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Risk and Reward on the Eastern Cape of South Africa

Shark sightings are much more common this time of year.

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Jono Bruton in a moody moment. Photo: Pierre de Villers

Although the Eastern Cape has a bad rap with sharks – especially after the world witnessed Mick’s boxing match at J-Bay – we still boast some of the greatest waves and atmosphere on the planet. Shark sightings are indeed more common this time of year, but the amount of attacks remains extremely rare. All said and done, you have more chance of falling off a high-rise building than dying at the jaws of the ocean’s apex predator. And yet, it haunts our dreams and leaves our wetsuits slightly stained at the slightest swirl of water below us. The truth is that this is our playground and their hunting grounds. And how attacks don’t occur more often still baffles me. It’s all about a bit of perspective I suppose. So the question remains: Would you risk being attacked for the best waves of your life? If you answered no, perhaps these images will change your mind.