03/12/2019 – SHARK BITES SURF-SKI

That was the message written in capitals on the B&B whiteboard this morning… Here are the reactions of Roz and Michele before they decided to risk it and swim. Patrick and Martin just smiled…

Roz and I were at the Surf Club early today at 5.55am. We were about to go on a run when a Surf Club paddler came out telling us a shark had taken a bite at a paddler’s board this morning near the Bower surf break. She advised swimmers not to swim today. I thought for a moment it may be the first day in the history of the B&B when we have had no swimmers at 7am in any part of the bay…We thought we heard ‘bite out of’ so imagined a ferocious sighting and near death escape attempt. All sorts of ideas started spreading about the identity and size of the shark…

It was the most beautiful morning.

The smoke from fires certainly helped to make an incredible sunrise and the water was calm.

However the paddler (called Joe) who had experienced the incident carried on training with his mates, so we continued our run along the beach…

Everybody was informed that there could be a shark out there. Some swam North keeping close to the shore. Pete said it would be ironic after recent surgery for cancer, a shark got him, but went in anyway.

Suzie and a lot of 6.30am swimmers went in. Suzie said she reckoned the shark had come and gone and was far out to sea by now!

Even Bernard went out escorted by Huw and Peter. He is very wary after his shark sighting at Queenscliffe…

Jo came out from her very early swim and had been approached by the paddlers to be aware there could be a large shark around. She was ecstatic about the clear conditions and seeing Eagle Rays and Wobbegong. She’s swam close to Grey Nurse sharks recently and has seen how uninterested in us they are (if not bumped in to) and regretted not seeing one today.

There were all sorts of stories circulating. Could it just be an unfortunate bump with the large Grey Nurse that’s been around of late and some swimmers saw this morning? Others figured it was a Tiger Shark or White Pointer. ‘A small ‘Bully’ (Bull Shark) for sure’ someone else said…

We all waited for Joe and his surf ski to come out of the water so we could look at the huge gash in his board and  teeth marks. We felt sure someone would then identify the shark and we’d know wether to swim or not. We even heard that the shark had left a shark tooth in the ski! (I couldn’t wait to get a photo of this tooth!)

A lot of people crowded around…

John didn’t look too worried as he left the crowd to swim…

I took a few photos to get the best shot of the damage done. I think this was the best one.

I was also lucky to get a photo close up of the shark tooth!

Swimming across to Shelly I managed to see this shark. A Spotted Wobbegong hiding in the sea grass.

And the huge school of Tailor, (Marine Biologist Penny assures us they are Tailor not Salmon) which have been a beautiful sight lately.

Lots of happy swimmers at Shelly, none of whom had seen a shark.

Bronnie and some Babewatch girls

Janet cocks her elbow to look like a shark’s fin. (Sorry about the water blur on my camera lens taking Paula out of the photo) 🙁

More blurry swimmers…Sorry folks

John Kelly must have stayed behind to alert swimmers to the possible risk of a shark encounter, but someone else took over to tell us we had a birthday. Happy Birthday Heidi!

On the way back I saw Eagle Ray, Mados, Pufferfish, Flutemouth, Goatfish and Maori wrasse but… unfortunately none of the beautiful, harmless Sharks we often see in Cabbage Tree Bay…

BELOW ARE SHARKS TAKEN AT OTHER TIMES

Grey Nurse with a fishing hook 🙁

Grey Nurse with Yellowtail

Grey Nurse in murky water

Port Jackson

Dusky Whaler

Wobbegong

Swimmers – A lot, considering… Maybe 120

newbies – not sure

water temp – 18.5

B&B FUNDRAISING CHRISTMAS PARTY

NO TICKETS WILL BE FOR SALE AT THE DOOR!!

Please book early for the B & B Christmas Party, which will be held on Tuesday 10^th December at 6.30 pm in Henry’s Rooftop Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme is simply “Christmas”, so come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. The music this year will again be provided by the band, “Gluteus Maximus”, who play two types of music, Rock and Roll! The cost is $15 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, as numbers are limited. Book HERE now!

Have a great day everyone!

Lainey xx