Margaret River Pro cancelled

Stu Nettle picture
Stu Nettle (stunet)
Swellnet Dispatch

Two days after two separate shark attacks sent shivers up southwest surfers, the WSL has decided to cancel the rest of the competition. An opportunity remains that the event will run later in the season, but short of that all competitors who reached Round 3 will get equal 13th place. Surfers already eliminated in Round 2 will get a 25th place.

The following is the press release by WSL CEO Sophie Goldschmidt:

Today, the WSL has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the Margaret River Pro, as a result of exceptional circumstances surrounding this season's event regarding sharks and the safety of our surfers. This decision has been reached after many hours of consultation with a variety of stakeholders and experts.

The WSL puts the highest premium on safety. This cannot be just talk, and it cannot be compromised. Surfing is a sport that carries various forms of risk, and is unique in that wild animals inhabit our performance environment. Sharks are an occasional reality of WSL competitions, and of surfing in general. Everyone associated with our sport knows that. There have been incidents in the past -- and it's possible that there will be incidents in the future -- which did not (and will not) result in the cancellation of an event. However, current circumstances are very unusual and troubling, and we have decided that the elevated risk during this season's Margaret River Pro has crossed the threshold for what is acceptable.

On April 16th (local time), two separate shark attacks occurred at nearby Gracetown - approximately 6 kilometers away from the primary event site at Main Break. The presence of beached whales in the area has attracted sharks and contributed to the aggression of their behavior, which, experts agree, has increased the possibility of further attacks. These findings have resulted in nearby locations being closed to surfing and swimming.

We are committed to being as prepared as possible for what nature throws at us. The WSL maintains strong and constantly-improving safety, monitoring and support infrastructure and protocols, and we would normally have a high degree of confidence in our ability to protect our athletes. However, the threshold has been crossed for the organization and if we decided to continue the event under the current circumstances, and something terrible were to take place, we would never forgive ourselves.

We are painfully aware that this decision will have commercial ramifications for the local community, and will disappoint some of our partners, fans and athletes. We sincerely regret that.

Our competitive structure allows for points distribution in the event of a cancellation. However, we are not giving up yet on somehow completing both men's and women's competition this year, and will communicate our thoughts on that when we know more.

Margaret River is a special venue, with incredible partners. It has produced many memorable moments over the years, and at the moment we have no plans not to return in the future.

We appreciate that not everyone will agree with this decision, but hope that they will respect it. Athlete safety will always be our absolute priority and we thank the local community, our partners and our surfers for supporting the decision.

Thank you for your understanding,
Sophie Goldschmidt
WSL CEO

Comments

thermalben's picture
thermalben's picture
thermalben Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 10:41am

Interesting that they're considering re-running the event later in the year, so for now, there'll be no points distributed from this event. Won't affect things in the short term, but I wonder how this could play out for a tight title race if there's no end result by the EU leg?

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:59pm

Probably the same as 2015, contentious to say the least!

crg's picture
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crg Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 10:49am

If they can circle the competition area with 5-6 jet skis, then there must be zero confidence in shark shields etc.
I know they're not running them this year, but surely they looked into it to save the event?
Could offshore winds for the incoming swell have swayed the decision you think?

Pops's picture
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Pops Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 10:57am

Didn't think there was any evidence that any of the shark deterrents on the market actually worked anyway?

crg's picture
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crg Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 11:05am

Not enough to satisfy the insurance companies who've probably been the ones to actually make the call.

freeride76's picture
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freeride76 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 10:52am

Possibly, terrible bind, no good options.

Finish in shitt surf with the eyes of the worlds media salivating and more vessels in the water than a navy war zone or call it off and deal with the fall-out.

Either way it drops a giant shit on the premise of promoting and backing the comp as a vehicle to highlight WA Tourism.

stunet's picture
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stunet Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 10:54am

Well, at least the CT surfers are safe from Jack Robinson, eh?

stunet's picture
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stunet Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 10:59am

...also, I reckon the "running the event later in the year" is another way of letting the sponsors down gently. It ain't gonna happen. Logistically impossible with new permits required, and rejigged schedules for surfers, staff, contractors, and sponsors too - they'd have to throw down a second time setting up their infrastructure on site etc.

Split the prizemoney then split is my guess.

simonus's picture
simonus's picture
simonus Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 11:03am

10 events at the Surf Ranch

Tim Bonython's picture
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Tim Bonython Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 3:21pm

Great idea.

willywonty's picture
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willywonty Saturday, 21 Apr 2018 at 9:11pm

Do u reckon it's part of the motivation to cancel in a place like WA? Next item on wsl calendar is in a pool. Appeal to masses in the contrast. Make $10k for time in wave pool seem more reasonable if sharks are a factor.

wally's picture
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wally Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 11:04am

I don't know if it would affect tourism that watch. I don't think the general tourist goes to the area for recreational swimming. More to enjoy the wineries and observe the wild coast from the road, the car park and the beach. Sharks, no problem.

freeride76's picture
freeride76's picture
freeride76 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 11:12am

I did some digging on the WA Tourism site yesterday. Lots of information.

Apparently lots do come for the beaches/surf: hence why WA Tourism invests in a surfing competition.

sypkan's picture
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sypkan Saturday, 21 Apr 2018 at 7:24am

No doubt lots come for the beaches surf etc. How much the contest influences that would be negligable.

The vast majority of those beachy people would come anyway.

A poor investment from WA tourism. A waste of tax payers money that would be better spent targeting other tourist types

sypkan's picture
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sypkan Saturday, 21 Apr 2018 at 7:40am

Actually, one could now argue the contest focus will have a negative impact on surf tourism.

A failure for WA taxpayers, a win for SW surfers. Their lifestyle subsidised by the rest of the state. Win win....for some....

tomdo's picture
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tomdo Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 11:08am

Was always going to be thus. Italo and Gabs should be commended for their bravery speaking out. Most of the competitors wil be quietly relieved. Now watch Tourism push the lost revenue line for a cull.

sunlover199's picture
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sunlover199 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:26pm

retard pussy Brazilians farked it up for everyone
perhaps they should give up surfing if they are worried about sharks

tomdo's picture
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tomdo Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:39pm

Sunlover199, I seriously doubt Italo and Gabs were the only ones feeling like the event should be canned. But they were the only ones with the balls to say so publicly.
Given the borderline-racist macho bullshit like you've just expressed and the immense pressure from desperate sponsors to stay quiet, there's infinitely more bravery in speaking out than paddling back out into that lineup.

sunlover199's picture
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sunlover199 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:44pm

people will be surfing that whole coast when the next swell arrives

tomdo's picture
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tomdo Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 1:31pm

And they'd be well advised not to while there are dead whales around and the salmon are on the run. I was enveloped by a seething mass of big juicy fuckers two weeks ago at Gas. There's also been at least 15 individual whale beachings since the mass beaching at Hamelin Bay last month. Theres a few rotting carcasses on rocky shorelines closer to Margs that can't be removed even by boat. I'm happy to sit it out for a bit while nature does it's thing.
Direct your anger at old mate at Lefties (the second attack) not the Brazilians. Lefties is 1.5km from the first attack site at Cobbles (which is under 3km, as the shark swims, from North Point). For fucks sake if you have to surf on the day of an attack while the salmon are running, maybe go a bit further afield where there isn't a dead whale in front of the break.

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:10pm

Well said!

sunlover199's picture
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sunlover199 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:57pm

"1488"

sunlover199's picture
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sunlover199 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:28pm

they should give up surfing if they are worried about sharks

indo-dreaming's picture
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indo-dreaming Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 5:21pm

Id be very surprised if most of the pro surfers wanted the comp called off because of fear of sharks, if there was decent waves around today I'm sure most will be free surfing around the area.

wbat's picture
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wbat Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:29pm

Yes but the waves were absolute crap. I went down the contest site at midday. 4 to 5ft onshore slop with a solid rain storm passing over the top. Would be a mind fuck sitting out there waiting.

