Confronting My Fears: A Surfer's Shark Diving Experience with One Ocean Diving
As a surfer, one of my biggest fears has always been coming face to face with a shark. The idea of sharing the ocean with these incredible yet intimidating creatures is enough to make anyone think twice before paddling out. I vividly remember paddling back to shore in Maui alongside a baby tiger shark, and to be honest, I was terrified. It was a stark reminder that we’re in their territory. So, on a trip to O'ahu, while testing out some of our new Vampire Surf Club products, we decided it was time to confront that fear head-on. With the south swell dropping off and our surf stoke reaching its peak, there was no better time to take the plunge—literally.
We had heard about the Pelagic Shark Diving Tour with One Ocean Diving from a couple of friends who swore it would help ease my fear of sharks. I figured we’d be diving with some small, non-threatening species—maybe some hammerheads or reef sharks. I was so wrong!
An Unforgettable Introduction
One Ocean Diving, founded by Ocean Ramsey and Juan Oliphant, is more than just a thrill-seeking adventure. It's an immersive conservation program designed to educate and shift the narrative around sharks—from fear to fascination. Ocean Ramsey, a marine conservationist, scientist, and freediver, has dedicated her life to studying and protecting sharks. Along with Juan Oliphant and her team of biologists, she has created an educational experience that allows people to see these creatures up close, without the barriers of cages or preconceived fears.
The day started with a short safety briefing onshore, where we were told to avoid wearing white or yellow clothing and to leave our smartwatches behind (apparently, they emit signals that attract the sharks!). Instead of the usual protective cage, we were handed snorkels and fins—just us and the open ocean.
Into the Blue
As we headed three miles offshore, I couldn't ignore the knot in my stomach—that feeling that leaves you wondering if it’s just nerves or if you ate something weird last night?!
Our safety diver explained that sharks are often misunderstood. Despite their fearsome reputation, they're not particularly interested in humans. Although they can smell us in the water, it's more like smelling a bar of soap for them rather than a basket of fries.
The One Ocean team of biologists and safety divers entered the water first, and as I watched them, I couldn’t help but recall all the reels on Instagram of people about to dive in, only to see a shark lunging at them. I hesitated for a second, then took the plunge.
The first thing that struck me was the incredible blue color, an intense, rich dark blue abyss. I had never snorkeled in such deep water. To my surprise, I felt a strange sense of calm once I was in the water. The first location was teeming with life, and we spotted white tips and mako sharks gliding below us, about 30 feet down. They were majestic, almost ethereal, and suddenly, my fear was replaced with awe. I couldn’t wait to go back in for more.
Face to Face with a Tiger Shark
The second location brought us face to face with one of the ocean's most formidable predators—the tiger shark. As we approached, Ocean Ramsey and her team were already in the water, preparing to dive. Just as we arrived, a nine-foot tiger shark breached the surface, showing off its tattered fin and battle-scarred body.
Entering the water, we were surrounded by 9-10 adult tiger sharks. We watched as they glided effortlessly through the water. These majestic, prehistoric creatures were not interested in us and seemed completely unbothered by our presence.
A New Perspective
The next day, I felt a newfound sense of calm while surfing. I knew the sharks were there, but I also knew they weren’t as excited about us as we are about them. Am I still terrified of encountering a great white off the coast of California? Absolutely yes. But if it ever happens, I hope to remember what the safety diver told us: “Face the shark, don’t act like prey.”
How You Can Help Save Sharks
Diving with sharks was an eye-opening experience that deepened my respect for these incredible creatures. Unfortunately, sharks are under constant threat from human activities. Over 100 million sharks are killed each year due to shark fin soup, commercial fishing, and products derived from sharks, like certain cosmetics and pet foods. Here’s how you can help protect them:
- Boycott Shark Products: Avoid any products containing shark-derived ingredients, such as squalene found in some cosmetics and supplements. By reducing demand, we can help reduce the number of sharks killed each year.
- Reduce Seafood Consumption: Commercial fishing not only depletes shark populations directly through bycatch but also reduces their food sources. Cutting back on seafood consumption can lessen this impact.
- Support Conservation Efforts: Booking a shark dive with One Ocean Diving, contributing to or volunteering with organizations dedicated to marine conservation can make a significant difference in protecting sharks and their habitats.
- Spread Awareness: Educate others about the critical role sharks play in the marine ecosystem and the threats they face. The more people understand, the more support there will be for shark conservation.
Dive into Adventure and Conservation
If you find yourself in O'ahu, I can’t recommend enough the experience of diving with sharks through One Ocean Diving. It’s not just about confronting fears; it’s about transforming your perspective. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of these misunderstood creatures and a renewed sense of responsibility for protecting our oceans.
Check out One Ocean Diving and take the plunge—literally—and discover the awe-inspiring world beneath the waves. You might just find, as I did, that the creatures you once feared are now the ones you’re inspired to protect.
