Is this a first on the Ca Waters ?

Here you go

First fatality in So Cal from a shark attack. I was in the water yesterday and something felt "off"... as in not just the waves. Prayers go out to his family.

The water was very cold this morning, according to the Weather Channel. Great White sharks thrive in cold water. A surfer or swimmer in a wet suit, looks a lot like a seal or sea lion to these sharks. Most fatal shark attacks are due to loss of blood, and not due to the victim being eaten whole.

Too bad there's no surf today. Nothing like clearing out the line up!

GREAT COVERAGE! The rest of the media world needs to take a lesson from you guys.

Not the first So Cal fatality. Woman died in 1994 off Ocean Beach/Point Loma, this is still debated as to weather it was cauesd by shark. Robert Pamperin died off La Jolla Cove in 1959 when he was eaten whole by large great white in front of his eye witness friend, never recovered body. Read about it on International Shark Attack File.

WOW! I'm Freaking out! However, I'm not surprised because I've heard that Great Sharks are out there in our waters! If there are seals in our waters it makes sense that sharks will come and find them. Now maybe we can evict the shark food that is currently being protected at La Jolla Cove. Our hearts and prayers are with the family of the victim of this creature of the deep. Sea you in the surf of life! Peace out! Rik

Funny, in a perverted sort of way. It was just this morning, before I headed off to fish from the beach, I asked Hank at Rosie's Diner what he thought would be the best bait. Off-handedly he said use human. Appears he was correct.

SD surfers have all seen the shark fins in the water. We also knew that a great white was not out of the question and actually expected. The sea did not warm at all last year and these sharks thrive in cold water. And like Rik stated, we have the seals so it's logical that their main predators are there too. However "evicting" the seals from Children's is not going to get rid of the sharks. They will follow the seals.

I've been waiting for something like this to happen for years now, and it's going to get very big and ugly politically. There's a huge tourist industry centered around San Diego, and it's all about the ocean. Somebody joked about this in the forum, but it's no joke. People aren't going to come here if they think they'll get eaten while swimming, and that's going to ding the general tourist biz as well as the some of the surfing biz. I'm predicting there's going to be major political pressure in San Diego and So Cal in general to get to the root of the problem: not only shark hunting, but seal hunting (or at least banishment) too. And the counterpressure will come from the eco folks, who the surfing industry has been increasingly aligned with. I can empathize with how all sides are going to feel about this, and wish to hell I'll be able to surf North County again someday without jumping out of my skin every time there's a splash.

I'm a Trestles lifeguard and there has been sightings already this year at Trail 1 just like in 2003. Use caution and stack the good karma points up, cause you never know.

Karma wont help southern califonians.

I've seen some dead seals over the last couple weeks on the beach around San Elijo. The other day, I went up to one to look for a shark bite but it stunk too bad to get close. I wonder if this shark has been around for a while. It's bad karma to kill a shark. It's their ocean, not ours...

I surfed dawn patrol this morning at River Jetties. The water was very cold and glassy. A large group of dolphins cruised by as well as a seal. I wonder what else was cruising by??? Condolences and prayers to the family.

to all people east of the 5, dont come to the beach ever again. SHARKS!!!!!!

it is surprising it does not happen more. i am from santa cruz and surfing here all the way up to A�o Nuevo and it hardly happens but you guys should not be scared i am sure there are sharks around you everytime your out surfing we just dont get attacked all the time

ENTER THE OCEAN...BECOME PART OF THE FOOD CHAIN

Please stop being insensitive. This man had people who loved him. It's not a laughing matter. My condolences to his family and friends. Where is the sympathy in this state?

I've always felt the warm blanket of comfort telling myself that "shark attacks don't happen in So. Cal" That sux because I usually surf alone.