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 11:23am

Wow.

djays's picture
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djays Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 11:34am

How are the clubbie Oz titles in Perth dealing with the shark hazard? Lots more people in the water.

wayneo's picture
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wayneo Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 11:35am

Mt Agung erupted again recently. I wonder if they will cancel Keramas for being too dangerous?

prothero's picture
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prothero Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 11:52am

Medina will be stoked , surfing out of his comfort zone, I reckon Jack Robinson would have done him. Medina has more followers on instagram than Double John and Kelly combined which could well mean ....Less Frothers in the water......yyeeeew

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 11:53am

Italo and Gabs need to be called out for being whinging woozes. Mick went back to JBay and won the thing. They needed to man up and work with the WSL to sort it out. Kieran is a serious surfer and I am sure he is reasonable and knows the dangers. Whinging and whining on instagram about how their athletic sensibilities have been compromised, is really wimpy. Really frustrating the way surfing is going, what are they fricken tennis players and golfers?

barley's picture
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barley Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 11:54am

..jbay had micks attack then a year later had to clear the water for a 14-16ft pointer to swim up the point which was also micks heat and still ran.
West oz has 2 attacks not at the comp location, so they shut it down?
With all the boats n ski's and drones you'd think theyd be pretty safe?
As the dickhead greenies say, we swim in their ocean.
Makes you wonder if the fuckwit who was the 2nd attacked didnt get attacked would they have still continued? Hypothetical but i think so

saltyone's picture
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saltyone Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 11:49pm

yeh barley i wonder that too. second dude got a nip and asked for it really. but yeah created more media hype and frenzy.

sunlover199's picture
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sunlover199 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:20pm

i heard that they are sending the Brazilians to Sth Aust West Coast for training on not to drop-in
lessons from the locals, more dangerous than sharks, hahaha

Craig's picture
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Craig Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:21pm

What about the Fantasy Surfer ratings? I was killing this event!

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:07pm

Is this correct word choice from a site editor?

wbat's picture
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wbat Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:29pm

The decision is the correct one.

Bummer....... real bummer. Still commercially we will roll on. I look forward to putting this contest behind us.

Here is an observation. If those attacks hadn't of occurred the mood from the same day would have been.

At the contest site,
"contest held in really fun contestable waves"

On the Lefties strip,
"an amazing day of surfing with absolutely smoking super fun waves at all the reef breaks. Sunny skies and crystal clear turquoise water. Why we live here"

These sharks are a real pain in the arse and change the mood in the area immensely.

If they pull out of here because of the sharks then J bay is next.

BaSz's picture
BaSz's picture
BaSz Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:31pm

"On April 16th (local time), two separate shark attacks occurred at nearby Gracetown - approximately 6 kilometers away from the primary event site at Main Break."

Is it 6km away , or is it 15km apart ?
Seems like overnight it just got 9km closer !
Jack Robinson would have beaten them brazzo wimps....

sunlover199's picture
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sunlover199 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:31pm

Breaking News, they are shifting the event to Cactus (Caves), starts in 2 days

belly's picture
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belly Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:34pm

There seems to be an assumption the event needs to be finished in WA - rule book test stu!?

stunet's picture
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stunet Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:38pm

Article 18: CT Event Postponment and Cancellation

If Competition has commenced:

18.01: Extension of Event Window to Finish Event

The remaining Surfers will be consulted by WSL at an arranged meeting in the decision to extend the finish of Event dates. If a Surfer does not attend the meeting, their vote (should a vote be called for any reason) will go back to WSL. The decision will be made by WSL in their discretion with the best interests of the sport the priority in that decision.

18.02: Cancellation of Event (Force Majeure and “lack of surf”)

The following will apply where an Event is cancelled by WSL for reasons of Force Majeure:

(a) Prize Money will be paid to Surfers in the position they would receive if eliminated in next possible opportunity in the Event.The balance of Prize Money will be split evenly.

(b) If a round is not completed, each Surfer will receive the points earned from previous round, or last placed points if cancelled during round 1.

(c) If round is completed, they get the points they earned from that round.

belly's picture
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belly Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:41pm

Bush lawyer in me says not clear and/or the press release can be interpreted to contradict the rules ;-)

john wise's picture
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john wise Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:43pm

200 people in the water at cactus a guaranteed shark attack inevitable

Craig's picture
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Craig Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:45pm

I'm thinking the shitty forecast helped them make this decision and get away with it easier.

If the forecast was clean offshore 6-8ft Main Break for the remainder of the contest, there'd be a lot more going for completing the event IMO.

Cacadajy's picture
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Cacadajy Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 5:48pm

Agree. KP dodged having to call it on in crappy conditions.
If the surf was set to pump it would've been a much more difficult decision for the WSL.

sunlover199's picture
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sunlover199 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:52pm

sharks are good, they keep the crowds away, too many people surf these days which has ruined the sport big time, take me back to the 70's

quokka's picture
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quokka Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 1:08pm

I call that bullshit sunlover. Yes too many people do surf, letting shark numbers increase without control is madness. I heard Mick Corbett being interviewed last night, he seems to have the right attitude IMO, reintroduce a few shark fishing licences.

sunlover199's picture
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sunlover199 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 1:17pm

good idea for shark fishing licenses
still too crowded with people surfing, it was better when it was an underground sport back in the good ol days, stuck out in the desert by yourself in the middle of nowhere wishing that someone else would roll up and paddle out
grow some balls you straight undrugged wankers

quokka's picture
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quokka Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 1:21pm

Hehe, agree it was better back in the day. Maybe that's the solution, get twisted before paddling out and you'll never know what hit you...nearly worked for Mr Bong...sorry Longrass.

Thommo41's picture
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Thommo41 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 12:54pm

Brazzo's should have been more worried about Mikey Wright than sharks - car park looked more dangerous!!!

sunlover199's picture
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sunlover199 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 1:02pm

they need some lessons on how to not drop in, send them to Cactus (Caves) i am sure the locals will sort them out big time

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 1:43pm

The dominator has left for the west. I wonder how he is dealing with the sharks?

sunlover199's picture
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sunlover199 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 1:23pm

the pro surfers should have to mull up and have 5 bongs before each heat
thats what all surfers did in the good ol days

John Eyre's picture
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John Eyre Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 1:33pm

Seems like a lot of brave south oz surfers on these forums.......even though the topics got nuthin to do with it......

Bob Sacamano's picture
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Bob Sacamano Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 1:57pm

Surely with two attacks in one day the risk was too high to not heed the warning. Correct decision IMO.

the good ol' days.......yawn....... how quickly you've all adapted to the future in becoming internet trolls. versatile bunch.

OHV500's picture
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OHV500 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 2:12pm

The good old days, weren't that good... get over yourselves and into reality :))
As for having pipes before a surf - did you surf that good :)) - only in your mind.

quokka's picture
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quokka Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 2:28pm

I was taking the piss, and no I surf like a crab. :)
1 x 3.5m & 1 x 2.5m GWS sharks 10m from the beach at Injidup this morning...not right.
Maybe the chopper pilots should be asked whether they reckon there's been an increase in sharks...they are best positioned to know.

crg's picture
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crg Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 2:31pm

The more I think about it the more I think the crap forecast was the clincher. You'd imagine they would have done everything in their power to keep the contest on. All the risk bearers would have been going no, no ,no, no. All those with investment in keeping going are going yes, yes, yes.
They look at the product they'll put out in those waves and just cut and run. Risk outweighs reward.
It's a boardroom game now no doubt.

prothero's picture
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prothero Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 2:41pm

yep I agree about the weather conditions factoring in to the descision.....

