As it heats up on land this summer and newbies flock to the seaside to take their first surfing, diving, and snorkeling lessons, questions and concerns over safety invariably arise—especially in light of recent shark attacks in Australia and statistics showing the growing shark population off the coast of southern California. But while the numbers may sound scary—last year's all-time high in worldwide unprovoked shark attacks, for example, resulted in six total deaths—beginner surfers, snorkelers, and divers actually have very little to worry about when it comes to run-ins with sharks, or any other dangerous sea creatures, for that matter.
"Inexperienced divers always worry unnecessarily about sharks," says Laura Tyrell, a dive expert with Cabo Adventures in Los Cabos, Mexico. "Most sharks are not in any way dangerous and should be respected by observing from a distance and not touching, chasing, or harassing. Of the most inquisitive larger sharks, if you feel threatened or worried, always remain facing the shark, stay low, and back off slowly. Sharks are not dangerous—you are more likely, statistically, to be killed by a falling coconut."
But just in case you're worried about a close encounter, the experts who compile the International Shark Attack File every year say "hitting a shark on the nose" and immediately getting out of the water are a good avoidance strategy. "If a shark actually bites, we suggest clawing at its eyes and gill openings, two sensitive areas," according to ISAF guidelines. "One should not act passively if under attack, as sharks respect size and power."
As for other sea creatures novice water sports participants are likely to encounter, "It's hard to think of many dangerous sea animals, as most are pretty cool to look at and unfortunately, people kill and damage a lot of aquatic life," Tyrell says. "Moray eels have potential to be dangerous. These guys look evil and hide inside small crevices in rocks. They can make a sudden appearance which can surprise some people and they'll bite if you stick your hand down their hole. So keep your distance, observe, and don't touch."
Got that? Don't go sticking your hands into eel holes. That's just, like, good life advice.
"After sharks and moray eels, jellyfish would probably be the third most common dangerous animal," Tyrell says. "Those swimming amongst them should give them plenty of space, or if too close, divers can use their second mouthpiece to gush air, propelling out of the way. If stung, follow general guidelines, but as a rule, hot water followed by vinegar works."
On the Caribbean side of the continent, surf guides and experts tell us that they also get tons of questions about sharks—but they're nothing to worry about. "First-time surfers, their biggest fear is sharks," says Tropicsurf's Clare Baranowski at the Four Seasons Costa Rica. "We get tiny little reef sharks around our advanced surf breaks—and they're a delight to see."
The most dangerous sea animals you'll probably encounter on your first day of surfing lessons are—wait for it—sea lice. "They can bite the backs of your knees," Baranowski says, "but the guide will feel them before the guests do because they're standing and guests are on their boards. It feels like a little nip, and might sting for five minutes. It's like a mosquito bite."
On her own (much more advanced) surfing adventures around the world, Baranowski says it's rare to run into truly treacherous territory. "I suppose in the rural wild areas of the world, you can encounter animals such as crocodiles," she says. Her best tip for coping with a croc? "I mean, I wouldn't paddle towards it. I would most probably just take myself away from the situation. Crocodiles are only aggressive when they're territorial, so your best bet would be to take yourself out of its home range."
At luxury surf coaching resort Kalon Surf, where owner Kjeld Schigt estimates "50 to 60 percent" of his guests are hitting the waves for the first time, "People ask about sharks, but we don't have sharks. I received an email the other week asking about alligators and crocodiles, but I haven't seen any."
The only animals that beginners are likely to run into at Kalon in Costa Rica? Rays—both manta and sting. But taking some simple, basic precautions will keep surf students safe from harm. "There's only one animal that can be tricky: the stingray," Schigt says. "When you're a beginner, you tend to walk a lot more in the sand. If you don't shuffle your feet and just step down, the stingray won't know you're coming."
Then there are close encounters with the manta rays—but don't be scared. "Sometimes you'll hear high-pitched screaming from guests—both guys and girls," Schigt says. "That's when they spot manta rays for the first time. Manta rays love to surf the waves—they'll come four, five, six at a time. People think they're sharks, but what they're seeing is actually the wing of the manta ray." And what should people do when they see a manta? "Just enjoy it," Schigt says. "They just surf, and you can see them when the water is super clear blue."