Google's news has a story about a 9 year boy who did the Alcatraz swim in SF Bay....
Former Member
Originally posted by Tom Ellison
...and there are Great White Sharks in the area. In fact, the largest population of Great White Sharks in North America are located in and around the Farallon Islands 26 miles NW of the Golden Gate (www.greatwhiteadventures.com/farallons.html.). This is an off the chart accomplishment for these youngsters!
This is a myth, fueled by the media.
The Bay contains harmless leopard sharks, who stay at the bottom and do not fuss with humans. There has never been a shark attack in the bay because sharks do not come into the bay. It makes for a better story, and the fact that they call it the "Sharkfest" makes most people believe that there are killer sharks in the bay water.
What is scarier to me is the nasty green water, who knows exactly what is in it. It definitely doesn't taste or smell good!
Kevin:
It is not a big deal to me...one way or another....all I know is that a surfer was eaten off his board right around the point from the throat of the Gate a few months before I swam the Golden Gate Bridge Swim in 1997. ...and he was never found....
I grew up in S. Florida diving on the reefs in the Keys and Bahamas and never had any real exciting times with the sharks. Yea, I saw them....and from time to time we'd see BIG Bull Sharks and Tiger Sharks...but they always kept away from us.
The fact still remains that right outside the Gate very large Great White Sharks live....and for me....that means...be careful and pay attention....for it is a short swim for them to come threw the Golden Gate Straight into San Francisco Bay....
Dave Horning with Envorosports Ltd. told me he has NEVER had anyone tell him they have seen Great White Sharks in the San Francisco Bay....and I was profoundly happy to hear that....Having said that, I always wondered if I'd be the first one to see one.....especially when I was swimming 300 yard from the chase kayaks in the middle of the Golden Gate Straight.
Lastly, from what I hear...and read...when you see California Seals....you usually see Great White Sharks....and I have seen many California Seals in San Francisco Bay. I am NOT saying they are there...and never have.....What I am saying is.....They sure as heck could be there.....
Tom,
I grew up around the bay area.
It is definitely a myth that there are sharks in the bay.
Yes, 100% no doubt there are sharks at the faralons and right outside the bridge. However, they do not swim in to the bay. There is a scientific explanation to this, and I'm sure you can find it on the web somewhere (also probably why the water turns from blue to green as you get from the ocean to the bay.)
Also, you say "Dave Horning with Envorosports Ltd. told me he has NEVER had anyone tell him they have seen Great White Sharks in the San Francisco Bay.."
Probably because there is 0 visibility in the bay! another thing that makes that swim a little freaky.