Clivus Multrum's picture
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Clivus Multrum Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 2:41pm

Unless you stand to lose something as a result of the WSL's decision (e.g. local businesses), does anyone really care that it's cancelled? Seems to me there is plenty of upside. Fewer visiting surfers (not likely to be all that significant, especially in comparison to FIFOs) and increased pressure on the Government to take appropriate and considered action

chill60's picture
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chill60 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 3:03pm

Two attacks in one day? A stoner from Denmark paddles out down the beach from a recent shark attack, a whale on the beach, helicopters in the air ... sounds like deliberate self harm attempt really. Now the guy's closed down a WCT event and a multi million dollar tourism drive. Nice work.

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 3:09pm

Honestly,
I think they came to the safest decision. Which is then the correct decision. It's pretty easy to say things from behind the keyboard.
I think every surfer in the contest has the right to their own personal vote / decision.

chill60's picture
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chill60 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 3:35pm

I'm heading down south today, children in tow, surfboards on roof, after I escape from the keyboard. If this decision is the bench mark for safety, I suspect J Bay must be at risk, and any other event in the SW, particularly at this time of the year.

truebluebasher's picture
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truebluebasher Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 3:13pm

Just takes one WSL rebel Pro's Instagram to tear down Facebook's Surfing Empire.
Does Instagram & team Surfer gain financially from Team WSL wipeout ?

Undermining WSL/Facebook/ W.A. Tourism + Sabotaging a sports event in Duttonation.
Fellow Swellnetonians are already self appointed WSL Judges. Keep your visa handy!

blindboy's picture
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blindboy Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 3:34pm

I think crg was on the money back there. Insurance. If you were writing a policy to cover a surfing event in WA, you would probably have an exclusion around these circumstances.

Clivus Multrum's picture
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Clivus Multrum Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 3:44pm

Insurers insure much riskier/ more likely events than this. I doubt that's excluded

crg's picture
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crg Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:24pm

I'm no insurance expert but I'd reckon the standard policy for surfing would have your usual "act of God" or "extraordinary occurrence" clause in there. 2 shark attacks, dead whales, salmon runs etc would all be valid reasons to sever coverage on their behalf regardless of the extent of the original cover.

Lanky Dean's picture
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Lanky Dean Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 3:44pm

Alternative Results
Based on round one heat totals.

14.60 J Florence.
13.94 J Robinson
12.17 J Smith
11.87 M Wright
10.70 K Asing
10.67 I Gouveia
10.56 J Wilson
10. 34 J Parkison

John Eyre's picture
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John Eyre Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 4:00pm

Blaming the victim of a shark attack..... is riduculous

trippergreenfeet's picture
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trippergreenfeet Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 4:46pm

I love the smell of hypocrisy in the afternoon ... Kieren talking up WSL and their concern for competitors safety ... I call bullshit. If the WSL was so concerned, it would be compulsory for all competitors to wear head gear at all the shallow reefs on tour ... N.Point, Box, Chopes, Cloudbreak etc.
If this is how WSL is going forward they've lost a viewer here ... I fucken hate hypocrites ... dishonest and untrustworthy.

Take Redbull for example, no headgear, no play in any of the extreme sport comps they run. Now that is looking after the safety and welfare of competitors.

stunet's picture
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stunet Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 5:04pm

Red Bull Cape Fear??

Red Bull also sponsor a fair whack of surfers - contest surfers, big wave, and slab surfers - and none wear helmets.

trippergreenfeet's picture
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trippergreenfeet Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 5:48pm

Totally slipped my mind Stu about Cape Fear.
When it comes to the sponsored surfers you mention they aren't competing as such.

If you look into any of the other stuff they run from Rampage to Soap Box racing the indemnity forms state no helmet, no entry.

I know the Redbull aircraft pilots don't wear helmets, from the Air races to Glider aerobatic comps but those dudes wear chutes ... not that the air race pilots have a hope in hell of pulling that out for saviour.

Why are surfers so pig headed as to not wear helmets anyway? Wouldn't be a cool factor thing would it?

From my own experience wearing helmets on slabs, it only makes me charge harder cause I know my head is protected.

If I feel that way, imagine how a pro would feel and the charging spectacle it would produce.

lawncigar's picture
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lawncigar Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 4:42pm

pro surfers now join great whites as a protected species. there's a strange irony in that.

indo-dreaming's picture
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indo-dreaming Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 5:25pm

No surprise its called off.

With two attacks nearby if they kept the comp on and a pro surfer got attacked and bitten or died everyone would hold the WSL accountable.

Vic Local's picture
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Vic Local Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 5:52pm

Here's my prediction. WSL will never return to WA with a CT event.
There's been a bit of talk about dropping one of the Australian CT events and WA is the obvious choice. With multiple venues it's logistically expensive and there's no naming rights sponsor. Sharks are a very handy excuse to drop this event, and with plenty of wave pools going in around the world, there's bigger $$$$ to be made elsewhere.

frog's picture
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frog Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 6:47pm

I watched bits and pieces and it was pretty dull. Long waits between waves with commentators talking non stop to try to prevent the truth settling in on the viewer. Pumping big WA, the Box or North Point can be great but in mid size Margarets the top turn out the back, cut back in the middle and a weird closeout re-entry onto rocks is pretty much it.

The potential for a shark sighting actually made it more interesting....

I would also call it the end for the Margaret River Pro - the whale carcasses and great white will only increase in number into the future. Non surfing Tourist won't mind though - wine, food, whale watching and checking out for Great Whites stalking the surfers would be all they need.
Mainly I am sad for the surfing Dad's and Mum's in WA having to face how the sport they love has been tainted by fear. They face that awful possibility of their kids being attacked and the heartbreak and recriminations that would follow. Most of us can face our own mortality and weigh up the risk but I am quite glad my kids never got into surfing.

Snuffy Smith's picture
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Snuffy Smith Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 6:58pm

Pro surfing is gunna disappear up its own ass bring on the Olympics

Wigs's picture
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Wigs Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 7:12pm

If Margies is cancelled indefinitely then not only Jbay then Bells as well. Plenty Big whites in Vicco

wax-on-danielson's picture
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wax-on-danielson Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 12:37pm

It might not be from sharks but a few people die at pipe every year. Probably best cancel that as well... oh wait they have.

Bsm17's picture
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Bsm17 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 7:44pm

Wow i wonder what people would comment if they ran the comp and a pro was attacked by a great white. Still should man up?
Put your life on the line for your job and see how you feel. I do, and i can tell you some situations arent worth dying for money. I commend them for having the balls to voice there opinion. Especially ones who have families to provide for.

happyasS's picture
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happyasS Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:01pm

Bsm....do you stop surfing your local break when a shark buoy detects a GWS 6 km away?

Bsm17's picture
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Bsm17 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:14pm

If i do or not is my decision, im not forced by sponsors, event organises, money or points. If the pros want to go out free surfing good on them. But for those who don’t want to risk it shouldn’t have to. But im sure in this day and age alot of people would probably consider an attack on live tv as entertainment. I myself am glad to see people safe.
There are a lot of risks in surfing, but shark attacks are one of the few risks that are out of anyones control.

Johno210's picture
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Johno210 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:03pm

Did either of these 2 attacks involve tagged GW sharks, we will never no sadly !
https://www.csiro.au/en/Research/Environment/Oceans-and-coasts/Sharks/Ta...

