Re: [Paddlewise] Shark Attack folo

> From: Jennifer Pivovar <kayak_at_headwinds.org>

> I recall reading last year that the color yellow is
> actually an attractor for shark. This was after one
> of the high-profile east-coast US shark attacks that
> happened along our mid-Atlantic.  Can anyone confirm
> or corroborate this?


Read where?  This "theory" crops up on various paddling, surfing
and diving lists from time to time (any lists that involves getting
into the water... we love our monster stories :-)  Sometimes the
rumor evolves to include other colors or combinations of colors. 
Makes gear manufacturers really happy to oblige those who hunt for 
the colors sharks "avoid."

There is no conclusive evidence that supports the yellow preference
myth.  

I was told by a retailer that more yellow kayaks are sold than
any other color (yellow is especially popular with rentals).  If
the color yellow for kayaks isn't number one, it's awfully close.  
Taking that into consideration, you'd think that if the above rumor
was correct, there'd be shark attacks on kayaks happening all over 
the place.  

It simply isn't the case.  As a matter of fact, it's extremely rare 
for *any* color kayak.

Cheers,

Jackie
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