I was out yesterday with a friend at cardiff and there wasn't a sole in the water! waves were fun, chest high on set and super glassy ... longboard fun ... something felt off though.. eerie feel about the water and saw an unusual amount of sea life, seal, few random solo dolphins and a large fin 200 yards out to sea for a brief moment. Just after sighting the larger fin all the seals and dolphins and even birds were no where to be seen.. right about dark so i headed in. I estimate the fin to be about 20-24 inches and not like any other i had seen. I didn't mention it ot my friend since just the two of us and din't wanna spook! instead just suggested to head in! Wow, I guess it is that time of year when crazy shit happens though!

Seals are Great Whites' favorite food. So getting rid of their favorite means they will find other things to eat... Plus because we are over fishing local waters, there is less food for them, except of course for swimmers and surfers.

I'm from Solana Beach and once saw a White shark at Rivermouth (aka Dog's Beach) rise to the surface and then slowly fall back into the depths. They are up and down SoCal; no question. After diving w/ Whites in Guadalupe Island, I have seen that they do not have black, lifeless eyes. Their eyes are penetratingly expressive and it was clear to me that although the sharks knew it was a free tuna lunch off the boat, there was no mistake that these 16 ft-ers would consider eating you. Anyone silly enough to believe the "mistaken identity" theory should youtube the White shark attack off of Chile. No mistake there; no question. The notion the (2nd) most adept predator in the sea is going to mistake a person for a seal is laughable. The White shark has perceptive faculties that defy description and our comprehension, e.g., lateral lines. This is an evolutionary adaptation to differntiate prey and ensures that we are most often off the menu. Unless, of course, the White shark is that hungry.

We surfers enter the ocean on a regular basis. The water is almost always cold in Santa Cruz and the Northern California Coast, and we hardly ever see Great White Sharks - but we all know they are there... That's reality. In the water world, every time you enter the ocean - you enter a food-chain world - you either accept it, or you don't go in... Fortunately, tragic events like this are very rare... So, enjoy the ocean, don't worry about it, or you'll ruin your Kharma, and become fish food. We are in their environment - and that's their reality and thus also ours. Your chances of a mishap are much greater on the Freeway driving to work, I'm sure ...

So a man loses his life to a shark today, and the photo you chose to run on your homepage is some over-top stock shot of a shark's mouth wide open. Really great call. Now I remember why I don't subscribe to Surfer anymore.

Wow, poor guy, Tabletops is a great break when there is some swell. Think I'll keep surfing there though. Will be weary of the dolphins though

For those suggesting we eradicate local seals and other shark food (and sharks themselves), how about you stay out of the water? Then you, personally, have nothing to worry about. Yes, it is a tragedy. Must have been horrific - I can't imagine surfing next to a large shark without sweating a little... but the ocean is the sharks' realm. Stick to aquariums if you feel the need to pretend to be an apex predator. It's nature, not "Jaws". Bloody on a regular basis? Yes. Cause to further eradicate sea life? No. (And Rik, those seals in La Jolla draw A LOT of tourists...) Thousands of swimmers and surfers enter the water every single day in California without incident. Take a moment to appreciate that. Humanity is far more frightening...

Right on M. Ward. We knew they were always there. Now we know that they're getting more aggressive as they take up residence in once warmer waters. My sympathies go out to the family, may peace find you soon.

We must do what we can to accelerate global warming. Warming our ocean is the best way to send these evil doers back to their traditionally native waters.

Thoughts and prayers to the victim's family and friends. Hey T.W. Nice comments. Here is a tragedy and you make that stupid comment about clearing out the lineup. What a jerk!

Lots of talk about "karma" in this post. Here's some "food" for thought....."he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword". What is wiser, to kill for your food, or to open the ground and create food? How about "thou shalt not kill"? And one last tidbit...."I don't eat them, and they don't eat me". Since becoming a vegetarian years ago, I was involved in a nose to nose standoff with a charging 10ft Bull Shark, possibly the most prolific man biter out there, and I'm convinced that, at the very least, my karmic reward for not eating God's creatures, was to be spared by this hungry beast and it's equal sized partner. My sincere condolances to the family and friends of the victim.

what is wrong with you cowlifornians? you friggn left coast left wing hippie tree huggn barnyard kooks...if i hear one more reference to karma i'm going to puke. you really are a bunch of magic carpet ridin, pot smokin, maharishi mahesh yogi pseudo spiritual buffoons.

