Stand-up paddle (SUP) surfers reported above average shark sightings in January and February at San Onofre State Beach, according to the Shark Research Committee, a non-profit scientific research organization that documents shark attacks in the Pacific Coast of North America.

 

In these two months alone, there have been five reported incidents, where sharks subtly approached SUP surfers and then swam away without any signs of aggression. Most of the reports describe a 6-7 foot great white, located south of the power plant and about 30-50 yards offshore. No one has been injured or attacked.

 

The unusual number of sightings by SUP riders could be due to either one or a combination of the following factors. First, the higher vantage point of these surfers permits them to see marine creatures that would otherwise go unnoticed. Second, the ability to reach remote areas leads them to places where white sharks are more likely to be seen. And third, the larger surfboard area, together perhaps with the paddle strokes, is more attractive to great whites. Whatever the case may be, this new surf modality is receiving scrutiny even from the locals' local, namely, great whites. (For more, see the Shark Research Committee )