Ok - so what is the new criteria for paddling out for a session in OBX? I am heading to Rodanthe Sunday, and two weeks ago saw a light brown dorsal pop up 30 yards from me, sending me to the beach. Given the fun down there lately, how good does the surf have to be to paddle out? Waist high +? At least chest high? Want to land somewhere between wuss-boy and 'dude, you're just asking for it'....
I'd say waist high and clean with three other dudes out. It'd be a numbers game for me personally, lower them odds.
Reward: high. Risk: sorta manageable. Don't pee in the ocean, def not in your suite (not that you'll be wearing a suite this time of year). Reason: apparently a growing body of evidence that sharks track seals by their urine. Autumn, winter, early spring, you're wearing black rubber, splashing around, defecating in your own semi-porous black rubber skin....make the connection, that's all I'd say. As Seen said, the more toes in the water = better chance at winning the underlord's game of chance. Feel a vibe? Even worse, did you just get bumped or grazed...? Always honor that terrible sixth sense cage rattlin' vibe & get thine toes & digits up if you're on a longboard. If you're dangling from a short board or a sponge, then maybe start chanting magic Sioux Indian ghost shirt rhythms.
