Close Encounter
The images above were taken by professional surf & underwater photographer, Dale Kobetich.
Sharks.
What do we know about these illustrious creatures of the deep?
We know:
1. Sharks are fish. Fish that come in Large & X-Large sizes…
2. Sharks have teeth. That are commonly used for biting.
3. Sharks mistake people for food.
Being one of the oldest predators on this planet, sharks have had a bad rap for quite some time. While all of the facts listed above are true, it can also be found in the recent case of Dale Kobetich, that sharks are not the mindless killers we humans deem them to be. Yes, they bite. Yes, they sometimes mistake humans (more commonly surfers & swimmers) for lunch… But, call me crazy I don’t think that these creatures, these amazing marine animals deserve the fate that we, humans are bestowing upon them and their environment.
I am citing the story of Dale Kobetich for a number of reasons. Firstly, what he was able to capture on film is both rare and unique. To give readers a little background…
According to the story posted on Surfline February 18th, 2010, Dale Kobetich was swimming and taking surf photos one winter morning in Newport Beach California, when something rather unusual occurred. At the time, Dale was anchored underneath the Newport pier treading in the shadows… (A little eerie, yes.) However, I am assuming he was simply setting up a shot, when all of the sudden he saw a dark object coming at him. Dale, thinking this object was a seal, stuck out his arm that was holding his camera water housing & took a photo.
When Dale pressed the”live view button” his heart lurched into his throat because he immediately realized what he captured was no seal, but none other then anyone’s worst nightmare in the ocean. A shark.
Dale then proceeded to do what NO sane person could do in this moment of horror. He remained calm, stood his ground, and geared up for a daunting duel with natures most keen predator. The shark did what sharks do… It circled. It began making passes at Dale, thinking he was a helpless snack. Dale remained poised and DID NOT flail, kick, swim, freak out… ect. When the shark made a deadly pass at Kobetich, he punched forward his camera housing and struck the shark.
The shark not at all expecting this reaction from his prey, circled briefly after and disappeared into the depths.
First of all- KOBETICH is my personal hero, not because he survived a shark attack.
But because he:
a) GOT the photos to prove it
b) Was out there the next morning @ 5:45 am shooting once again.
What a badass.
Secondly, I believe that people need to understand these creatures, and with that knowledge will gain a form of appreciation for these animals. A friend of mine, Luke Tipple is a representative for an NPO called, “Shark-Free Marinas” and I believe that this organization is a key to aiding conservation of these misunderstood creatures. This quote comes directly from their website:
“The Shark-Free Marina Initiative has a singular purpose, to reduce worldwide shark mortality. We encourage shark conservation at sport fishing and resort marinas by prohibiting the landing of any shark at the participating marina. The SFMI works with marinas, fishermen and like minded non-profit groups to form community conscious policy and increase awareness of the need to protect our sharks, our ocean and our legacy.”
I believe this to be a noble initiative to increase awareness, so check it out when you have a chance by clicking here.