But guess what the US Coast Guard gets to see that live data !
But we the Aust tax payers are told... No

I say bullshit - because surfers, recreational swimmers, lifesavers, abalone divers are primary water users and like a bushfire or tsunami alert we the citizens should be notified of pending danger. The primary responsibility of Govt is to protect its citizens....period.

The technology exists but the Govt are paranoid the tagged data will used to cull GW's.
But punitive fines are there to stop that behaviour !

Ultimately CSIRO are the collectors of this data which is then distributed to state Govt.

Imagine a 'class A' legal action taken against a state Govt from withholding tagging data which could have saved someone's life ?

Perhaps a crowd funding exercise to have Robert Richter QC when he is finished with Pell to pursue the issue....food for thought !

Boltsy's picture
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Boltsy Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:16pm

Surely the Men's and Women's Big Wave Tour events will have to be cancelled now if there is a concern about "safety" and "duty of care" will they move this to Rio in 2-3 foot beach breaks !!!!

Bsm17's picture
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Bsm17 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:31pm

Large organisations complete risk assessments to manage and control the amount of acceptable risk. At big wave events this risk would be managed with life guards, jetskis, paramedics, helicopter etc. Im sure in time to come the technology will be available to greatly reduce to chance of shark attacks to a manageable level. But atm there is no proven devices to reduce the chance of an attack. So only option is to eliminate the risk. I.e remove surfers from water when near by attacksor sightings occur.

Chipper's picture
Chipper's picture
Chipper Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:27pm

I've really enjoyed all these opinions. Such a diverse group of surfers we are.

Pot heads
Corporate guys
Tradies
old
Young
Male and female
Etc....

You can see where everyone is coming from. I respect your views.

IMO I think it was a commercial decision. I think there is a push for less events in oz and bingo they've got it. I applaud the courage of the Brazil's speaking out regardless of it you like their message.

As a matter of fact:

Stu how many shark attacks in the past 100 years in :
Victoria v (NSW ) really I mean. northern NSW v WA.

If (choosing an event to cancel in Oz) was based on shark attack no. Then I don't think vicco would mention.

Again the decision about which event to can in Oz will be a commercial one.

prothero's picture
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prothero Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:40pm

2 guys got bitten by sharks, they knew there was a shark in the vicinity and they made a choice to surf.. Dead whales , schools of salmon, we know the risks. Margarets has got to stay as a venue , Lau psyches out Double John and sharks psyche out Medina. ...a comp full of perfect wave pools would be real boring.....last year Double John at Margarets was something special , almost as good as Owen Wright

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prothero Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:42pm

......Double John at Margarets and Owen Wright at Fiji. better than any wave pool

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Snuffy Smith Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:44pm

Out of WA for good all WSL needs is the Goldie shit show Bells a QS low one at that happy days.

warddy's picture
warddy's picture
warddy Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:44pm

I think they wimped out , how much surveillance have they got these days plus going by the conditions there would of been a fair break between days and the Jaws hype would of died down.
Brazilians can skip this leg in the future if they’re scared and anyone else who can’t get Spielberg’s movie out of there brain .

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Bsm17 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:47pm

J bay heat with Mick had surveillance

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truebluebasher Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:47pm

This month I attended Wommin womp surf comp held at Australia's most notorious beach.
Fatalities at this surf spot equal Shark fatalities along whole NSW or W.A. coasts.
{R.I.P.} To those 5 deaths over last 5 years both here and along said coastlines.

Our comp went ahead without SLSA/Surf Bodies/Spotters/Drones/Jet Skis/Nets.
Myself and others enjoyed our surfing without anything but lawfully required togz.
None mentioned a word of Notorious Fingal Head Danger.
That danger being the surf itself also in notorious open Northern NSW shark territory.
Double the Danger & still no warning or talk of sharks.

To be honest I've bodybashed alone here heaps & yes I've leaped higher than the dolphins.
We Gold Coasters don't get near as fearful on part netted/drum line breaks..

I recall bodybash'n Majestic W.A."Dangerous Coast".
Wild W.A. surfbreaks change constantly and can draw one out a long way from shore.
Alone/fully immersed/Cold the wait time gets massive & all you think about is sharks.
About now jagged kelp saws across your foot then grasping it. Last ride please come Now!

bodheski's picture
bodheski's picture
bodheski Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 10:25am

Are you on acid?

There have been 5 fatal attacks in NSW since 93', from Tathra beach in the south to Ballina in the north
There have been 15 fatal attacks in WA since 2000, and almost all in the south west of WA

Were these attacks unreported?

Clam's picture
Clam's picture
Clam Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 8:57pm

Some people are saying the guy who got attacked 2nd was an idiot and its his fault but in the same breath think the pros should have surfed a few kms away ? Thats a bit hypocritical as it could have been anywhere in the cape region
On the day and the hysteria would be similar especially if it was worse a bite.
The guy is a hero to many a surfer who don't even wants the contest .
Old mate he got rid of the whole comp days ahead of schedule and the funny thing is he could have faked it . Ive seen a similar red painted board getting around with the teeth marks in it .
A surfboard fin could have hit him in the leg by the looks of the wound . Fake shark attack ???

prothero's picture
prothero's picture
prothero Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:58pm

...the shark did go the wranger from Denmark Clam, footage is out there.......Plus side thanks to Medina and Italo...the south west will not be high on the list for wannabe Brazilian frothers.

warddy's picture
warddy's picture
warddy Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:13pm

I think they wimped out , how much surveillance have they got these days plus going by the conditions there would of been a fair break between days and the Jaws hype would of died down.
Brazilians can skip this leg in the future if they’re scared and anyone else who can’t get Spielberg’s movie out of there brain .

MidWestMonger's picture
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MidWestMonger Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:20pm

Wow. This will be a turning point. In 20 years time when people say what a yes voting yawn fest inland aquatic surfboarding has become I can say I used to watch when the pros were brave enough to do this shit in the ocean. I hope the WA govt has the guts to sue for breach of contract, bring the circus in to promote the region and they and their representatives do the opposite. Welcome to the future of no risk regulation man made gut slappers cause it's what the minority demand. If you can't tell I'm a bit pissed off with this decision

sunlover199's picture
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sunlover199 Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:29pm

FAKE NEWS

AaronS's picture
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AaronS Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:30pm

Obviously the WSL had to factor in that had they continued to run the comp given all the well publicised very recent facts (mass whale stranding, inaccessible whale carcasses in the area, two attacks, a prolific salmon season under way, shark sightings/activity etc) and a competitor was attacked and quite possibly killed, the ramifications would of been 1000 times what they are copping at the moment. Also, for those with vested interest in the comps future, that would of been the nail in the coffin without a doubt. That said, given a world champ has already declared that he won't return to the area to compete, I would say its all over for this leg of the WSL.

MidWestMonger's picture
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MidWestMonger Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:41pm

Is there any legs of the world tour a former world champ wishes to delete? Perhaps if he could provide a list an alternative schedule could be arranged more to his liking

AaronS's picture
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AaronS Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:45pm

Watch this space.

happyasS's picture
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happyasS Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 9:44pm

Medina and Co aren't forced to compete in any event. they are free to re-brand themselves into whatever flavour of pussy they choose.

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Sickaz Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 10:07pm

There were plenty of factors that the wsl needed to consider when figuring out how to proceed after the attacks. What they didn't need were the over the top drama queen stunts that gabs and Italo pulled on social media, pretty much forced their hand just the same as trump dodges his own party policy using twitter. Once it's out there it's too late. Influence by emotional preppy boys utilising social media could become a real challenge for the wsl. Good luck with that. Next thing it will be unfair if there are more lefts than rights on tour. All things aside this whinging makes me sick and I think italo and gabs should be ashamed of themselves. I'm sure no sponsor or comp organiser would force them to surf the event if they chose, Aware that they may lose points, to forfeit the comp. But that would have been unfair - because most of the other surfers have balls. I would like to present an idea to entice the tour back to WA - they already have margs and the bay, why not open it all up in between then, gosh darn it, lefties and cobbles on the list of site venues.

