sharks sharks sharks!

Everyone is SO afraid of sharks. Almost EVERY single ocean-wary person I've talked to mentioned sharks were the reason they would "never dream of swimming in the ocean." What is it that makes them so frightening? Is it their multiple rows of jagged, monstrous, flesh-laden teeth? Or their ominous stare? Or that infamous blade-like fin that cuts through the water on its way to devour helpless, innocent, vacationing tourists? Psh...

I swear, Jaws created an entire generation of scaredy cats. In reality, sharks kill approximately 10 people per year worldwide (3 in 2002). That's less than deer, pigs, bees, elephants, dogs and even plastic bags. On the contrary, humans are responsible for between 20 and 100 million dead sharks per year. Now who's scarier?

The reason I'm focusing on this tender subject is because shark-phobia prevents MILLIONS of people from surfing (or getting in the ocean at all). And really, they aren't that bad! Do you know any sharks? Have you ever talked to one? Have you put yourself in their shoes? Have you seen Finding Nemo?

I had my heart set on surfing "down under," and I wasn't going to let the fact that Bondi Beach was very close to one of the largest Great White breeding grounds in the world slow me down! Not one bit! I think it would be fun to see one up close. That's one thing not many people get to do! haha... ha... heh................. okay, I was a little scared. But once I zipped up my wetsuit (which actually makes me invincible) I was ready to hit the whites, er, waves.

Much to my surprise, Vanessa was right there too. I was surprised by her fearlessness. She had never surfed and was about to step into some pretty hyooooge waves -- gold medal for courage! Ashley took her place on the beach to cheer us on as we grabbed our boards and took off toward the water. That's when I saw it...

A GIANT... GREAT... WHITE

Kidding, kidding, but I know that's what you were thinking ;-D What I saw was the surf. For a second, I just stopped and gawked at what had to be the most beautiful shoreline I had ever seen. The water was clean and clear and took on a beautiful turquoise color where it met the sand. It just looked warm. My suspicions were confirmed as I set foot into what had to be at least 75 degree water. At that point, I could care less about surfing. My mind was thinking about the billions of people that would never know nor care about Bondi Beach. I was experiencing something rare and amazing, something that people dream about. I took one more look around, registered the image in the back of my mind and promised it never will be forgotten -- EVER.

I paddled out into the green/blue abyss. The waves were beautiful. One after another, perfect. To tell you the truth, I don't really remember much from here on out. I sorta blacked out during this part of the story. That's one reason I'll never write a novel. Every time I REALLY start to have fun, I get way too excited and forget everything that happens. But the important part is I was having an amazing time. Waves were coming in. I was on top of them. ::sigh::

I walked onto the beach in my usual trance. It's a semi-glued, reminiscent smile. I glanced over to V (who had just rode her first waves ever). She had the same expression. Turns out Ash stayed the WHOLE TIME to watch. She's all, "what the heck Zac, there were like, tons of waves that you missed." Thanks for the support ;-) We packed up our stuff and hit the road. In the words of the girls, it was "time for shopping!" My turn to feel like a fish out of water (no pun intended)! HAHA! Ha! Hehe... heh... ::cricket:: ::cricket::

Anyways. I didn't make it to the Sydney Opera House this time around. But I think I still have one more chance to blogerize. On a side note, I'm back in San Luis Obispo this weekend. Good 2 be home. This really is my last summer to spend here. Next year all my friends will be gone. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to make the most out of it. So that's it!

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