of the reef and do a bit of snorkeling, some unreal rockpools at that end.
My sister just got back from KI and said the whole north coast is catastrophic due to the toxic bloom.
The usually pristine Stokes Bay is covered in brown foam and green scum with death everywhere.
Penguins, pelicans, crested terns, shearwaters, leafy and weedy sea dragons, seahorses, pipe fish, rays, sharks, nudibranchs, etc. etc. etc.
Locals and tourists having to flee the coast due to coughing and itchy eyes saddened at the sight of dead and dying animals everywhere.
Thankfully the mid coast has been spared so far which is perhaps why more sharks are hanging out here.
This is the thread that I never think about !
Mark Healey interviewed by Jamie Brisick on Soundings, the surfer's journal podcast, is a good listen. Came out this week or last week maybe. Some interesting shark stories from all his spear fishing.
benskii wrote:Mark Healey interviewed by Jamie Brisick on Soundings, the surfer's journal podcast, is a good listen. Came out this week or last week maybe. Some interesting shark stories from all his spear fishing.
Cheers @benskii. Had a listen to that today while i was driving. He's a great orrator.
I've always thought the same too. There's punk arse sharks, and there's the rest. Just like dogs, humans, etc. Some are just nasty. And as for the sharks don't like the taste of humans rubbish. Haha. I don't like the taste of brussel sprouts, but my mate loves em!! For humans to assume a highly evolved and sophisticated creature that's been around much longer than us....can't have a personality? Typical.
Hows that story of the Bullsharks! That's literally a double shark attack without the actual bite. Gnarly...and lucky!
oi! didn't you have a go at me for saying some sharks may be dickheads??
Never! Pretty sure we were in agreeance!! Can't remember but i've always thought some sharks are deadset k#ntwanas. Just like humans, but way more of them!
p.s: Might have beem the subtle use of the word 'some' ;-)
Aug 2024 State Labor Govt Proposed Shark Plan
https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSTownsville/videos/new-shark-net-management...
New LNP Govt...........................................................................................................................................................
25th May 2025 -2029 ( $90m Qld Shark Management Plan )
https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/queensland-shark-control-pro...
1 SCP will operate at all times thru all seasons
2 Optimal Configuration / Location
3 Continue with Trad' Nets / Drums
4 Fed required GBR Smart Drum Trials (Only)
5 Doubling 10 Beach Drone Trial > (2025-26 = 15) ( 2026-27= 20 ) Permanent Patrols
6 Cont' Shark management / Research & Innovation ( Focus : Prevention + Risk Factors)
7 Research into Whale - Shark Net deterrent tech > best critter release MART
8 Review SMP Qld to lead management of Sharks (Impact on respective biomass) Not saying cull?
9 Refresh Shark Smart campaign to target Surfers & Spear Fishers > (Behavioural Responsibility!)
Expect Capt Nemo's Table manners > Surfs Up ~Wise Up!
Martini Mussolini wants Shark Smart to have Teeth...(Expect Premier to Trawl Gromz as shark Bait!)
No number [10] (Sorry!)
tbb has identified a few alt [10]s to Choose from...
(a) Strategies targeted at Surfers & Spear Fishers (Actual) No one is saying Bans?
(b) Adult Shark Attack > Qldurrz will Bite Back (Reads Shark Cull after each Fatal Attack!)
(c) Reduce risk by boosting investment in operations, research, trials & education. (Actual Promise!)
(d) Expanding SMP to New pop Locations (Actual) and or Gina's Whiteshoe Beach Bar Enclaves
* SCP Purpose : Rewording focuses on Safe swimming for New Beachfront Development
* Scope > Expand Drones to new Patrolled Beaches
Our Plan : SCP to reduce Attack Risk at "Specific Locations"
Not many other changes to note until...
Page 17 = (2 notable keen upgrades...possibly renewed aims!)