MidWestMonger's picture
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MidWestMonger Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 10:01pm

Yeah had a coupla rums and will stop posting now. Just know the potential spectacle this stop could provide (like bells 81 sorta thing) and having the worlds best severely tested and raising the bar but some stoner and a big fish have f#% ed it. So well, sorry anyone planning a surf trip here the joints off limits. Sorry local groms your idols consider the waves you will grow up ripping too dangerous for them. What a sorry mess all round

Clam's picture
Clam's picture
Clam Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 10:11pm

The guys obviously not a stoner !

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tubeshooter Wednesday, 18 Apr 2018 at 10:29pm

They might as well cancel JBay while they're at it.

Clam's picture
Clam's picture
Clam Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 12:12am

Video here of jason longrass (2nd) attacked , he's not scared of sharks btw.
Detailed story of alex travaglini attack at cobblestones with bonus Adz kennedy eyewitness interviewed on the beach .

https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/sharks/gracetown-shark-attack-survivor-...

dr-surf's picture
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dr-surf Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 8:19am

I think the WSL are displaying EMPATHY with those injured and affected by the Attacks. No Winners here, just an intolerable situation with that has been dealt with.

Blowin's picture
Blowin's picture
Blowin Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 8:31am

I’ll admit that the possibility is extremely , extremely unlikely but even the remote chance that the event could be completed later in the season at a different location in WA sends shivers down my spine.

I can only imagine how far the WA tourism board would be willing to go to rectify the situation and the WSL might wish to placate their cash cow tourism Johns by agreeing to a new location within WA. Perish the thought.

The WSL CEO says -
“Our competitive structure allows for points distribution in the event of a cancellation. However, we are not giving up yet on somehow completing both men's and women's competition this year, and will communicate our thoughts on that when we know more.”

The ocean will be red with burley if that try and pull that shit.

uncle_leroy's picture
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uncle_leroy Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 12:07pm

"I can only imagine how far the WA tourism board would be willing to go to rectify the situation and the WSL might wish to placate their cash cow tourism Johns by agreeing to a new location within WA. Perish the thought."

Drum roll........ Kalbarri

groundswell's picture
groundswell's picture
groundswell Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 12:35pm

No comps allowed in Kalbarri.

CryptoKnight's picture
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CryptoKnight Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 9:04am

‘The ocean will be red with burley if they try and pull that shit’

OMG! Not to mention the stench of the red mist filling the air! Unleash the jabber! Go blowjab! It’s enough to make your hair or scalps (not to discriminate against those with those with failing follicles ) stand on end!

https://www.swellnet.com/forums/wax/12736

prothero's picture
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prothero Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 9:19am

The first guy who got bit says :- 'He hopes more research will be done into shark behaviour to try to find a solution to the increasing number of attacks in WA that does not involve killing sharks. He also wants the focus to be on developing other deterrent devices.'......no knee jerk reaction like kill the sharks, a cool head in and out of the water.

ron's picture
ron's picture
ron Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 10:40am

Does this feel like the beginning of the end to anyone else?
Pipe is fumbled and lost. Fiji gone. Event cancelled mid way. Event coming up in wave pool. WSL seemingly pandering to all things Brazillian. Mick gone. Kelly probably about to leave after his first pool event. Next event Rio....

I think cancelling in the way they did was the wrong move. Last year a monster white cruises the line up at Jbay and they are back in the water soon after. This year there's a shark kms away and they cancel the whole thing after pressure from a few big names. I think the statistical crime in Brazil points are valid. In past years plenty have chosen to pull out for various reasons. Last year there is literally a murder across the road from the contest site. Fairly reasonable comparison to a shark attach down the coast.

So many valid points being made from both sides, problem is you cannot please everyone. Solution is perfectly simple... If you don't feel safe competing then don't, your spot goes to someone else. Its happened for years in Brazil. If you dont like dirty water then don't go. If you don't like sharks then don't go to WA or SA. If you don't like heavy waves and the forecast for teahupoo is 8 foot plus then don't go.

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rat-race Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 1:17pm

Yep. Makes sense to me.

gcuts's picture
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gcuts Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 10:43am

WOW... this SO plays into the whole wave pool circus for the WSL.

Also, FWIW, Stu, Ben, whoever, you might wanna dig a bit deeper behind the "why" this was cancelled. Hint - WSL now owns and runs the event, unlike the past when it was a "licence" and run by the sponsor / surf companies ... after the JBay incident(s) there was some legal advice received by the WSL. Dig deep boys, the real truth is more murky than a bull sharks territory.

dr-surf's picture
dr-surf's picture
dr-surf Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 10:50am

There's No Play Here. What this HIGHLIGHT's is that Surfers must become Pro Active in protecting themselves. Had others not been in attendance this was a Fatality. Simple.
So always surf with others in Shark Territory. Car Parks need to become Shark Spotting
Observeries. Remote Trek locations need Look Outs.
Also WA has underlined " When In Doubt Don't Paddle Out"

mezkal's picture
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mezkal Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 11:51am

It's simple...there's too many sharks now. There never was growing up surfing there, a few yeh....now...a few too many, interesting some crew don't mind this change in ratio we've so obviously had, I do and now my kids don't wanna surf and I can't blame them. Thanks greenies ! As for the comp, shame but what ever, WSL has zero effect on my life other than promoting crowds so yeh, see Ya later.

quokka's picture
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quokka Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 12:45pm

Yep. I'll say it again, they are a FISH. We're not talking about wiping them out just controlling their numbers. Surely that is logical...no. I can't see an ecosystem being in balance when there are too many of any species, be that whales, seals or sharks. If we're not already at this point it won't be too far off with all three being protected.

Quint's picture
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Quint Saturday, 21 Apr 2018 at 8:29am

Well said Quokko though we live in a PC world now not a common sense world. The mere suggestion of fishing will have them threaten your life or maybe smash your windows if you are lucky. The shark subject is a real trigger for their collective Munchausens/Stockholm Syndrome so be careful..

Ant agonist's picture
Ant agonist's picture
Ant agonist Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 12:32pm

What a debacle
The tennis tour gets more and more comical by the day.
Just forget about a "world champ"
Have a couple of random comps a year with all the biggest mongrels with some character, throw in a couple of wildcards to the cookie cutter athletes and make surf comps interesting.
The boredom fest they are is just depressing.

ron's picture
ron's picture
ron Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 12:39pm

I get there are more sharks now than 40 years ago. I dont see how culling half still really solves the problem. Say theres 100 sharks that hang around the area. You kill 50. Nothing to say 1 of that 50 wouldnt have attacked 2 guys on Tuesday. Sure you can say its statistically less chance but when it comes down to it people really arent that interested in real numbers, they go by emotion. Everyone knows that all the surfers are far more statistically likely to die on the roads from margaret river to perth but they all ignore that and focus on the sharks that kill next to no one in comparison.

BaSz's picture
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BaSz Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 12:41pm

'Dunsborough big wave surfer Mick Corbett said more needed to be done to help shake off WA's reputation for sharks.
He criticised fellow surfer Jason Longrass, the victim of the second attack, for going into the water when beaches were closed.
"He single-handedly could have ruined surfing in WA in terms of the WSL coming here," Mr Corbett said.'

Its all his Fault bahaha! Blame the victim,he did it to ruin it for pro surfing WA.

