Re: [Paddlewise] Yum Yum Yellow (Was Tape)

In a message dated 8/1/2002 11:43:04 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
AgentOrange05_at_aol.com writes:


> What's this "yum yum yellow" theory you are speaking of?
> 
To my understanding the term Yum Yum Yellow was first coined by divers, clad 
in yellow body or wetsuits. The color originally was developed as an effort 
to distinguish humans from typical shark prey. Indeed, sharks see fairly well 
and can distinguish color. However, efforts at camoflage resist success due 
to the variety of sharks, their feeding habits and the persons activities in 
the water. Those interested in minimizing encounters with sharks should read 
scientific periodicals about the sharks common in the area they most often 
paddle. Avoid the Attack related material ( Summer of the Shark!) as its 
intention is different from the cold data about the habits and capabilities 
of sharks local to your paddling adventures.

A kayaker has an interesting profile to a shark. It is an side stroking, 
elongated silhouette that appears to be swimming slowly or weakly compared to 
other prey. A color matters little as objects at the surface are usually seen 
in silhouette from below. Thus from the kayakers point of view Yellow is not 
necessarily an attractant to sharks. The profile is far more stimulating than 
the color in silhouette.

One shark in particular, the Great White, most often strikes from below and 
behind. they have good daytime vision, owing to the high density of cone 
receptors in their retina. They are not attracted to visual shapes that do 
not suggest typical prey, such as squares, triangles, etc. Unfortunately for 
shortboard surfers, their boards, regardless of color, appeal lustily to the 
Great White. They look very similar to Elephant seals, their favorite prey. 
They have been known to attack kayaks off the California coast, though very, 
very few of them. Number one on the shark vs human interaction list is 
surfers. From there it is a long list of water sports enthusiasts til you get 
to kayaker. (Read American Scientist: Volume 82; 1994, March-April; The 
Predatory Behavior of the White Shark, by Dr. Peter Klimley.)

Hanging out in warm water estuaries is a great way to be bumped by a shark. 
My wife was bumped 2 or 3 times in the 10,000 islands area of Florida. Murky 
water transmits color very poorly, though the hulls of both our kayaks are 
black. Activity has a lot to do with attacks, color very little.

While we are on the reflective tape thread, be advised that barracuda and 
sharks love bright flashes. If you are a tropical or subtropical paddler with 
reflective tape installed on your paddle blades you might be attracting 
undesired undersea company. Reflective tape flashes might have the appearance 
of the sun's reflection of fishes fusilage or scales. I once entertained a 5 
foot barracuda while diving as he or she was intrigued by a very polished 
stainless steel watch. I took the watch off and buried it in my wetsuit, 
never to take it to the water again.

Have fun,

Rob G
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