Action 12 Improve Forensic Shark Species Attack methodologies
Action 13 Collect Fed Govt GBR data to improve behavioural understanding
Page 18 Trials
Seems as if Govt wanna be able to defend their Old School Nets/Drums with Scientific Fact.
They intend to immerse in Local Shark Species > Hooks / baits / Array to suit season.
This is the reason for Daily Service Upgrade...they want cold hard fact to defend Nets / Drums!
By selecting optimal settings they believe they can sell harm reduction to beach goers.
Action 16 : Summarize : Implement Successful Trials into the Program (Check! Point Scoring!)
Actions 17/18/19 Basically shifts responsibility > Risk Groups to adopt SharkSmart practice.
Like SharkSmart registered a scratchy Blip a lil' while back on this beach > Too bad so sad!
Shoulda paid for the apple upgrade...too late now > Lesson for Gromz > Upgrade or Die!
Page 21 Objective ( Flow Chart ) Operations > Research > Trials > Education > Engage
Page 23 Stakeholder Initiatives ( Flow Chart ) Planning > Implementation > Evaluation
Page 24 Governance ( Flow Chart) Responsibility > Accountability > Consultation > Information
Qldurrz are happy to share New Govt > Shark Management Plan.
Extras depend on SLSQ / Rowing Oz Gina's VIP Private Club Upgrades
Extra :
Nets/Drums Beaches
GC Pacific Beach ( Nets+Drums) / Spit (Drums)
SC N. Coolum / N. Perigian (Nets+Drums) / Happy Valley (Drums)
W Bay Elliot Heads / Moore Park (Drums)
Extra
(Drones) Beaches Most are Gina's / VIP hangs.
GC Rainbow Bay / Greenmount (LNP Regional Airports Boss Hog No Fly Exemption)
N Straddie Cylinders
SC Mooloolaba
M Bay VIP Tangalooma
Bundy Elliott Heads (and / or) Moore Park
Agnes Water Main Beach
Media Response
(Presidential Style) From his Supayacht Electorate
https://www.miragenews.com/queensland-boosts-shark-control-with-historic...
https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/adding-up-the-numbers-new-queensland-...
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-25/qld-government-shark-management-n...
Fresh daily Shark News!
swellnet Qldurrz are happy to update the crew on time, every time...
Note : Spare copy sent to ...
https://www.swellnet.com/news/swellnet-dispatch/2023/09/13/long-read-the...
Commentary is pretty good and some classic responses in the comments .
Supafreak wrote:Commentary is pretty good and some classic responses in the comments . https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJFNCnKxeG6/?igsh=MWg4a3A2anJ6OHAydQ==
Biased!!!
Absolutely fantastic to not hear a single Oh My God in that clip.
ps. I think I hear a very faint one half way through
A friend said there was a 4-5 metre GW hanging around off snapper rocks a few days ago , lifeguards tried moving it on with their JetSki’s but it wasn’t fazed by them apparently . Anybody got an update ?
Same Size Beast that Killed Rob Pedretti June 2020 Kingscliff
Shit, I don’t even remember that.
R.I.P. mate
Happy 50th JAWS
Who could forget the most terrifying frightfully horrific scene in motion picture history...
https://www.merchoid.com/au/brand/jaws/
That's not JAWS Merch...this is how ya flog JAWS Merch....
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/77Ajay5nsY4
https://www.facebook.com/TheDailyJaws/videos/at-6pm-today-vicepressnews-...
The Official Unofficial Banned 1981 Italian JAWS Knock Off ( No subtitles > English )
Sun 3:45 pm They say the Shark hunted a Seal into Cabba.
(Pause)
Seals are Not unusual at Qld / NSW border Rocky points over recent winters
July 2023 Lucille > 25kms from ocean up Reedy Creek for months before relocation.
Shark then bit a 16 y/o Grom on hand / arm / leg
Local surfers applied tourniquet & carried him to Beach Car Park
Transferred to GC Hospital.
https://7news.com.au/news/teenage-boy-bitten-by-shark-off-cabarita-beach...
