Photo Credit: lordphantom74 https://goo.gl/KjoJ6i
Nobody would fail to appreciate (and wish she’s/he’s there) the image that Paul Johnson took: a lady paddleboarding over a surface of crystal-clear body of water polished like a gleaming glass with three sharks swimming underneath. The inclusion of the human element makes it a winner, thus it was named the “Photograph of the Week” by Adventure Travel, Oceania, Pacific Islands, Regions, Speciality Travel.
The photo didn’t fail to rouse both appreciation and amazement, with a tinge of fear. What if the lady falls over and becomes the meal of the week for the sharks lurking underneath? Don’t worry, they are harmless. Check it out in A Luxury Travel Blog, Paddleboarding with Sharks in Moorea.
“… His idea was simple, to showcase the growing sport of stand-up paddleboarding amongst the amazing waters and scenery of Tahiti. The black tipped reef sharks seen in this picture are not dangerous and glide effortlessly through the water as visitors swim, snorkel and paddleboard amongst them.”
Paddleboarding
Your head will get dizzy as to where stand up paddling (SUP) really began – Hawaii, a Polynesian Island, etc. There are even claims it has been around for millennia of years. What is clear is that it has evolved in various places and now being enjoyed all over.
SUP is a water sport that offers physical benefits. Learning it can be challenging, but destinations that offer the sport usually have qualified instructors to help you get started. It will be important to receive instruction only from qualified experts, to adhere to the protocols and to use the proper gear to ensure safety.
Adventurers have leveled up the thrill by doing it in areas where there are sharks. Even when these are harmless, the notion is quite wild and daring. Aside from shark, these waters, though how calm it looks to you, harbor risks. So, get on board and have fun, but stay safe.
The Harmless Sharks
Who isn’t afraid of sharks? Thanks to shark-attack films, the whole bunch of movie watchers can’t help but think all sharks are the same, vicious and flesh-eating.
These sharks, however, will not have any fun taking a bite from your limbs; you are too gross for them. They prefer the edibles in the coral reef, like you – fish, clams, crabs, shrimps, fish eggs as well as other invertebrates you wouldn’t dream of munching.
Of course not all sharks are harmless, and there is never really any guarantee, the ones you’ll meet will be as harmless as leopard sharks and the ones in the Paul Johnson’s photo. It will help to do a bit of research, even when the resort or tour operators will tell you the sharks where you will paddleboard are harmless.
Dream Paddleboarding Destinations
- Caribbean Destinations: If you find the sun and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean irresistible, check out Caribbean Journal’s The Best Caribbean Stand-Up Paddleboarding Destinations .
“It’s true — you can find great places for the increasingly popular water sport across the Caribbean, but some Caribbean destinations are just that much better for it. Here are our favourite spots for SUP in the region.”
- North American Destinations: Patty Hodapp’s post in Outside Live Bravely lets you in on where to go if you’re in North America with this post North America’s Top 10 Beginner SUP Spots.
“The best bays, breaks, lakes, and rivers for learning the world’s fastest growing paddle sport.
- Around the World: Travel Channel offers this World’s Best Stand-Up Paddleboarding Spots.
“The water sport that’s making waves around the globe? Stand-up paddleboarding. From its start in Hawaii to its popularity along the mangroves of Key West, see the best spots to “walk on water.”
- More from Around the World: Mens’sFitness also offers the World’s Best Locations for Stand Up Paddleboarding
“You don’t need a killer set of waves to ride a stand up paddleboard: In fact, the gentle breaks in these 10 sunny locations are ideal for SUPing newbies and experts alike. Grab a paddle, a board—and hit the water”
Paddleboarding itself is fun. You don’t need sharks to level up the thrill, but if it is something you want to do, go ahead and enjoy. Just remember, to make the meet up safe, so you’ll be in one piece when you tell your tale back home.