All you punks come to Hawaii and see the sharks over here we got all kinds and Great Whites too! What's new?

this is too weird, I've read a couple people say things have been "off" lately. My friend and I paddled out Sat. night around 6:30, the only two out, towards the end of our sess, things got spooky, the dolphins were acting weird, things were "off". I paddled the same spot (a few miles north of Solana) the next morning, only guy on this particular peak, no one around for about 100 yards, again the dolphins were acting weird, they weren't body surfing like usual, it was almost as if they were circling, and I've read stories about them doing that to protect people, and that scared the living (blank) out of me for a minute, but like an idiot, I caught a wave and surfed for a couple more hours. I know its red tide, so hopefully thats whats got the dolphins and other stuff acting "off", cause tomorrow I'm surfing Oceanside with the crowds, no more solo sessions for a litlle bit...

Theres no karma to this. He was a vet. He spent his life saving animals. This is a sad and unfortunate event. His family and friend read this. Show some respect.

Seriously, how old are some of you? Think if this was one of your friends or loved ones? Would you be making these types of remarks? You know his family and friends can read, and have computers. This poor man died in YOUR BACKYARD today and you use this story as a vehicle to show your ignorance and lack of respect.... I hope this MD is in a better place now, at least he died doing what he felt passion for....RIP.

What's your point Kala? (Alexander, I assume) Come on over to Santa Cruz and Norcal for the winter...we'll see who's a punk!!

My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the victim.

I am so saddened by the news of this attack. My family has swam in these waters our whole life. I am sick to my stomach over this. I hope that Dave's family knows the community is praying for them. Everyone in our community is very upset by this, especially the local swimmers. This event is more than "karma". This man spent his life doing what God wanted him to do. God Bless him for living a full life and being called upon while doing something he loved. Amen to that!

I have surfed and fished So. Cal beaches from Monterey to San Diego for over 30 yrs. I went face to nose with a 10ft Tiger once that scared the &^%p outta me. I read all of your ignorant comments about eradicating seals,sharks etc. Either respect nature of stay dry, its that simple. As far as the rest of you heartless morons, show a little respect for this guys family. You are all proving to the world how shallow and callus some Cali people can be. Remember, the next time this happens it could be one of your friends or family. Would your posts be the same?

My thoughts are prayers are with Dave and his family. Not only was he our former family vet, he was a friend. He has a family - a wife and young son who I have known for years. He did what he loved and should be respected. The people not taking this seriously should step back and imagine how they would feel if this was their loved one. Life is too precious and sometimes it takes something like this to realize it. Rest in Peace...

All the people out there, that are saying all this cruel stuff, have some sympathy for the mans family. The idiot that was asking what type of bait to use, while surf fishing, dude you need to have your %%% kicked, and your lucky I dont know who you are, or I would do it myself. Yes It.s the sharks world out there, we are the visitors to there world. But the people who are making a mockery of this,should have their butts kicked. I cant believe, their blog was even put out, let's do some editing.And the dude who made the smart remark about the bait to be used, come find me dude we will have it out.

I joked about being bitten when I surfed in Carlsbad after the attack. Nonetheless, Brandi posting was correct we should be sensitive when posting. Life is a gift and surfing for me is one of the greatest gifts. I understand many medical professionals and first responders joke to deal with a traumatic event but they are professionals and for the most part respect the family loss. This is called professionalism and I think people, who post on the web should role model behavior of these professionals. Respect the gravity of others losses, PLEASE. Surfers and water lovers are special people in my eyes. True waterman/woman respects the oceans and the adherent risk. True surfers are not necessarily the best surfers. True surfers and water-persons hold the spirit of the ocean by respecting the ocean and others. My thoughts go to the family for no one can fathom the degree of thier loss.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Martin's family at this time.

wow!!! That is a true shame. At least he passed in something he truly enjoyed. Rest in peace, i have always had a fear of being in the ocean. And that unfortunate death and tragedy goes to show that the least unexpected can happen in a moments notice. We are in there fish tank, every time we paddle out there is always that chance, goes to show it can happen to anybody....That shark will get his day....

