Gold Coast photographer Janaka Rodrigue shared photos of hammerhead sharks at Burleigh Heads
A Gold Coast photographer is still pinching himself after having the “privilege” to swim with hammerhead sharks over the weekend at Burleigh Heads.
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A Gold Coast photographer says he is still pinching himself after having the “privilege” to swim with hammerhead sharks over the weekend.
Janaka Rodrigue posted a selection of incredible images captured during his morning swim with hammerhead sharks at Burleigh Heads.
“This past week has been particularly memorable and magic,” he said.
“Having the privilege to swim alongside shivers (shark groups) of juvenile scalloped hammerheads and share these moments with some lovely friends.”
The semi-submerged photos show model Elke Mai within metres of the sharks at the rock drop off near Burleigh Pavilion, with diners lunching in the background.
“There is zero reason to be afraid of these guys,” Mr Rodrigue said.
“They are super shy.”
Mr Rodrigue said he grew up in Tallebudgera Valley where he still lives.
Recently he has been making the short drive to Burleigh every day to swim with the visiting sharks – sometimes for up to six hours at a time.
“I observe their behaviour and wait for the perfect moment instead of chasing them,” he said.
“I learned from my six months as a volunteer sea turtle conservationist in the Philippines that patience is key with wildlife interactions as we are entering their world and being calm actually allows us to get much closer than if we excitedly chase them.
“It was such an important and rare event for Burleigh and the Gold Coast.”
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