'Mr Reilly said the attacks were definitely a concern for the competitors, who were surfing about 15 kilometres away.'

6kms.......15kms what is it?

http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-19/margaret-river-pro-cancellation...

ron's picture
ron's picture
ron Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 12:59pm

The Medina and Italo insta posts both seem like they were written by someone else. Both use the terms 'train and compete' which doesn't sound right to me. I also notice straight after the decision almost every competitor put up posts saying the WSL made the right call in the same way. Seems like the WSL have pretty tight reigns on everyone these days.

memlasurf's picture
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memlasurf Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 6:05pm

Ron I think both posts have been deleted.

Craig's picture
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Craig Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 1:15pm

Two attacks that could of been avoided in my opinion.

First one, shark was sighted and everyone paddled in, but with pumping empty waves, no one could resist so paddling back out wasn't the best idea.

Second one, well there was already an attack, a whale carcass on the beach and a patrol boat came and warned old mate about the previous attack and shark. He ignored and got attacked.

And the WSL cancels on these two events.

Now it seems like they were put in a very tricky spot, because if a competitor was attacked after these two incidents they'd probably be put through the ringers, but while doing so they may have killed off the event forever.

Not sure the right action, but I still see those two events as avoidable.

uncle_leroy's picture
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uncle_leroy Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 1:31pm
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno's picture
velocityjohnno Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 4:55pm

Is that a hammerhead? :p

Craig's picture
Craig's picture
Craig Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 6:56pm

Haha, where's the 'like' button.

Legrope's picture
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Legrope Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 12:23am

That is gold. Whoever did this is a legend of the SW. Nice art.

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tomdo Saturday, 21 Apr 2018 at 11:09am

Someone would pay good money for that. Should be auctioned off at the WSL’s end of year gala. Proceeds to Alej. Italo or Gabs wanna open the bidding?

BaSz's picture
BaSz's picture
BaSz Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 1:32pm

Are shark attacks avoidable?
if you don't enter the ocean perhaps.
So sending the pro surfers out is fine, just dont let anyone test the waters nearby?

'The finger-pointing has begun as to who prompted the decision to cancel the Margaret River Pro on Wednesday because of the shark risk.
In opposing camps are the WA Government, the World Surf League, and the surfers competing at the event.
Brazilian pro surfer, Gabriel Medina, has been vocal in his refusal to get in the water and The West Australian’s Ben O’Shea asks in the video above whether he was one of the main voices in having the event cancelled.'

https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/are-gabriel-medina-and-other-pro-surfers-...

indo-dreaming's picture
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indo-dreaming Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 3:03pm
tylerdurden's picture
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tylerdurden Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 1:54pm

That’s a pretty nice looking wave Indo, what’s it like with a bit of size on it?

BaSz's picture
BaSz's picture
BaSz Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 6:02pm

Shortly before he was bitten, Mr Longgrass was reported to have remarked how quiet it was, and he has subsequently stated he was unaware of the earlier incident.

https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/sharks/gracetown-shark-attack-shock-tur...

Quint's picture
Quint's picture
Quint Saturday, 21 Apr 2018 at 8:33am

Yet he shoulders the blame for this over and over. Easy target he is..

udo's picture
udo's picture
udo Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 6:27pm

Slater comments on WSL decision / ABC News

quokka's picture
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quokka Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 6:58pm

Beaches closed between Canal Rocks & Injidup today...continued shark sightings inc a 3.5m & 3.0m GWS. They're endangered for sure. Hey shark huggers, they're only 50m off the beach perfect chance to swim out and give them one.

prothero's picture
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prothero Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 11:12pm

you sound scared quokka

quokka's picture
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quokka Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 12:37am

Thanks for your concern but no not scared, it just doesn't sit well with me. I have surfed the SW for 25 years and will continue to surf it but that's not to say I'm comfortable with the situation. Never used to think about sharks...now always front of mind. Sort of takes the enjoyment out of it.

matthewblackesq's picture
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matthewblackesq Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 11:21pm

Just shoot the cunts

matthewblackesq's picture
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matthewblackesq Thursday, 19 Apr 2018 at 11:44pm

The sharks are just out there laughing to themselves thinking, 'stupid cunts'... do you think sharks give a fuck about people?

John Eyre's picture
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John Eyre Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 12:32am

Heroic efforts those many people who helped the shark attack victims.............especially the guy at cobblestones..........Whats is his name? Why hasnt it been reported?........hes an absolute legend........was there right by his side all the way in........applied a legrope tourniquet ....................in all the melee he's gone unnoticed in the media......

caml's picture
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caml Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 1:03pm

Matt Percy might be the unnamed hero who helped Alex to shore ?

Quint's picture
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Quint Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 6:54pm

Is the sharky ok? Has anyone thought of this fishes welfare? Should we send it more surfboards? Maybe a pizza or 3 to satiate the beast? A spare leg from the morgue? What to do??

We must appease our shark overlords at once..

gene's picture
gene's picture
gene Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 7:04pm

Matt Percy if it was is an absolute waterman all round great human. Onya Perce catch up again on the south coast.

stunet's picture
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stunet Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 7:16pm

Aye. Champion fella.

freeride76's picture
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freeride76 Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 8:13pm

Interesting and chilling hearing the survivors account of the attack.

https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/sharks/gracetown-shark-attack-survivor-...

Sounds like old mate shark had not one but a few goes at him, which kind of makes a lie of the whole "they only take one bite and let go because they are not interested in us"...........sounds like if he didn't jam the board down it's throat he'd be another statistic.

Brilliant first aid from the blokes, bloke who helped him.

I bet that wave he bodysurfed was a complete mind fcuk.

brettwa's picture
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brettwa Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 9:18pm

This one sussed us out early, then bit Alex, then made his way down to Noises and Lefties and chased more groups of surfers out of the water before finally taking a bite of Crusty. Not interested in us my arse, he obviously didnt mind the taste. I'd say that theory is just one of their methods of attack. Wound to immobilise and then come back a bit later when there is less danger of themselves getting hurt. We cant do shit with our bare hands to hurt them but they don't know that. This one will be game enough to hit at full speed next time.

prothero's picture
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prothero Saturday, 21 Apr 2018 at 10:52am

...He got barrelled body surfing the wave in,,,,and when told that on getting to shore he said 'of course I did'...classic

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brettwa Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 9:56pm

We spotted the shark responsible for Mondays attacks earlier in the morning, we were 4-5m out from the grater at Cobbs, 1.5m? deep water, water was choppy and the sun wasnt up properly so you could'nt see underneath the surface . The shark went around us a few times, it showed about 100 - 250mm of dorsal fin, and went between us and the grater. It was moving slow, didnt have a go and let us paddle in. Given the size of fin and depth of the water/distance from the grater we estimated maybe an 8ft shark, no id on the species. The guys who saw it were a bit more spooked than those who didnt, thinking it may have been bigger than it appeared, but on the facts it didnt seem like that big a deal. After we went in Cobbs started pumping, not a drop of water out of place, maybe happens a few times a year. Everyone waited and watched, the shark was'nt seen again and the lure of the waves won. Guys like Alej, Matt and the others who went back in were'nt stupid or reckless, just braver than most, type of guys you want in your corner. 45mins later whitey was in exactly the same spot as where we'd left the water earlier, waiting. Later estimates on size were up to 4.2m, must've been itching his belly on the bottom.
Some may call this attack 'avoidable' but if we refused to go in the water everytime a shark sighting was reported down here then no one would surf. The initial sighting wasnt significant enough to close the Big Rock and Lefthanders beaches all day. If we had got a proper look at him first time it may have been a different day but even with how the mornings events unfolded perhaps it prevented a fatal incident. The guys in the water were together and alert, there were guys in the carpark watching, no one freaked and Alej was cool as.
Alej has a Go Fund me page going.
https://www.gofundme.com/sharkattackalex
And if you see Matt buy the man a beer. Legend.

