“Have you ever been in the water with sharks?”
Many times-especially in the Indian Ocean and the Coral Sea. The only times where you are concerned is after spearing a big fish that bleeds a lot. But they usually just pay attention to the dying fish. The bad guys are the Tiger sharks and the Great Whites. The Tigers are in warm waters while the Great Whites are in colder waters. Never been around a Tiger but been in the water when others have seen them. I have been in the water with Great Whites but only in a cage. Ironically a very peaceful and serene experience. Not frightening at all. But I would never venture outside the cage. That’s nonsense.
You mentioned Mavericks. I’ve been there-but had just recovered from hip replacement and was on crutches. I hiked up the hill to get a view during a contest. Not much to see as the breaks are so far out. That’s the problem with big wave surfing. Unless your on a nearby boat the “spectatorship” is not too good.