Interview - Ross Edgley takes on sharks: Breaking records and myths

In August, National Geographic Wild channel viewers celebrate Sharkfest – an annual holiday dedicated to some of the most fascinating and often misunderstood creatures of the oceans. A series of programs about sharks and their encounters with humans premieres.

"Shark vs. Ross Edgley" is a documentary that depicts the fearless confrontation between a man and one of the ocean's most terrifying predators. Ross Edgley, a well-known British athlete, extreme swimmer, ultramarathon runner, and record holder, takes on the challenge of understanding and facing sharks in their natural habitat. With advanced technology and expert support, he embarks on a mission to confront his fears and unveil the incredible mysteries of the shark world.

In a conversation with us, he reveals what these magnificent animals taught him and how to gain 22 pounds in one day.

You took on the challenge to be as strong and fit as a shark. Why did you choose this animal?

Ross Edgley: As an athlete, ultramarathon runner, I spend a lot of time in the sea. I am impressed that sharks have survived for 400 million years. This curiosity of mine turned a bit into an obsession. The idea was born to use sports to interest new audiences in these fantastic animals. I decided to try to swim as fast as they do, eat as much, and jump as high as possible. The plan was that we would attract and interest people. The reception is wonderful.

Everything I see in this documentary seems very difficult, almost unachievable. Except for one thing: being safe near a shark. How is it possible that they didn’t attack you?

I'm so glad you asked this question! So many people think of sharks as predators and hunters. They feel fear and terror. Meanwhile, there are 500 species of sharks. It's like if I were running in the park and met a dachshund, I wouldn’t be as scared as if it were a rottweiler. And when I tell someone that I swam next to a basking shark off the coast of Great Britain, they are terrified. I have to explain that it’s a gentle, friendly giant. The same goes for the hammerhead shark. And I hope that thanks to our recordings, people will learn that not all sharks are dangerous to humans.

You’re probably the most appropriate person to answer this question: what should I do if I find myself in the water near a shark?

First, it depends on the shark. So let's imagine you and I are swimming off the coast of Great Britain. We have goggles and all the gear, and you say, "Ross, shark fin!" I'll tell you, "It's just a basking shark; it feeds on plankton. It has a big mouth, but it’s not scary." Or, if we are in Iceland or Norway and you see something big in the water, it's just a Greenland shark. It's cool; it's almost blind. It would be different if you saw a tiger shark, great white shark, or bull shark. But even if they are opportunists looking for an easy meal, they have to; that's how they've survived millions of years. Then the key is to stay calm, not move an inch, and look them in the eyes. Then, they won't recognize you as prey. The worst thing you can do in this situation is turn around and flee, immediately becoming prey. The best approach is to stay calm and look them in the eyes confidently as if you know what you're doing and deserve to be there.

That sounds like advice you can apply not only when meeting a shark but also with certain people, so thank you.

Absolutely. I believe that a very large part of communication is non-verbal. So you're right, even when we talk to other people, we think about whether we like their energy, picking up on these little different things in their behavior. And when it comes to sharks, it's even more intensified. When you're stressed, they know you're terrified. And when you're confident, they leave you alone. This applies to animals and people, and that’s exactly what sharks have taught me.

You've broken many records in your life and spent many hours in the water without going ashore. Can you tell me what goes through your mind when swimming such distances? What keeps you going and makes you push forward?

I'm glad you asked because I just broke the record for the longest river descent. 317 miles in the Yukon River, 56 hours without any break, you can't touch the boat, the shore, or sleep. Your brain then becomes like the brain of a migrating shark, for example, a great white shark, which travels thousands of miles from Australia to New Zealand. It becomes almost prehistoric and primitive, thinking only of hunting and migration. I think it's similar to my challenges. I have become such a primitive, prehistoric human. You don’t think about a mortgage or bills, birthdays, or anything like that. You think: "When is my next meal?" In the film, I say that sharks taught me how to swim, and by that, I mean how they swim tirelessly for hundreds of miles and are still very efficient.

It probably can be applied during long flights as well, when you really don’t know what to do with yourself anymore.

You’re absolutely right.

When I watched this documentary, I started believing you are indestructible. And then one scene reminded me that you're only human. I’m referring to the scene in the plane when you got sick.

That was so terrible because I have motion sickness. So, when I decided to fly, I knew it would be bad, but I didn’t know it would be that bad. Such hammerhead sharks can withstand great strains, while I only reached 2-3 g forces and threw up my breakfast (laughs). That's what’s interesting about sharks because everyone talks about their speed and strength, and no one talks about their endurance, and the only way to experience that is on a plane. I still didn’t feel well for two days (laughs). It was the worst experience and, at the same time, the most valuable because I felt outright humiliated.

What was the worst part of this experience: You vs. sharks?

The worst part was the weight loss. They locked me in the heating chamber because I needed to sweat a few gallons of water, but eating to make up for it all was amazing. I started with electrolytes, then my mom's cheesecake, seven liters of cake cream, and finally my favorite thing: a big baguette wrapped in pizza, it was wonderful! I gained 22 pounds in 24 hours.

I'm having a heart attack just hearing about that cream and pizza. After this two-year adventure with sharks, did you watch "Jaws" again?

Yes, absolutely. You then have a completely new admiration for them. And you?

No, I still am very afraid of sharks. I think I would have to face them in your presence.

When we do the second season, you’re invited. I'm taking a second diving mask!

Thank you for the conversation.