Shark-Survivors-Al-Brenneka/Maggie White

"After a recent call and interview by Barry Morgan on Canadian Radio station about our shark survival stories we pictured Al Brenneka on his surfboard in Delray Beach 1976 going out to catch the big waves on Thanksgiving Day. The Sharkbait Foundation team understands some things about the "surf culture" because our family has been into it since birth, something Al, Bethaney Hamilton and many shark survivors have in common."

"Starting with body surfing until Uncle Billy heard of surfboards coming out of Hawaii and California back in the 60's. Jacksonville Beach and the pier is where the waves come in and families enjoy learning about ocean skills. Many children of our families had their first experience "jumping the waves",sailing or fishing. Someone always wanted a weekend trip to sail or camp at the river, fish or surf the waves.The ocean has taught us, and we became activists because of this intense inter connection to water and the ocean or sea around the globe!"

http://www.cjad.com/blog/BarryMorganShow/

"Mom did not explain very well that it was body surfing which helped save her when the shark held her leg in his mouth or that 2 more sharks were spotted coming towards her at the time as documented. Or that she almost lost her leg due to infection. Her voice holds anxiety when she speaks of her experience."

"Without the ocean experience one which involved swimming the ocean, surfing the waves or fishing the shore our education would have been incomplete both in spirit, fortitude and grace. The power of the ocean and the lessons it teaches the global communities should benefit us all."

"Cases would only be noted, now issues are discussed on forums. If not for that survival mode, the panic and anxiety, the pain, and then the search for answers our paths would not have crossed. Al Brenneka, who was a 17 year old surfer in 1976 was one of the first interviewed and televised shark survivors in the world along with Rodney Fox, an Australian diver and fellow shark conservationist. Since that time shark attack research has advanced but no one really knows when a shark might cross your path."

dedicated to Al Brenneka
35th year shark survivor
Thanksgiving 2011


dedicated to those in harm's way
HAPPY THANKSGIVING SOLDIERS, SAILORS
AIRMEN

and WELCOME HOME

"POSITIVE FLOW"

"Why is it that all the sharks hang on the edge of the ledge?Such as reef sharks, bulls and black tip. We all have experiences which we bring to this discussion. Without others who have been there throughout this wonderful ride we call life, we would not be blogging today.We blog for the generations who like us love the aquatic environment and the thrill of the ride."

"Some of us will never again grace the ocean with our own set of skills, others remain fearless, and some still mourn the loss of loved ones. We promote SURFERS as for some of us it was our board or body which helped us get to shore on our date of survival. We are a unique set of divers or fishermen, sailors, swimmers, and surfers who belong to the so called CLUB and not the one we want to belong to either!"

WE are sending a SHOUT OUT to those who like us live on the edge of the ledge....and will continue with mission, skills and team!"

SURFER

"Our thanks to Al and others who have helped Mom realize positive flow!


the Sharkbait Foundation
team

SHARK

"Taylor Lautner while promoting his new film ABDUCTION in Australia went shark diving while there. Admitting to David Letterman he told the audience he was terrified of sharks. To relieve some of his fear he went diving at a local aquarium in Australia with sharks. It showed a reef shark 10 ft'r 6 inches from his face!"

"The shark world just found a new voice!"




- the Sharkbait Foundation

FIN s

Happy Birthday Patty
Love Always,
the crew

OCEAN SAFETY and SURFERS

"With all of the shark survivors around the world we wanted to bring attention to those of us who after our experience came together after our survival. The shark world can be deadly as we have read usually taking place in Australia, Africa or Cali by Great White Sharks. But with only 13 lemon shark attacks in the world it was highly unusual for our friend Al Brenneka, diver and fellow survivor to be a shark attack victim by one while surfing." "

"John as seen here was taught about wearing life jackets when just a toddler. He loved to fish and surf like most of the girls and boys on any coast. Children experience their surroundings connecting in ways to their fathers or mothers or grandparents who take them to the shore.

KENYA ENVIRONMENTALIST DIES

WHO COULD EVER REPLACE this
Pioneering Spirit? Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai, a founder of the Green Belt movement which pioneered the planting of trees in Africa.Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, died Sunday of cancer at the age of 71. Her movement led to the planting of an estimated 45 million trees. BBC (9/26), CNN (9/26), The New York Time

"SURF and the Sharkbait Foundation are intertwined. And we hit the waves when possible every chance we get. Best surf we've ridden in a while was when Hurricane Irene came to town. Laren took the photos we posted when all of the Vilano Crew was busting air!"