When kayaking on the water where sharks roam, you may be worried if one might turn its attention on your kayak. Because kayaks float along the surface of the water, they can resemble a shark’s favorite prey–seals. As such, a shark may decide to bite or nibble on your kayak.
Depending on the type of shark, it’s possible that it can bite through your kayak. Sharks are estimated to be capable of applying 4,000 psi of pressure when they bite. This is enough pressure to easily bite through a kayak though it may some time. Sharks don’t typically rely on the pressure of their bite. Rather, they rely on their sawtooth-like teeth to cut through skin, muscle, and bone.
If you’re terrified and not moving your kayak away from the shark, then it’s possible the shark might latch onto the kayak and start chewing on it. Over time, the kayak may start to be bitten through and destroyed.
So can a shark bite through a kayak? In theory, yes, with over 4,000 psi of pressure behind their bite they could bite through a kayak. However, this is an extremely rare event. For one, sharks don’t attack kayaks that often. Secondly, most sharks would likely leave after giving the kayak an initial investigative bite.
Also, you can always paddle away to safety. As long as the bite doesn’t tip the kayak over, you can steer it away to the shore and away from the shark’s mouth. You can also strike the shark on the top of the head with your paddle to startle it away. Sharks don’t like to eat things that attack them. They prefer easier prey.
It also depends on the kind of shark. The only shark likely capable of biting through a kayak is a large great white. Smaller sharks like hammerheads and reef sharks don’t have the force possible to break through the tough shell of the kayak. They also have smaller mouths.
Finally, it depends on the material of the kayak. There are those that are made of hard, durable, plastic, and others that are inflatable. The durable kayaks will stand up better against a shark bite. They’re built for the rough rides down violent rapids.
Inflatable kayaks are cheaper versions that are better used for lakes and calm rivers. If a shark bites down on an inflatable kayak, then it will likely start to lose air. You could be in trouble if a shark damages your inflatable kayak.
Are You Safe From Sharks In A Kayak?
Most of the time, you’re safe from sharks in a kayak. Yet you shouldn’t go paddling after one if you see one. Sharks can easily mistake you for prey, especially if they’re feeding at the time of the encounter. You might find yourself being launched from the kayak when they attack it.
Most often, a shark will bump you. This means they’ll use their mouth to figure out if the kayak is edible. Depending on the type and size of the shark, this will either be a small nibble or a rather sizable bite. Your kayak will typically come away without being too damaged though it will carry a few bite marks.
One of the best ways you can stay safe when kayaking with sharks is to stay out of their patrol area. If you notice that they’re feeding, then you should paddle away immediately. You’ll also want to stay away from any noticeable bloody areas. Fishing boats, for example, attract sharks. Stay away from those to keep yourself safe.
You’ll also want to stay away from large groups of fish and seals. That kind of gathering entices sharks for a good feast.
If you notice a shark around you, then you need to attempt not to paddle away. The splashing will only make them more curious. They may perceive you as a seal trying to escape. Just remain still and allow the shark to bump the kayak if they want. Most often, they’ll discover the kayak isn’t edible and simply leave you alone.
Yet if the shark is becoming aggressive, then use your paddle to hit it hard on the head, nose, or eye area. This will quickly deter it from investigating further.
What Color Kayaks Attract Sharks?
Understanding colors requires an understanding of how sharks attack. Many of the problem sharks that you’ll deal with in the water, Makos and Great Whites, for example, are ambush hunters. They swim deep in the water and look at the surface for possible prey. Once they spot prey, they use tremendous speed and force to launch themselves upwards at the prey and bite them, if not knock them off of the surface entirely.
Their goal is to make the prey bleed or become weakened. Once they’re weak, the shark finishes the job and consumes them.
Knowing this, you now know that the bottom of your kayak is extremely important. It shouldn’t resemble colors that are similar to seals. So, you’ll want to stay away from darker shades of color like greys, purples, and blacks.
You’ll also need to consider the sides of your kayak. While sharks typically investigate deep in the water below you, they will sometimes rise closer to inspect you closer. As such, the sides of your kayak is also important.
When investigating sharks, divers found that certain colors grew their curiosity. Bold and bright colors like reds, yellows, and oranges attracted a bite from them. They wanted to know what it was.
As such, the best color to use to avoid shark attacks and investigations is a white bottom with light blue sides. Or, if you can only have one color, a light blue kayak.
What To Do If A Shark Bumps You?
If a shark bumps your kayak, then stay still. They’re likely just investigating the kayak to see if it’s a seal or a dead whale that they can eat. After tasting the kayak, they’ll likely realize there’s nothing good about it and leave you alone.
If the shark continues to bite at your kayak, then you can use your paddle to whack its nose, gills, or eyes.