Glad to.learn non life threatening injuries.
Quick recovery mate.
Well done to those guys who helped him.
Crew likewise salute rescuers & wish the Grom a speedy recovery.
Great insightful share from Supafreak...these home vidz always ring true.
1. Note typical Traditional Sunday Cabba session with Brizzo blowin Grom.
2. Much of tbb's research revolves around Sharks tracing exotic slurry (Mick Bells > Jbay)
3. Plunging Biospheres (eg: Hull Plugs / Skeg-Slots / Flippers / Tail Pads / Leggies / Toes)
4.These hot spots harbour exotic blends that when repeatedly plunged attract Sharks.
5. Vid : See shark drooling over Brizzo Blowin's leaching organic Tail Pad Biosphere
6. Common for Sharks to ignore Victim but trace this exotic slurry in the local briny. Got it!
tbb believes this Vid shows > This Grom last / often surfed board in a Rich exotic Lineup.
His organic Bio Mat absorbs total line Up (Imagine a Kook Skurfing an Estuary...Rich Brew!)
Unwashed Biosphere now survives up to 3 months in these shady stored Bio mat Tail Pads.
Ya see...each new Surf Industry product harbours more marine life upon exit < > Re-entry
Pause...
Sharks often violently smash Highly Toxic New Fibreglass as it burns their eyes/gills/pups
Soon that toxic dip shit is against the Law...so brands gotta Flip that >
Companies intro Bio Mats / Tail Pads as being cute mini Liveable Reefs!
If not (Sanitised) > It's #1 rancid exotic Burley in a new Biosphere
re: Mick's Biomat absorbs max Bells Reef (Unwashed) Releases max biota in JBay Burley!)
All see mates cart his board as a Trophy > Likely never wash that Prized Gem...
Simply pulls it outta the rack > Flies out to win J Bay on lucky Juiciest of all WSL Fish Sticks!
Only Mick sponged 40x Oz Biota < > Released 40x Oz Exotic Biota into SA = GWS Soup.
The back foot acts as a Pump plunger to Absorb / Release the Bio Mat Burley
This constant Surging Dunking of yer Bio Mat / Fin Slots / Flippers etc...brings in the Boys!
No! tbb is not picking on any one surfer nor any one product as all are doing this A-Z.
Unwashed Wetties > Sleeves / Legs Fully flushing Exotic Biota brews into lineup...Yummy!
Pause to think how perfectly Skegz Absorb < > Release record exotic Biota each session.
Surfers export infinite exotic biota into pristine eco systems and laugh about it...fuck'd up!
Next Surfer Hang leaches a Green Slime Tail < > latest Shark fish'n'chip shop...well durr!)
Sharks fucking luv sniffing out exotic Alien Green Glowing Fish Sticks...just saying...
Boardriders don't need to serve up more exotic menus to invite more Sharks to Dinner!
Can dump the circus act...Surfjustsurf to make it stop...like that's never gonna happen is it!
tbb often examples how humans have amplified inshore biota to attract more marinelife.
Every night tbb watches a dozen manhandling a Whale / Dolphin / Turtle as if it's normal.
Now G bangers make love to GWS...Wot else is gonna happen but more Pet Shark Bites!
Like I never thought that a pet GWS would bite his bikini babe's bum...how rude of Bruce!
That’s a vivid imagination there tbb.
Wasn’t the kid swimming not surfing?
Fair point Moonah...tbb promised not to jump to conclusions.
Above research locks in Oar craft / bodyboard Files.
Also canvasses obvious like samples of Swimmers / Boardriders.
But it's wrong to assume a pattern applies equally to all before complete review.
Way too many extra variables here also ... alongside a Shark sniffing a trailing board...
Correct as you say...Think the Grom was swimming / wading / booger / handplane etc..
