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When people find out they are talking to a diver, they always ask the same questions.
"Have you ever seen a shark?" Upon hearing the reply, the next question is, "Was it
scary?"
I always give the same answer. "It goes beyond fear."
Just the thought of being in the water with a man-eating shark is terrifying. There is simply
nothing you can do, and nowhere to go, other than try to find a crack or crevice to burrow
into. Even then, you know that if he wants you, he's going to dig you out ...
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The left pectoral fin of the great white was the first thing I saw. He must have come up from
behind, and then turned at the last second. The massive gray beast passed within two feet of
me, his entire body clearly visible. I watched, paralyzed, as the tail slowly swayed from side to
side. He continued a gradual, sweeping turn to his right. It was then that I had my best view of
the entire animal. It was fifteen feet long, with a huge girth, and white underbelly. His eye was
black, with a vacant stare, his large mouth slightly open.
The deliberate turn continued. He was approaching me again. Positioning my body behind the
partially full urchin bag, I watched, mesmerized. He swam right at me.
Ten feet away from me he turned, and slowly departed. I watched him disappear, the long tail
gently guiding him back to deep water. I remained motionless.