Shark Bait

In my first blog post, I said I'd be posting some flashbacks, throwbacks, waybacks, whatever you prefer to call them about our previous adventures! Since its officially #TBT, here's the first one! Its from when we were on the island of Oahu in Hawaii and as a gift to my daughter, granted her wish to swim with sharks. :O Honestly, although I signed all 3 of us up for that experience, I was terrified! All sorts of scenarios played out in my head. For example, if I accidentally stuck my hand out, would one feel compelled to remove it for me? However, I gathered what courage I had and went.  Team No Fear, Emily and Keith, were never more ready for this adventure in the seas. Just so you all know, I am the worrier, the shy one, the scared one. They are Team No Fear and all that implies. I like to think I keep them from doing anything TOOOOO crazy or dangerous basically a superhero without a cape, not that I just add the boring Mom element. :)
Lets get to it! I booked our swim with Hawaii Shark Encounters in Haliewa, Hawaii. For those of you that are familiar with the epic surfing that happens in the North Shore, this is that area. If you check out their blog here: Hawaii Shark Encounters Blog They have some awesome information about sharks, why they attack and why the actual chances are extremely low.  (As a side note: No, I am not being paid or asked to review them.) I would highly recommend them! They were super friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience very easy and comfortable. When we arrived, after about a 45 min drive from Waikiki,  we found their boat easily in the Haliewa Boat Harbor.

Sadly, in our enthusiasm, we forgot to take a picture of the boat to share. Its a smaller boat and held us, the two men taking us on the tour, and about 7 other swimmers. The only things we had to bring were swimwear, towels and maybe a jacket to stay warm. It was 8AM and about 75 degrees when we went out. The video that's next will speak for the rest of the experience. It was amazing and the sharks are beautiful creatures. Surprisingly, once I was in the cage, I felt no fear. Only a deep curiosity. Enjoy and let me know if you have questions. Have you ever swam with sharks?