Got no subscription to unlock the emerging detail in Insta comments...
Why shark likewise cruises under other swimmers & boardriders to bite that Grom often.
Why it sniffs out that Grom or board and not munch on a bucket of 20 Human Drum Sticks.
Here's a Variable that would override any typical scented attack data...
If someone in that Vid Frame touched a rock that a Seal perched on, then they're Lunch!
We often enough see seals jump onto a surfboard or hide behind nearest decoy...that also.
Also consider that if Seal used the Grom / Boards as a foil as Shark chased it inshore.
Any would explain the Shark sniffing the scent of those unknowingly involved in seal caper!
Wasn’t there a rancid dead whale buried near Tweed recently?
"However, locals fear the decomposing animal will attract sharks to nearby waters for months.
“The decision to bury this juvenile humpback in the location on the beach respectfully lacks any due consideration for the interested parties and their expressed concerns before this decision being made,” Black Rock Surf Club member Joshua Fergusson said.
“Concerns, which are the long-term leaching of decomposing material into the local surf zone.”
https://7news.com.au/news/locals-slam-authorities-after-dead-whale-burie...
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/buried-whale-to-be-dug-u...
tbb that could add to the weight of evidence in the tail pads vs no tail pads thread.
Like an old toothbrush or kitchen sponge...
From udo’s ABC article-
“There are many of us who have had sharks follow us back to the beach after the attack, waiting for us to die so they could have an easy feed," Mr Pearson said.
I’m far from convinced about humans being food for sharks.
Once again tbb sincerely apologizes for inconsiderate comment...try & make amends!
Only because...
New videos reveal an obvious overlooked behavioural trait repeated often & throughout.
Think it's important enough to share as it explains all of what we see here!
If we first paint the picture of the seasonal surroundings.
Winter / Whale Migration / 2 Seals (One Injured) / Sharks / Rain.
Also seasonal inshore Tailor + larger Jewfish / Yellowfin
Shark bypasses all boardriders & swims under adjacent swimmer.
Then targets the Brizzo Grom Swimmer ( Some say twice...tbb agrees it looks that way!)
First vid starts after the small lead wave > in the trailing wash...
(Warning!) That's precisely when Shark Attacks the Grom...
https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/horror-moment-shark-seen-draggi...
Now! tbb implores crew to use their surf smarts here...
Slightly Overcast White washed silted wave zone
* (Above) Tailor act aggressive in Wave Zones as does a thrashing swimmer
They also present as same bulk shape as lower limbs > our Hands as a Fish Tail.
Note the Shark attacks swimmer at back of inside sandy wave shoulder.
Precisely where Tailor Surf & pull out...(Only that Swimmer is in the Hot Seat!)
(Can double / triple check that with next vids...Ok!)
Likewise Yellowfin / Jewfish surf closer in Winter and appear as full Human limbs...
We see boardriders paddle into the same zone for 2nd Set wave...
https://7news.com.au/news/hero-rescuer-reveals-terrifying-details-of-hor...
Rescuer hears screams & sees Swimmer go under > Blood...etc!
Paddles over ditches board & Grips Grom'z injured arm & wades back to sand bank.
This next Vid : (tbb agrees it looks scary & agrees it appears menacing!)
Crew see shark hunt rescuers or trail victim's blood or sniffing out exotic bio mat brew...
(Pause!)
The shark is simply surfing the next set wave shoulder for Tailor to pop out on shorebreak.
All here have seen Dolphins / Orca herding fish / prey the same way! Here is ideal!
We local sea critters take advantage this here sloping Cabba cove...
tbb flips this Backwash for a Xmas Beetle-Beached Whale finish...X marks the spot!
Scoop yerself up with a smile from ear to ear...
That's a Northern River's smuggler's cove bodybashin' maneuver...re : Dreamtime / Cabba coves!
Watch again...shark surfs wave to shoreline & waits for a Tailor backwash.
