Sea Kayaking in Great White Territory
If you're going to participate in the energizing adventure activity of sea kayaking along the False Bay coast in The Cape, there is one thing you have to understand: Just like the lion is the king of the jungle, here, in Cape Town, the Great White shark is the king of the sea.
But, contrary to popular belief, they are not on a mission to eat humans.
I repeat: They Are Not Out to Get Us.
Feeling better? Great.
There are however, a few important things to note before embarking on your sea kayaking adventure in Cape Town.
Whether you're an experienced or novice sea kayaker, it is always advisable to paddle in groups and to paddle in the areas advised by your kayaking instructor, in weather conditions which allow full 360ยบ vision around your kayak.
In the unlikely instance that you spot a Great White shark near your kayak, stop paddling immediately.
Great White sharks have flawlessly adaptable lateral lines which pick up the tiniest vibration in the water.
In other words, if you move, Sharky's going to feel it and want to find out exactly what kind of animal you are.
Usually, the bigger the kayak, the better.
Sharks are less likely to want to investigate something that looks bigger than they are.
Great Whites are visual hunters and will be able to distinguish the difference between your kayak and potential prey in clear water conditions; which of course is another reason to stay out of murky water.
Personal shark shields on your kayak are also an option for those of you who can't seem to escape the paranoia.
But most importantly, a Great White shark attack while kayaking in False Bay is just that; plain old paranoia.
Fortunately, shark attacks on kayaks are as rare as finding free parking in the Cape Town CBD.
And that's bordering on the impossible.
The False Bay coastline of Cape Town is home to spectacular landscapes and sea views, and taking to the Big Blue in a kayak is certainly one of the most popular adventure sports.
Although Great Whites sharks are at the centre of many ferocious urban legends, in the greater scheme of things, they are majestic, beautiful sea predators who are simply just doing their thing.
So relax, unless you're circling Seal Island in a blubbery-looking kayak shaped like a seal, you are in for a sea adventure of a lifetime!
But, contrary to popular belief, they are not on a mission to eat humans.
I repeat: They Are Not Out to Get Us.
Feeling better? Great.
There are however, a few important things to note before embarking on your sea kayaking adventure in Cape Town.
Whether you're an experienced or novice sea kayaker, it is always advisable to paddle in groups and to paddle in the areas advised by your kayaking instructor, in weather conditions which allow full 360ยบ vision around your kayak.
In the unlikely instance that you spot a Great White shark near your kayak, stop paddling immediately.
Great White sharks have flawlessly adaptable lateral lines which pick up the tiniest vibration in the water.
In other words, if you move, Sharky's going to feel it and want to find out exactly what kind of animal you are.
Usually, the bigger the kayak, the better.
Sharks are less likely to want to investigate something that looks bigger than they are.
Great Whites are visual hunters and will be able to distinguish the difference between your kayak and potential prey in clear water conditions; which of course is another reason to stay out of murky water.
Personal shark shields on your kayak are also an option for those of you who can't seem to escape the paranoia.
But most importantly, a Great White shark attack while kayaking in False Bay is just that; plain old paranoia.
Fortunately, shark attacks on kayaks are as rare as finding free parking in the Cape Town CBD.
And that's bordering on the impossible.
The False Bay coastline of Cape Town is home to spectacular landscapes and sea views, and taking to the Big Blue in a kayak is certainly one of the most popular adventure sports.
Although Great Whites sharks are at the centre of many ferocious urban legends, in the greater scheme of things, they are majestic, beautiful sea predators who are simply just doing their thing.
So relax, unless you're circling Seal Island in a blubbery-looking kayak shaped like a seal, you are in for a sea adventure of a lifetime!
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