SharkShield technologies

[PipeDreams]

Hey all, been almost nothing about this topic on the forum before surprisingly, with only a brief mention about a shark repellent leash. but what do people think about shark shields?
It seems a little sketchy that 2 or 3 people have died using shark shields, and to be honest the argument of it being 'improperly used' or 'most likely switched off' feels a little sketchy to me, and bearing in mind how infrequent shark attacks are that seems a little odd, however it looks like there is scientific evidence that they work, and I do trust that they must work, but for a higher price than a brand new custom board, is it worth it for a gap year traveller when every penny is hard earned and stretched as far as it goes? Thinking of buying it for an Africa trip, where I would be surfing East London on the east coast of south Africa (ridiculously high shark attack stats), south east Madagascar (also pretty sharky) and possibly Reunion (I think you probably already know how sharky it is). Also would mean one board quivering because not a chance I will spend 200 on another antenna. World class uncrowded waves without being terrified is the oppurtunity, 549 usd is the cost. Thanks in advance

[Lebowski]

Only you can decide if it's worth it.

If it saves your life, then of course it's worth $549. But is it going to save your life and is it effective enough that you'll really be able to relax in very sharky areas? Personally I haven't looked into these kind of products for about the last 10 years so I'm not sure if there has been any further tech advances. I can't imagine that they'd give me enough confidence to paddle out alone at eg. Nahoon reef at dusk.

I guess the problem with these kind of products is that you basically have no idea if it's doing its job, and if you aren't sure about that, then you struggle to have the sort of confidence to really enjoy your surf. I personally wouldn't bother and would just avoid the sharkier areas (especially alone).

[oldmansurfer]

Avoid areas that have lots of shark bites. Don't splash around, paddle strongly. Keep you eyes open and be aware of the ocean and it's many risks. If you surf with others the odds that a shark will bite you go down as there are more targets. If you see a shark close by exit the water calmly. Don't panic. The value of a product depends on perception of the owner. It may help but not if you don't keep it running properly. I guess that one of the reasons it may not work is if you see a shark you would be inclined to keep your feet out of the water which would render it useless. I don't know but if I get eaten by a shark on my next outing I want everyone to know that I have eaten far more sharks than have eaten me.

[Geezer]

Thinking of buying it for an Africa trip, where I would be surfing East London on the east coast of south Africa (ridiculously high shark attack stats), south east Madagascar (also pretty sharky) and possibly Reunion (I think you probably already know how sharky it is).

Honestly, to go out of your way to surf those spots begs several questions. Those class waves are uncrowded in those areas for a reason I imagine. A local who has grown up in an area, knows all the local history about a spot, the when’s and can’ts about it and has geown up surfing there because of proximity is one thing. For me to go surf there as a tourist would just seem to be reckless IMO, regardless of what technology may or may not work. 2c

[Naeco78]

Could always paint stripes on everything..

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/articl ... -away.html

[PipeDreams]

Could always paint stripes on everything..

Alot cheaper than a surfshield!!

[HaoleKook]

I was recently looking at this type of thing. Australia offers residents a rebate if they use certain brands/types of technology. There is ‘some’ data that suggests it ‘may’ help, but obviously it’s no guarantee. Also, they seem to be tested on certain types of sharks more than others. And certain types of sharks rely on their electo-whatever senses more than others.

Our biggest predator is the tiger shark and they seem to have less of an electro-sense than others, so I didn’t think there was enough incentive to buy. I also don’t surf where there is more shark food in the water, and even if I had the shield I wouldn’t surf there, though I might be more comfortable surfing earlier, later, or in smaller groups where I currently surf.

Long story short, it’s piece of mind and not enough prevention to take bigger risks, in my opinion.