Wilsons prom was recently voted No 1 as the Best Beach in Australia due to its pristine condition and the unique, wonderful, squeaky beach.
The ocean is extremely clear at the Prom as well…. Nature at its best due to isolation and lack of pollution.
I was one of 8 surfers who lived in Melbourne suburbs. We were all keen to improve. There was no other surfers in the water as I paddled out, just our usual group. The other guys were already into the action when I noticed one paddling like a maniac to shore. A few minutes later another surfer was paddling and waving his arms over his head then turned towards the beach.
Then I noticed another surfer paddling like crazy to shore. A large shark about 10 foot had circled his board then moved on to the next one. In the crystal clear water of the Prom it was easy to look down into the staring eyes of this monster as he looked up. I prayed for help but there was no need as another surfer started churning the water like he had a motor.
I still wasn’t certain what was happening but I finally realised that a shark had been circling each rider in turn and I was last in line.
I know the shark was 10 foot because my board was 10 foot! I lay prone on my board as the shark moved away from the wave break line towards me.
I never paddled so fast in all my life, which each of the boarders said later.
It was obvious now that the shark wasn’t hungry at all!
Unforgettable!
My parents were watching me through their polaroid sunglasses. I could see Dad's Humber Snipe parked up on the roadway. Everyone was waving to me from the beach. I waved back. All very friendly I thought. From the corner of my left eye glancing back I noticed a dark purple coloured shape cruising under the back of my (10ft 6in) board in the clearest water. It was longer. I quickly understood why everyone was waving at me. I proned out and managed to be carried to shore on the next wave. I felt I'd changed the colour of my board shorts. In hindsight I think the shark was a Grey Nurse. Generally preferring a fish diet. Anyhow that's what…