River mouths and channels. This is where food, dead animals, and fish that are flowing down-stream enter the ocean, making them great spots for sharks to hang out. [3] X Research source Areas where sewage enters the water. The sewage attracts fish, which will attract sharks. [4] X Research source Deep channels, near sandbars, or where the reef or sand drops off steeply. Sharks lurk in these areas to catch fish that wander out of the shallows. [5] X Research source hhttp://surfing. about. com/od/timelytips/a/How-To-Avoid-Shark-Attacks-While-Surfing. htm Where large groups of shark prey hang out. If there are seals pupping nearby or a population of other marine animals in the area, sharks may be hunting nearby and could easily confuse you with prey. [6] X Research source

Water can be especially murky following storms or heavy rainfall. Rain can also stir up baitfish and attract sharks. [10] X Research source

Surfing with a friend increases the chances of your survival, in the unlikely event a shark attack occurs. Most shark attack fatalities are due to not getting help fast enough. A friend who can get you out of the water and notify the lifeguard could save your life. [14] X Research source

Yellow, orange, white, and flesh-colored suits should be avoided. [16] X Research source If you have a high-contrast tan (areas of your exposed skin are very dark, while other areas are very white), wear a suit that covers those white areas, so you appear uniform in color. [17] X Research source

Some experts also recommend women take a break from surfing during menstruation. Though it is unlikely sharks associate the blood discharged during menstruation with feeding, the other fluids in the discharge may arouse a shark’s curiosity.

Try to keep the shark in your sights at all times. [21] X Research source If you notice the shark is displaying aggressive behavior (erratic movements, a hunched back, or quick turns), move as quickly as possible to a rock, nearby kelp canopy, or shore.

The surfboard’s buoyancy can prevent a shark from dragging you deep under the water, should it attack.