Too Close For Comfort - Shark Surprises Paddle Boarder

I love to surf. I love the salty taste of the ocean water and the feeling you get when you ride one of mother natures beautiful waves. However, I hate sharks and I hate how sharks are always lurking in the ocean. Below is an amazing video shot this week in California of a close encounter with these intimidating creatures. Honestly, I would have pooped myself if this happened to me!

While paddle boarding at Manhattan Beach, Mike Durand came way to close to a young Great White shark out for a swim. Durant quickly turned on his GoPro camera and captured this amazing footage. It is estimated that this shark is about 8 ft long. My question is if this is the baby, where is its mommy?

Ho'okipa Beach, Maui

Ho'okipa Beach

Traveling to Hawaii is really expensive, especially if you live on the eastern side of the United States. I'm from Boston so getting to Maui can be a real hassle. By the time I dish out money for my hotel room and rental car, I really like to find a cheap place to unwind. There are so much things to do in Maui that cost less than $10. 

Ho'okipa Beach from the lookout

During the winter months this beach offers some killer waves. Many of the worlds best wind and kite surfers try to dominated the raging waves. It's during the winter months were this beach and the lookout can be packed. However, I went during the middle of August and the lookout was empty and there were only a few wind surfers in the water that day. It cost nothing to park and you are free to get out and explore the surroundings. There is a barrier fence that tries to keep people back from the cliff but it is easy to climb through and get a closer look. I hopped the fenced and found a trail that lead me down to a beautiful and peaceful spot. There were natural pools where I saw locals swimming and the water is crystal clear in those pools. Tourists and locals seem to like to write there names or messages in the sand here, so I followed tradition and wrote my name in the sand. Caution: Careful getting too close to the edge it's a steep drop off.  

Trail heading down. Privately own farm land on the right