The first comment by Michael Spencer Taylor is ridiculous. "Is this the first in CA waters?" Northern California has the most shark attacks in the world. Idiot. And George Bubya says "We must do what we can to accelerate global warming" You have to be kidding me people!!!!!

our deepest sympathies and prayers got out to Dr Martins family.It is most unfortunate and rare for a fatal shark attack to happen.Sharks are amazing beautiful animals its just a shame we sometimes can mistaken for there prey.Lets hope there are no more attacks our prayers are with you all at this tragic time

My sympathies go out to the friends and families of the victim. It was a horrible accident but lets remember it is still a very rare incident. No reason to freakout and be scared of our ocean. It is the most rewarding place to be. I know it won't stop me from appreciating it. I'm sure that Dr. Martin would feel the same.

When I went to Hawaii last summer I was scared shitless to get in the water, but I did anyway. It was the first time I've ever surfed Hawaii so I was extra scared. I paddled out with a local I met on the shore told him the story or whatever so he said he'd accompany me. Once we got to thw line-up we split up. There was about 15 other guys out there so I felt safe. Nonetheless, it was in the back of my mind that some shark is gonna come from under me and start rocking me. When I left Waikiki and went to Maui, I didn't surf there but did swim a lot. I'd snorkel or what not and even then, I'd turn around every few seconds just to make sure nothing was following me. I respect the ocean so much I don't even pee in it. That's their home, their turf. We're the ones terrorizing it. My prayers go out the family but sharks don't know any better. They're carnivores. The ocean is one thing I will not fuck with.

As a 20yr ocean lifeguard in SoCal, I've wondered if Great Whites would ever become a problem in our waters. Seals are everywhere and it's just a matter of time when the sharks take a look. Looks like we know who really owns the ocean. My heart goes out to the family and friends of David.

very unfortunate situation. your more likely to die in a car crash for sure. the ocean brings so much joy to so many people it is worth the risk. Gnarly though. god bless him and family.

No shit Vern lol. Sharks rule the ocean. They don't play, they have no mercy. Sure they don't know the difference between a seal and a human when they see one. But notice how sharks don't eat humans whole a lot of the time. They notice a difference on our meat and blood I'm assuming.

Having grown up surfing in the Pacific Northwest, I have a healthy level of fear/respect for "Whitey," and I've closely followed most of the data on west coast attacks in the last 20-ish years. It seems that most of the bite-and-release attacks occur on the victim's midsection and thigh; thus, my conclusion is that sharks hit femur, a bone totally unfamiliar to seal anatomy, and realize the mistake. Sadly, esp. for Dr. Martin, too late. Prayers to him and his family.

My guess is the fatal shark attack in Solana Beach was due to the triathlete taking a piss in the ocean before his swim, which attracted the shark! � If an ocean predator can detect a small amount of blood in the water, imagine the scent of a�pool of mammal urine! �It may be why he was singled out of all the other swimmers, but we will never know. With over 40 years of surfing and ocean diving experience, I have learned to never pee while in the water! � Urinating also endangers others in the ocean nearby! Tom Joliet 21722 Ocean Vista Dr. Unit H Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.499.1751

Ken you punk! I'll come over to Santa Cruz and surf anywhere you do from the Lane to Anno Nuevo to wherever bitch! And I'll piss in your surf breaks too!

seems the obvious answer for surfers is to pay attention to the sealife when you're in the water... any sharks out hunting and the rest of the sealife responds accordingly... learn to listen and communicate with your environment... also animals are cretures of habit... as they have migration patterns they have hunting patterns... sharks tend to hunt at the changes of tides... condolences to the friends and family... rest of you stop bitchin' and learn to listen... oh yeah ps, and since there are inherent dangers to surfing (e.g. being shreded by a shark...) do yourself and ur surf-buddies a favor and get CPR certification u could, maybe, possibly save a life!

