I decided to head out to Linda Mar today for a surf session. I didn’t expect much given the forecasts. Gloomy weather, moderate onshore winds, mild swell. What surprised me was an empty summer lineup at Pacifica. There was one other surfer in the water with me for the first half-hour or so, and he was easily 100 feet north of where I was positioned. The next two hours I had the ocean all to myself. Took a fun board out and caught a few really good rides. Fun day. Came out of the water, got dressed, then saw this sign.

The sign posted on the beach said, “Shark Sighted 8-30-10”

Something felt weird being out there, no question. The vibe was a little off. The presence of a shark was probably why. I later found out that a great white shark measuring 18 to 25 feet was seen chasing a sea lion. A surfer last saw the great white shark munching on a sea lion around noon. I got in the water at 1 PM, didn’t get out until 3:30 PM.

During the course of my session I saw a few surfers on the beach, dressed in their wetsuits, gazing out into the ocean and deciding not to get in. A couple of guys put their feet in, carrying surfboards, then turned around and left. I thought all of it to be peculiar, but also thought that maybe they were just beginners behaving in their usual kooky style.

A short time before I got out of the water, a bunch of groms probably just getting out of school got into the water. An older gentleman and what looked to be his son also started surfing. I don’t know if they missed the sign like I did, or saw me surfing out there and went for it. Maybe they simply didn’t care, who knows.

I’m counting my blessings today.