2 things happened last year.

1. I decided I would start doing things that I had been putting off for stupid reasons and I started doing them. (#7. Learn to scuba dive)
2. I met someone at a benefit in LA who really inspired me and I read his book a week later.
Thank you Paul de Gelder.

This led to my latest adventure -

I have always been fascinated with the ocean, marine biology and specifically sharks. I don't have a lot of spare time or endless resources to travel BUT, I am pretty good at managing to coordinate my work schedule with cool locations. After a week of military trade show fun and new technology product presentations, I found myself on Oahu with a free weekend. FINALLY!

I couldn't wait to get in the water for a few reef dives and the chance to do a cage dive with Hawaii Shark Encounters. It was such a privilege and a dream come true to see the Galapagos shark up close. I was in awe of how beautiful and graceful they were swimming in the water. It was amazing to me how quickly such a big animal could close distance. It seemed like one small flick of the tail and a small shark in the distance was right in front of us.

I was also pretty happy about the fact I was in a cage and could view these guys from a safe distance. Don't get me wrong, I would like to do a free dive, but after I have a bit more experience and education.

I'm a big believer and supporter of ocean conservation, habitat preservation and promoting all the reasons it's important to protect wildlife. I hate that a lot of people have negative preconceived notions about sharks, but i've been influenced by media and horror films too! We've often vilified sharks giving them a pretty bad reputation. Like any wild animal, sharks can be dangerous, but they also play a critical role in maintaining the balance in our oceans. They deserve our respect and protection. I hope I have the opportunity to see some other species in the wild.

Expedition Art's Kristy Tipton visits the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii to study the Galapagos Shark.

QUICK FACTS:

Galapagos Sharks are quite large for their genus, and have the stereotypically slender, streamlined shark-shaped body.
They have 14 rows of serrated teeth that are triangular on the top and sharper on the bottom.
Galapagos sharks closely resemble reef sharks and dusky sharks, making them difficult to identify in the field.

Galapagos-Shark-Distribution

Animals and the environment: The GALAPAGOS SHARK - up close and personal