MidWestMonger's picture
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MidWestMonger Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 9:55pm

Thanks for posting your account of that day Brett. I know some guys who were surfing old cob awhile ago who saw a huge fin surface out the back, go straight past them before they could do anything. It smashed something inside the break and was all bubbles and splashing then nothing. Freaked them all out didn't know whether to come straight in or go sideways towards big rock. Ended up all riding the bus on a party wave together to shore. Walked back to cobs car park and saw crew walk in from the other way and paddle straight out not knowing what had just happened

I focus's picture
I focus's picture
I focus Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 10:32pm

Thanks for the account Brett amazing Alej fought the white off and the bloke who stayed extraordinary courage.

FR are you talking about the whites knowing the fat / energy content from the bite?

As you said somewhere else my understanding is also that the whites use ambush as a method attacking from behind but sustaining the attack to cause a major wound (removing leg) and the waiting for the prey to bleed out.

This also allows a relative low risk rescue for those game stats from the US back this outcome.

This being a low risk method and common in most Australian attacks.
Variation to this due to mouth size where the bigger whites attack around the torso with a generally fatal outcome, the guy taken at Wedge Island seemed to fit this tragically the white also took the body appearing to kill the low fat theory.

Another observation to most attacks is the surfer starts paddling just before the attack allowing the white to strike from behind.

The white determines this from the pulsations given off from the paddling knowing direction of the prey etc.

Not aware of the one bite thing

batfink's picture
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batfink Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 9:18pm

I'm with ya freeride, the old one bite and then they swim away was always promisucuous bullshit dressing up as evidence. Not enough data, and given the circumstance, no reliable data.

While not particularly being inclined towards indiscriminate killing, the 'endangered' status was based on fark all data (almost all scientists will say 'we just don't know') which leaves one question - where it came from, and the original 'scientific' evidence was arbitrary, anecdotal and not scientific at all.

I suspect killing off those sharks who are staying in and near the wave zone, and leaving alone those who navigate the other 7/8ths of the world (or 99.99% of ocean) could not be leading to their becoming extinct. How could you call something endangered that lives in oceans that are almost entirely unknown in terms of sea-life other than arbitrary sightings from boats and extrapolations from what is seen from the land. All those observations cover about a billionth of the their environment.

I do hate bullshit science, and trained scientists engaged in it as much as climate change denying right wing nut jobs.

Quint's picture
Quint's picture
Quint Saturday, 21 Apr 2018 at 8:20am

Scientism you refer to unknowingly. Here's some more on that. Ears to hear we all need now. Time to read from both sides without getting triggered.

https://www.naturalnews.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Politically-Incorrect-Climate-Change-Guides/dp/16...

MidWestMonger's picture
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MidWestMonger Friday, 20 Apr 2018 at 10:15pm

In metro WA they hold an abalone weekend where any peanut with a screwdriver and no knowledge of the ocean is allowed to go for it, completely raping the reefs dry. Miraculously by the time it comes around next year the abalones are back. Can't we hold a similar day for whiteys, maybe when we know there's heaps of dead whale somewhere. Bogans on boats towing them off shore for free just to lure whitey within clubbing distance. Maybe a $500 bounty to pay for fuel and a piss up after if they prove they've taken one out. Cheaper than drum lines and burying whales onshore

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Thursday, 17 May 2018 at 8:08pm

Fun to watch if 3m of swell around Mettams, it's a bloodsport.

Like the Simpsons 'snake bashing day' episode.

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uncle_leroy Saturday, 21 Apr 2018 at 9:14am

So you can't feed crocs ($200K fine) so when are we going to stop cage diving and giving GW's a free feed?????????
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-21/crocodile-teasing-stunt-videos-cau...

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Blowin Saturday, 21 Apr 2018 at 9:49am

So the Brazilian pros refused to paddle out and have left WA . Surely the right way for their vociferous fans to reinforce their unyielding support would be to leave the state also ?

Nothing will express the passion more wholeheartedly than if they all fled immediately. I’ll drive them to the airport if transport is an issue.

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uncle_leroy Sunday, 22 Apr 2018 at 9:41am

https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/sharks/wa-shark-attack-the-inside-accou...
Good news story for all those involved, buy them a beer and hope you're on the mend Alex.

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quokka Wednesday, 9 May 2018 at 1:06pm
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thermalben Wednesday, 9 May 2018 at 1:23pm

One article link is fine I reckon. 

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quokka Wednesday, 9 May 2018 at 6:27pm

Another well written article on the topic.
https://www.theinertia.com/surf/opinion-the-west-oz-clearly-has-a-shark-...
When will the WA Govt start listening.

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velocityjohnno Wednesday, 9 May 2018 at 6:49pm

Did something unwelcome wash up near Bears recently?

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mikehunt207 Wednesday, 9 May 2018 at 10:53pm

aunty leroy/quokka or one in the same even, how did the KH and the tin foil hat anti shark brigade go marching on the steps of parliament today? underwhelming at best by all accounts , barely made the news, a rabble of 150 odd likeminded individuals with little better to offer than yelling down the fisheries minister and offering poorly prepared and less informed speeches about how much we all want drumlines extended from broome to cape arid. Must have been a quiet bus ride back down south

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quokka Thursday, 10 May 2018 at 2:05pm

Nope, try again. You're obviously a big enough hero mike to not be concerned with the reality that exists in front of us, or you have your head in the sand, which one is it? You seem to not like Keith for whatever reason, I personally don't know the bloke so can't comment but whilst the turn out wasn't massive (they are obviously not as well versed as the shark huggers in generating a rent a crowd) at least it put the alternate opinion in front of the paper shufflers.
Surfed Bears lately...oh you can't because there's a carcass sitting there that the tigers & whites are loving at the minute. Surfed Inji lately, wouldn't recommend it. How's Boranup going, still off limits. I had never heard of shark interactions in the last 25 years at Yals, they are happening much more regularly now...I know of a bloke that was knocked off his board out there recently, totally freaked him out.
I just don't get the stance where you say do nothing, it's bordering on irresponsible if you ignore what is going on.
BTW the fisheries minister should not be called such, he is a joke. Nothing more than a useless public servant who is too weak to make a decision about a political hot potato.

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mikehunt207 Thursday, 10 May 2018 at 8:54pm

Seem to be contradicting yourself quokka, a bunch of dead whales seem to be the problem with attracting the sharks at the moment so really it might be easier to start with that than demand the government set up the all saving drumlines just outside surf breaks with bait to attract sharks in order to catch them. What about setting up somewhere way the fuck out to sea(naturalist reef or in the shipping lanes) and drag dead whales out there and hook them up to some buoy /anchor set up, fuck sounds like your all up for killing wildlife for the cause you could even kill the odd whale when supplies of dead ones are scarce and stick em there too. I imagine it would be a much cheaper alternative and draw the problem offshore a bit .Not sure if the "shark huggers" are so well versed or maybe just come from a more intelligent and practical mindset? If you get bitten after paddling out just after the sighting a massive shark or surfing near a dead whale its kind of hard to expect the average joe to sympathise with your demands and not just think surfers can be dumb fuckers. Doing nothing is different that just doing something regardless of whether it works or not just to satisfy the chicken littles of this world.

