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Killer Beaches: Shark Takes Surfer for a Ride

Australian coastal paradise Byron Bay is not only home to Australia's sexiest beach: It's also home to clever sharks that are trying to tow humans out into shark-infested ocean.

Okay, it's not quite like that, but this week a surfer really did get taken for a ride by a shark at Byron Bay. Surf shop owner John Morgan was out on the water when a shark came by and got tangled in his leg rope, towing him at speed for 170 feet before suddenly getting free of the rope and taking off.

It's a happy ending story since Morgan came back all in one piece, but that shark will probably blog about its experience and suddenly sharks across the world will be towing surfers away for dinner. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Related Stories:
· Shark Tows Surfer [Ananova]
· Killer Beaches 2008: Australia's Latest Shark Attack [Jaunted]
· My Beach is Sexier Than Yours [Jaunted]

[Photo: pberry]

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Killer Beaches 2008: Zihuatanejo's New Sharks

Zihuatanejo, Mexico is the latest spot that's earned a place on our Killer Beaches Map, after yet another shark attack this month. The latest cost an American surfer his thumb, but he was lucky to escape with his life: Two other surfers, one from Mexico and one from the States, were both fatally attacked in the same area earlier this year.

Environmental experts don't have an explanation for the growing shark problem, as Zihuatanejo hasn't traditionally been known for attacks. One government official says climate change may be the culprit while another says atypical ocean currents bringing giant squid to the area may be a factor.

While the beaches in Zihuatanejo haven't been closed, people are being warned against getting in the water. If you're hoping to wait out the trouble, we'd suggest doing it at one of these nice hotels.

Related Stories:
· Shark Bites US Surfer off Mexico Coast [AP, via Google]
· Zihuatanejo Hotel Guide [HC]
· Killer Beaches 2008 Map [Jaunted]

[Photo: Kevin Briody]

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Killer Beaches 2008: Australia's Latest Shark Attack

We love Australia. It's gotta be the only country in the world where a swimmer who gets attacked by a shark laughs off the experience from his hospital bed.

After the 16-foot animal--believed to be a great white--bit swimmer Jason Cull on Saturday, he calmly tried to work himself out of trouble:

It banged straight into me ... I sort of punched it, and it grabbed me by the leg and dragged me under the water. I just remember being dragged backwards underwater. I felt along it, I found its eye and I poked it in the eye, and that's when it let go.

Ah, the old poke-it-in-the-eye trick: Works every time!

As for Middleton Beach, it was closed after the attack, and a couple more sharks were reported in the wake of Cull's encounter. Sounds like a good candidate for our Killer Beaches Map.

Related Stories:
· Australian Pokes Shark in Eye to Survive [AP, via Google]
· Sharks coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: natmeister]

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Shark Travel: Climate Change Causing More Fatal Attacks

Al Gore never warned us about this: The scary rise in shark attacks--there have already been four fatal ones this year, compared to 1 in all of 2007--is due to global warming, scientists say.

It's not that the sharks get ornery when they have to put the A/C on. But as temperatures rise, more people head to the water, and thus put themselves at risk of being attacked by a shark. Dr. George Burgess of the University of Florida tells the Guardian:

As long as we have an increase in human hours in the water, we will have an increase in shark bites.

Other pressures on sharks include overfishing (which drives the predators to seek prey outside their normal hunting areas) and seal overpopulation.

Find out if your favorite beach is about to become the next "Jaws" movie with our Killer Beaches 2008 map.

Related Stories:
· Surge in Fatal Shark Attacks Blamed on Global Warming [Guardian]
· Killer Beaches 2008 coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: bsmif]

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Anti-Shark Travel: Summer in Ft. Lauderdale

With all these killer beaches, so much for a summer of frolicking in the sea, right? But Ft. Lauderdale is cleverly profiting from Florida tourists' shark-phobia by offering a ton of "beyond the beach" deals that won't leave you limbless.

Adventure-seekers can captain their own fishin' boat for a day with Best Boat Club. They're giving a full-day rental at a half-day rate, saving you $219 and giving you a few extra hours to hunt down Jaws' offspring. The tamer offers include a visit to Red Door's Lauderdale Spa for a "Signature Spa Break" massage and facial with bonus hair and makeup, which will have you feeling special when you and your date take a $99 2-for-1 cruise to Grand Bahama Island.

If you book one of the twofer tours now you'll also become the proud owner of a "Summer of Discovery" swag bag complete with beach towel and beach ball for use on your trip. Just make sure you don't use 'em too close to the water!

Related Stories:
· Summer of Discovery [Official Site]
· Shark Travel: New Smyrna Going for Gold [Jaunted]
· Killer Beaches 2008 [Jaunted]

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Dangerous Travel: Killer Beaches 2008

Have your summer beach trip all lined up? Hope you're not headed to one of this year's Killer Beaches, where for one reason or another, you're in danger the second you set foot on the sand.

From shark attacks to rip currents, the beaches that follow aren't necessarily deadly--but they can be. We've mapped 'em out so if you're still planning your getaway, you'll know which spots to avoid.

Careful out there this summer!

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Killer Beaches 2008: Where is Solana Beach?

After a fatal shark attack on Friday, about 17 miles of Southern California beaches are reopening today. Lifeguards from Torrey Pines to Carlsbad tried to keep swimmers and surfers out of the water this weekend after what officials presume to be a great white killed 66-year-old David Martin in Fletcher Cove.

Though the beach closures led to some empty strands, a few people ventured into the water anyway. One paddleboarder explained:

It's like going to see "Jaws"--getting in the water the next day, all you could think about was the music. But if you're afraid of the ocean, you shouldn't be in it.

David Martin's son, too, said the attack wouldn't keep him from surfing. And though a weekend surfing event was canceled in Encinitas, you can bet that lots more people will be itching to get back to the beach today.

Related Stories:
· Relatives Remember Shark Attack Victim [SD Union-Tribune]
· Paddleborders Venture out after Fatal Attack [AP, via Google]
· City of Solana Beach: Beaches [Official Site]
· Google Maps/Where Is... coverage [Jaunted]