Dive with sharks

Sept 2007 Started to learn to Swim
Aug 2008 Did first taster diving session and enjoyed it

I was suppose to snorkel with them but it was a red tide and to hard to see when snorkeling so we just got in the water and swam with them. These were leopard sharks off the coast of San Diego at La Jolla beach. These things were amazing. Very shy never got closer than a foot away so I never got to touch one, but incredible just the same. I have to say standing in the ocean breathing the fresh crisp air, enjoying the warmth of the sun hugging my shoulders as the sea lions on the rocks 100 yards away are barking and they sea gulls are crying and looking around at 35 to 40 of these gentle creatures swimming in the water around you has got to be one of the most spiritual moments I have ever had. Next on the list…the most misunderstood the Great White.

I would like to dive with sharks.

I love sharks and have always wanted to dive with them. I am certified to dive…just need to go where I can accomplish this.

Dived with reef sharks in Fiji. It was awesome to see them swimming around in the distance.

Some dives just 2 or 3 present. Other times there were 50-70 hammerheads hovering overhead.

It’s pretty exciting. And it helps you break thru some of the myths of what’s dangerous and what’s not.

Of course, you always have to treat the sea and it’s creatures with mortal respect. There are tiny creatures like coneshells and sea snakes that can kill you faster than a great white shark.

I was watching the discovery channel’s “Shark Week” for the fiftieth time and I said “What the hell, I’m not married, I have no kids, I have good job and two months worth of vaction”. Within a few days I was booked with “San Diego Shark Diving”. You don’t have to be certified but it helps. The trip out was a royal bitch! 22 hours on an 80 ft boat; I got little sick…then a little more. When we got to the island, Guadalupe, Mexico, the water was calm and the sharks were already there! For three days I was in and out of the cage with 10 to 16 ft Great White sharks swimming so close I could flick them on the nose! Got lots of pictures and had great food as well. The operation I went with was absolutely first rate. After being in the cage a while you begin to relax and realize where the hell you are and how amazing it is. It was awsome and even with the rough trip out to the island I would do again.

I’ve dived with little baby reef sharks. I’m talking about the bigs ones you need a cage for! Not that easy to do in Dublin. I hear South Africa is great for it though.

If you are ever in Cape Town take the time to get out to Gansbaii and go out to Shark Alley. One of the best things I’ve ever done. I actually hate the ocean and I sucked it up for this experience. It was 100% worth it.

... I love sharks! They’re amazing creatures and misrepresented most of the time! This is something I have got to do. Probably more than once!!! =)