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[Daddy-O]

I am new to kayaking. As a matter of fact, I haven't even purchased my kayaks yet! I am still making my final decisions on this. Anyway, what about these creatures of the deep?! I will be kayaking on the south side of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Sea. We have warm water, and I was just curious is sharks have been a problem for anyone and if it should be a concern of mine? We also have the largest salt water lake on the island close to my home. We have beautiful flamingos and large croc's in those waters. Should I avoid that lake because of the croc's? Lastly, we have humpback whales that come into a bay on the north-east coast every year. Is it stupid to go out into the bay in my kayak to do some whale watching?

Daddy-O

[Richard]

I dont think many of us have done much, if any, kayaking in waters that are home to sharks, crocs or humpback whales. I have been up close to the Orca or killer whale in a 27 ft power boat - quite by accident - and I would certainly not get anywhere near them in an inflatable kayak. They are a formidable, powerful and beautiful creature who deserves a lot of space. Whale watchers are advised to stay at least 100 yards so as not to spook or bother them. I would think the same would apply to humpback whales. Personally, I would not take my kayak into waters that are home to crocs - large or small - especially if I had children in the kayak with me. Not sure about the sharks ---- I would think you would be okay as long as you aren't in the water but why take the risk? What if you were to capsize? If you have safer waters nearby without the danger of sharks, crocs or migrating and feeding whales, why not go there instead and relax and enjoy yourself?

[Daddy-O]

Here are some of those crazy whale watching kayakers (I hope these links work):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqu8dtancYc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORWX0soDMVI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De0ZmiMZSC0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELtl9NRmYwk

I think I'll avoid the lake with the crocs, and doubt I would intentionally go where whales or sharks were lurking, but you never know what is under you in the big blue ocean (or, in our case, sea). We will be safe, though, and run through scenarios with the family so that we are prepared for what we might encounter (including sharks or whales).

Daddy-O

[PJohanson]

Erring on the side of caution sounds good, especially when it comes to large animals in the water!
Talk to your local paddling store and club. They should have good advice for you about the saltwater lake and the crocodiles.
Here on the West Coast in the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands, the advice is Do Not Approach Whales. If they approach, knock on your (hardshell) kayak and talk, and paddle away from them.
We just don't talk about sharks. They're here, they do whatever they want, and don't seem to want to bite kayaks. Sometimes a surfer down in California gets bit, then spit out -- maybe the shark thinks the surfer is a seal.

[diemonde]

If you think these are dangerous watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1BDYTsmmPk&feature=related



To get back to your question. I guess if you are with a group risks are less as others can help you get back into the kayak or out of the water. Some eskimo-roll exercise wouldn't be any luxery as well. If you get tipped you get back up quickly.

If you are going alone you might want to consider a device like the sharkpod:
http://www.sharkshield.com/Content/About+Us/Shark+Attack+Stories/#Kayaking

They don't come cheap, but life itself isn't for sale...

[taylorlauder]

Nice place you have there man. Carribean is certainly one of my dream spots right now. I haven't experience using my kayak on such places with whales and sharks. But I guess I'll avoid them if I were in your shoes.


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