No luck...Then immediately retreats back out to sea...nothing suss for us sea critters.
The shark ignores 20 pairs of drumsticks & keeps surfing...Wotz all the fuss about?
Ok! So most ignore this iconic backwash beach...
Can assure you..tbb feels the Shark Surfing that cove...read it's behaviour!
It is merely waiting for a backwash pay load...just as Basherz get rewarded here.
That reverse Cabba Left pays out on the sand & few know how to stoke it.
Once more...we can replay the exact same Behavioural Trait time & time again..
Tuesday >
Shark again makes a bee line for wave Zone starts Surfing Wave shoulder aggressively!
It keeps hunting the inside sandy Wave Shoulder...
The more Winter time ya spend inside shoulder hopping the more dates with Bruce!
The unlucky Brizzo Grom learned this the hard way...get well soon Mate!
Shark : "We must stop meeting like this!"
Recapping...
As waves break the shark surfs aggressively on the shoulder & then cuts out.
Anyone or any living thing caught shoulder hopping at same time is in danger.
That's the one & only constant in every vid...with or without surfers or surfboards.
Summary...
If rescuers exited surf via Point Rocks or Clubbie's Jet Ski (Both unreasonable options!)
Then we would not be seeing the 2nd Shore-break interaction upon rescuers...(But!)
As we see another surfer was entering the surf at that time...
He alone may have Yelled Shark that would have been relayed to distant rescuers.
Failing that > if any replayed vid footage ...it would be a still relevant side issue...
One constant being that Cabba Sharks are aggressive shoulder hoppers...keep clear!
A few interesting stories on shark attacks and near misses on the Shark Shield report so I thought I would start this thread. Don't want to trivialize the subject as people have had their lives taken or changed forever by what can happen. I thought it might serve as an educational purpose by hearing others experiences so we may all learn from them and hopefully avoid it happening to us.
One of them was a mate of mine named Hazey.
He had been surfing at Castles, a notoriously sharky wave in the bay at Cactus.
Several hundred metres offshore the wave breaks before reforming into Inside Castles making a long left with several sections. The wave has been the scene of several attacks and near misses over the years including the local known as "Sharkbait" who had been attacked more than once.
Gerry Lopez is another who came very close to being attacked out there and vowed to never surf Cactus again after his near miss.
Well Hazey was surfing out the back with another bloke named Steve when out of the blue he was launched into the air still on his board by a huge force from below.
A shark had rammed him with a direct hit straight up into the air! In a moment it was gone but soon returned to the stunned Hazey and started biting him and his board. Hazey instinctively put his arms out to protect himself but both his arms ended up in its mouth. As the jaws closed down his arms could have easily been severed, but several teeth on the sharks lower jaw had become dislodged and imbedded in the board leaving his upper arms with massive injuries, but the vital inner arms where major arteries run were not majorly damaged. This probably saved his life.
By this time Steve had reacted and in a rush of adrenalin and pure ballsy courage he threw himself onto the sharks back and started gouging at the sharks eyeballs, eventually feeling one pop and the shark departed.
Steve got the two surfboards together and got himself and Hazey on and started the long paddle to shore.
Then they were both thrown into the air as the shark rammed them a third time before disappearing again. They continued to make their way closer to shore and the shark nudged them again. Steve told me he thought he really must of pissed it off when he popped its eye.
Finally they we're just a metre from shore when the shark made its fifth and final appearance. It beelined towards them and the shore while they stood in waist deep water with their boards. The sharks mouth was just rapidly opening and closing like one of those wind up sets of false teeth. The boys separated and put their hands on either side of it's body and held it on a 90 degree angle to the beach as they made the final steps to the safety of the sand.
Hazey was rushed to Ceduna hospital and then flown to Adelaide for micro surgery on his shredded arms.
Steve ended up receiving a bravery award and they both sold their story to 60 minutes and made $50,000 each out of it!
It was quite a story!