Hey guys, we scored some nice surf out in Rockaway saturday and sunday... but being a lifelong resident out here.... I have a question, a real question, I've been seeing more and more sea life out in the water over the years and yesterday me and a buddy were out cathing some nice glassy surf... when all of a sudden a huge seal popped up out of the water in front of us and started a stairing contest with us! lol. but you know with seals, you have to at least think sharks, right? Im wondering is it ridiculous to get nervous over that? The seal looked super calm and was just doing the backstroke out there. Despite, we stayed out for a at least 2 hours.... but was just curious over any sort of things to be concerned over? thanks!
In MA (where I surf) there has been an increasing amount of great white sightings over the last few years. Scientists say it is a direct result of the increasing seal populations in the area. So I guess it would always be a concern especially if the seal population really explodes. But I don't worry about that, chances are so small that you would even be in the same place as a shark, nevermind having it actually take a bite out of you. Also, im pretty sure that the water is too cold in the northeast during the spring/winter for most sharks so they migrate south. Anyone know for sure?
The water is definitely too cold in the winter for great whites but I would not be so calm about it in the summer. Especially in New York. With the warm temps down there you will most likely begin to see sharks if you are seeing seals. In Chatham on Cape Cod in the late summer the seals all go to an island right off the elbow of the cape. People have seen Great white's attack seals 50-100 yards off shore. Odds are you will not get attacked by a shark so I would put it out of your mind. If you look up shark attack statistics you will find the majority in America are in fl. However if you look at shark attacks world wide you will see the US has a small percentage of the total amount.
I've seen seals this winter in the Rockaways as well. They've gotten pretty close to me probably b/c with all my winter gear on I sort of look like a big seal. As for sharks, I'm really not that worried about it. With all the litter, garbage, and partially treated human waste flowing from the outflow pipe on 105th street, sinus infections are much more of a concern to me than unfriendly sea creatures.
this post is def not gona help stop the Jaws Theme Music that's on repeat in my head when im out there. dam!
I am trying to find it, but there was a white caught in a fish trap off the Cape last month. If the food is here you should probably assume that they are here. Also found this from Dec.
That is scary. I always thought water in the low 40s was too cold for great whites but apparently not. The cape seems to be a hotbed for great whites. I just hope they stay south of Provincetown
yes, yes high probability of great whites. especially around the rockaway 90th street jetty. i also hear they're hungriest during long period swells with offshore winds. longboards are easily mistaken for giant twinkies too so beware!
Im definitly concerned over the increase the sealife so close to shore as of late, as far as considering any dangers... but I think the fact that the seal was very calm, basically just lounging out, was a good sign. I think if it were jumping out of the water and racing and looking hurried... would be the panic button signal to paddle out of the water....
seals I also was out a couple of times and saw a seal pop its head up... consider it a gift.... I did.... loved it....
