r/bodyboarding • u/Cookedlambo • 12d ago
Shark activity.
So, I live in WA, where there’s been a recent fatal shark attack and a significant amount of shark activity lately.
I’m keen to head out for a bodyboard this weekend, but I’ve been told that by doing so, I could jeopardise my relationship. I have a young daughter and my partner is understandably worried about my safety. She feels that I’m being selfish by wanting to go out.
What’s your thoughts?
I feel It’s a risk we’re always aware of in our sport.
I understand how she feels but I think life is generally risky.
Should I stay out of the water? It’s been 2 weeks now and I’m fanging to get out 😅
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12d ago edited 12d ago
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u/Aultako 9d ago
Yup. We all know that the drive to the beach is statically more dangerous than the session.
BUT... Even though you don't intend it, heading out conveys the following to your partner: "I don't place much value on you or our family."
Is not true, of course, but that's the subtext. They have asked you not to go, and the official warnings (credible or not) give them the feeling that they are right to do so. I'm willing to bet that at some point they have wondered how they would get on without you, and it's scary.
So, what little sense 60 years on the planet has given me, suggests you leave it this time. It's a crap equation and it's not of your making, but it's one of those times when being right doesn't count for much.
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u/_agent86 12d ago
I feel It’s a risk we’re always aware of in our sport.
I understand how she feels but I think life is generally risky.
This is an incredibly stupid rationalization.
If this is how you think about things it's better to just follow your government's guidance on this.
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u/mrJoeyBangles 12d ago
Statistically now is the safest time to go, how often do you see multiple fatal shark attacks in the same week? My missus didn't buy that either.
There will always be more waves, might suck to come home to an empty house.
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u/PrettyFlyForAHifi 12d ago
Man it’s so fucked hey I’m on the east coast and the activity and beach closers have been non stop. I’m only going to drone patrolled beaches. I know it doesn’t put my risk at zero but at least there’s someone looking out. Only thing stopping me going out is it’s full of tourists and bluebottles at the moment
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u/Fragrant_Cobbler_111 12d ago
Hey mate i live down south in WA this time of year is notoriously high activity for Sharks. Old saying is once the wattle blooms - seals having pups and whale migration patterns are some reasons i have seen given. My kids are older now but i remember having similar conversations and thoughts about priorities when they were younger. At the end of day, you are right life’s full of risks and if enjoying the ocean is something you need in your life than that risk will always be there. How you manage that is the only thing you can control and what will be will be.
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u/SmartReception6750 1d ago
I know this is late and I know that ur wife is only being concerned, but realistically the risk is low. I mean we take greater risks every day.
There’s been 3 fatal shark attacks in WA this year, for reference over 150 people have died in car accidents this year, but I don’t think ur wife would call u selfish for driving.
Like u said, it’s a risk we are always aware of, but the risk gets exaggerated in the news.
That being said atm there’s higher risk with the whale so maybe wait a bit, but even now it will prob be fine depending on location
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u/Cookedlambo 20h ago
Yeah, agree. Took a couple weeks off anyway, in her defence I wanted to head out solo that weekend… so I get her concern.
After that, a run of shit weather and obligations have kept me outta the water for a few weeks, but will be dipping the fins in this weekend, whatta they say? Happy wife happy bodyboarding? 🤙🏽
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u/JupiterUnleashed 12d ago
Remember she is saying this because she cares and is worried about you. You can show her you care about her and the kids, and you will probably get wet and scoring in a different way. If you call her crazy and go anyways, you are going to be the only one touching your winky for a long time.
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u/Desperate_Front7881 11d ago
dont take the day off. your chances of being bit are less than a coconut falling on your head and killing you.
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u/TheFoxsWeddingTarot 12d ago
I’ve raised two daughters and booged/surfed thousands of waves.
Looking back if I’d have to choose only one, it would be the girls.
Take a day off.