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quokka Friday, 11 May 2018 at 1:05pm

Not at all mike. The sharks were already there, dead whales just haven't helped. Last time I checked smart drumlines are about catch/tag/release but...this will get the greenies frothing...I still reckon we need to control shark/whale/seal numbers just as we do for roos etc. I don't hear a massive outcry re the roo cull and they're part of our coat or arms for fuck sake. I just don't get all the hysteria about killing sharks, we kill fish...I'm not advocating wiping them out.
Yeah sure, stick the drumlines further out, just not sure if depth is an issue or not. I reckon dragging the dead whales out to sea is also a very good idea, again not sure if it's practical probably depends on the level of decomposition.
I think Alex was unlucky, he apparently waited for an hour before venturing back in, unfortunately the toothy one hadn't moved on and was still looking for brekky. As for Mr Bonggrass, well we all agree he is a tool and yes you're right it didn't help the pro-mitigation cause.
From everything I've read it seems smart drumlines on the northern NSW coast seem to have worked very well with only 1 shark fatality out of 260 odd caught. Pretty good result I reckon and well worth a try here in WA.
I can only see it getting worse as it has done over the past decade.

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quokka Thursday, 10 May 2018 at 2:24pm
chook's picture
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chook Thursday, 10 May 2018 at 4:04pm

being eaten by a shark is my retirement plan. surely i'm not the only one?
it's just selfish people that work and have superannuation that are calling for a cull.

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memlasurf Thursday, 10 May 2018 at 9:43pm

Quokka. Post that on a surf Brazilian web site and you will never see them again. On second thoughts put on some Euro ones as well. If the nibbles finally stop, just change the date and keep posting it.

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quokka Friday, 11 May 2018 at 11:29am

Now there's thinking Memla

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quokka Friday, 11 May 2018 at 6:02pm

“The cancellation of the Margaret River Pro was due to unique circumstances this season and we look forward to returning to Western Australia in 2019,” Sophie Goldschmidt, WSL CEO, said. “After consulting with Surfing West Australia about completing the event in 2018, we felt that the shark activity that prompted the event cancellation had not significantly improved and returning was not in the best interests of the surfers this season.

Looks like Surfing WA also think there's a problem.
Why would they (WSL) come back for one year...to fulfill the contract and avoid legal action maybe the only reason. Margies Pro is cooked.

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happyasS Friday, 11 May 2018 at 10:42pm

.

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happyasS Friday, 11 May 2018 at 10:41pm

"it's just selfish people that work and have superannuation that are calling for a cull."

maybe.....but im going with folks that have lived just too long in the one spot and adopted a very narrow minded thinking because of it

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quokka Thursday, 17 May 2018 at 1:36pm

A chick was bumped by a shark at Lefties on Fri http://sharksmart.com.au/news/shark-warning-for-waters-around/...not hurt which is good.

WA state govt wake up to yourselves and take up the offer on the table from the NSW govt!!
https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/sharks/wa-urged-to-accept-free-drum-lin...

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velocityjohnno Thursday, 17 May 2018 at 2:11pm

Hey Quokka, how would you feel surfing north rather than south at this time? Are the whales keeping all the sharks down south?

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quokka Thursday, 17 May 2018 at 6:20pm

There have been very few sightings in the past month so yeah all good. A few tigers out around Rotto but no confirmed sighting of whites.
The SW is just weird at the minute, so many beached whale carcasses between the capes which definitely isn't helping but in my opinion the sharks are there regardless, the carcasses just seem to be focusing the activity in those areas.
It's interesting more of the well respected, older surfers like Antman and Dave Mac have started to speak out a bit, they seem to have had enough. I read an atricle that stated Dave Mac considered uprooting his family to the east coast...he loves the west, lives to surf the Lefties area and Gnaraloo so to potentially drag him away something is wrong. He said he wasn't worried himself but was worried for his kids.
Bears remains closed until 24 May...that's three weeks. In my 25 years of surfing Bears it has never been closed that I can recall.
The pollies need to stop tryng to gain points and actually do something for the good of the community. The offer is there from NSW, but because they've already made their stance known and don't want to back away from it, they'll never accept their help, it's completely immature behaviour.

velocityjohnno's picture
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velocityjohnno Thursday, 17 May 2018 at 8:12pm

Thanks for the info, headed over soon and debating having a paddle while there, there are other places/coasts & all have strong nostalgia. Funny you mention thinking of relocating East, we did that at end of mining boom phase 1 and have had over a decade of excellent waves with very little of the sharks being close (though that may be changing now). Plus, you can drive to the snow :) I miss the big skies though.

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quokka Friday, 18 May 2018 at 3:10pm

Was up at Kalbarri a month ago and Jakes was absolutely pumping

. The Wright bros turned up and Mikey was having a serious dig
.
Don't seem to think about sharks so much up there, although there are still some solid ones.

udo's picture
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udo Saturday, 21 Jul 2018 at 12:46pm

Margs comp may be shifted to Kalbarri or Gnarloo !

Blowin's picture
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Blowin Saturday, 21 Jul 2018 at 12:55pm

Where’d you hear this ?

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goofyfoot Saturday, 21 Jul 2018 at 1:14pm

Ha! Yeah right

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mikehunt207 Saturday, 21 Jul 2018 at 1:47pm

article in todays West Australian newspaper , give the kalbazza locals something to think about, also mentions Gnaraloo https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/margaret-river-pro-surfing-event-could-mo...

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mikehunt207 Saturday, 21 Jul 2018 at 1:52pm

kalbarri used to be very localised and under the radar until the next generation( or first generation of real locals I guess) all became pros or semi pro surfers who love showing how good their surf is (not to mention some great exposure from clay marzo) and here is what you get, the wsl ass fucking headed their way

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lostdoggy Saturday, 21 Jul 2018 at 2:27pm

Didn't they try and hold a rip curl search at gnarloo but couldn't get it up?

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lostdoggy Saturday, 21 Jul 2018 at 2:27pm

Didn't they try and hold a rip curl search at gnarloo but couldn't get it up?

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groundswell Saturday, 21 Jul 2018 at 2:42pm

'When Gnaraloo was sighted as a preferred location for a Rip Curl Search event back in 2007, the initiative was met with heavy opposition from WA surfers. Ultimately the Gnaraloo station owner, Paul Richardson, withdrew his support for the contest and it never went ahead.' - tracks

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middy Saturday, 21 Jul 2018 at 6:20pm

What do the majority of WA surfers want? Pro Surfing is a very small component of surfing culture but they leave a large footprint wherever they go. The line in the sand can only be drawn by the Surfing Community because it’s an easy sell to Local and State Government entities. This is an ongoing issue. My view is that surf locations have their own inherent core values formed over time. They are tangible and understood by local and visiting surfers but invisible or not well understood or valued by the non surfing community. What is in the interest of Professional Surfing often comes at significant cost to The local Surfing community and culture. The Genie cannot be put back in the bottle. This will be interesting to see how this plays out. Certainly will take organisation and a proactive approach for those concerned.

redmondo's picture
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redmondo Sunday, 22 Jul 2018 at 11:45am

I feel that sharks enhance the spectacle like running with the bulls. Rottnest would be a better venue too.

Ellen's clam's picture
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Ellen's clam Sunday, 22 Jul 2018 at 1:49pm

Hmmm,
Fragile environment, highly limited transport, limited and probably already booked out accommodation......and sharks too.
Might not be a winner.

You know where would be a good venue though? A gay sauna. The Brazzos wont miss that leg for all the cocaine in the favelas.

redmondo's picture
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redmondo Sunday, 22 Jul 2018 at 11:45am

I feel that sharks enhance the spectacle like running with the bulls. Rottnest would be a better venue too.

redmondo's picture
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redmondo Sunday, 22 Jul 2018 at 2:01pm

I'm pretty sure a coastal highway is gazetted to run from canarvon up though sexmouth.