1 out of a PACK of swimmers? 66 years old? Bitten to the thighs? Obviously he was singled out,probably peed[sharky catnip]. Age worthy of judgement day, he lost[not to be insensitive, we all have to pass on one day, any day we provoke the gods is judgement day]. Your thighs are the same size of a seal pair, how can sharky differentiate. Spring time is migration time and the catch is better inside the kelp beds. Jeff, about the foods we eat, our bodies expell the excess hormones, protiens, bacteria, from everything we eat and touch through our sweat and urine, SHARKY HAS A NOSE. When sharky gets old and dies he becomes the lowest form of sea life and is RECYCLED into whatever dines on the PROTIEN. How long have the WILD creatures existed? God bless you all.

The bottom of my recent boards are pigmented (lam. on the raw foam across the width)with broad black and white bands (but could be any color combo with max. dark/light contrast) as well are my diving and surfing wetsuits.Might look like a escapee from a southern prison work farm but I'll play the odds.Pelagic sharks commonly have a symbiotic relationship with black and white banded jacks called pilotfish and in tropical seas (i.e.- micronesia) the grey reef sharks will begin an attack on the seasnakes feeding on the bottom only to turn and flee when the seasnakes wave their banded tails in the sharks face.Apparently, the sharks have learned over the milleniums that the seasnakes are a dietary no-no (strong nurotoxins). I used to be a black wetsuit "elitist" until the day I ran into a 12-14' whitey here where I live in Baja.A short while later I had the Chinese wetsuit lady at the S.D. sports arena swapmeet make me my banded wet suits and began using the banded color schemes on my boards.Goo

Best wishes to Martin's family. A friend and I had a white shark encounter in January of 2001 at an outer reef in La Jolla. It swam underneath us, surfaced, and continued on. We got the creepy feeling right before we saw it too, and for the 1st time in my surfing life, I was going to paddle in because I felt "creeped out." Then Bam! a big ragged fin slowly surface, then cruised off. On the way back in we saw dolphin fins. It was truly terrifying, and I won't go out alone in La Jolla reefs anymore on big days when its breaking far out. Trust your instincts, they may actually be on to something.

im from eastern australia im sort of use to shark attacks i say dont go to the sandiego beaches any more

I encountered a shark when I was snorkeling in Montauk, New York. He was huge. I had no way of escaping his territory, as I was real deep. Finally, when my air begain to run out, I started to surface. He was still there, as I could see him swimming around me. As I got closer, I could sense that he was getting closer. I feared for my life. Finally, I surfaced and got my mask off to scream to my friend in the boat. It was then that it clamped on to my thigh. He dragged me down and I could see the water cloud with blood. My friend jumped into the water with a new shark repellant device that puts out high voltage electricity. He zapped the shark and he let go. A large chunk of my leg has eaten, but I was spared. My friend said it was an 11-13 foot White Shark with a huge jaw capable of eating me whole if he wanted. I am very, very lucky to have survived.

I HAVE SURFED ALL MY LIFE AND I AM NOW 59. I HAVE TWO SONS 12, AND 8 YRS OF AGE AND THEY ARE LEARNING TO SURF WITH ME. THE BOTTOM LINE IS SIMPLE--LIKE THE REST OF THE EDUCATED, INTELLIEGENT WORLD, WHERE HUMANS ARE VALUED MORE THAN ANIMALS, AS THEY OBVIOUSLEY SHOULD BE, WE MUST INSTALL SHARK NETS TO PROTECT HUMAN BEINGS. THE BEST ONES ARE IN HONG KONG WHERE SINCE PUTTING THEM UP THEY HAVE NOT HAD ONE FATALITY. BEFORE THIS THEY HAD ABOUT THREE TO FOUR FATALITIES A YEAR. WE NEED HIGH QUALITY SHARK NETS ASAP WHICH ARE TO BE MAINTAINED ON A WEEKLY BASIS--INSPECTED TWICE WEEKLY IN HONG KONG.