Sharkbanz Partners with MODOM SURF to Unveil First Shark Deterrent Leash for Surfers

June 6, 2016

Charleston, SC (June 6, 2016) – Sharkbanz, makers of magnetic shark repellent technology, is excited to announce its partnership with Australian surf company MODOM SURF. The two companies joined forces to launch the first-ever shark deterrent surfboard leash.

The Shark Leash by MODOM features Sharkbanz patented magnetic technology integrated into the leash’s cuff to create an electromagnetic field that interferes with a shark’s electrical sense. This interference reduces the risk of attack by causing inquisitive sharks to flee. The unpleasant experience for the shark is similar to a person suddenly shining a very bright light in another person’s eyes in a dark room. It’s important to note that Sharkbanz technology does not harm the shark or other nearby marine life.

“It’s exciting to introduce the first-ever shark deterrent surf leash with such a progressive brand like MODOM”, said Sharkbanz co-founder Nathan Garrison. “Many surfers are minimalists, not always looking to wear extra gear on their body, even if it means reducing the risk of shark attack. The Shark Leash offers all surfers added protection and peace of mind by incorporating our tech into equipment they more than likely already use in way that doesn’t impact performance. Surfers wearing it will hardly notice any difference from their standard leash, both in how it feels and how it looks.”

The Sharkbanz cuff is built to be interchangeable between leash cords, and requires no charging or batteries. In the event a leash cord breaks, it’s easily replaceable via the included fin key through the existing leash cuff – eliminating the need to replace the whole unit.  When cared for properly, the Shark Leash will not lose its deterrent power over time.

“I surf some of the biggest waves in the world,” said renowned big-wave surfer Mark Mathews. “It’s not the waves that worry me most, it’s what’s swimming around underneath me. The prospect of a shark attack is front-of-mind for most surfers, and anything that reduces the risk is invaluable. This thing’s going to be a game changer. Finally there’s an easy to use, effective shark deterrent on the market.”

World Tour Professional surfer, Jack Freestone, has been using the leash for the last four months. “The Shark Leash is so simple. There’s no on/off button and no charging needed. It’s the perfect leash to use wherever I’m surfing. For me, it’s all about peace of mind when I’m surfing riskier areas. Anything that deters sharks and reduces the risk, I’m keen to use.”

Sharkbanz has enlisted the services of renowned shark experts, chemist Dr. Eric Stroud and marine biologist Dr. Patrick Rice. The two scientists founded Shark Defense almost 15 years ago, and made some of the most revolutionary discoveries in shark repellent technology.  Most shark attacks occur in murky, shallow waters off the coast where there are a high number of swimmers and sharks sharing the same space. In this environment, sharks rely heavily on their electro-receptors instead of their eyes to “see” what’s around them. They possess the most sensitive electro-magnetic sense of all known animals, and use it to judge distance, shape, and even the heart rate of other animals near them. Sometimes when relying on their electro-receptors, a curious shark may bite a person in order to figure out what he or she is. These unprovoked “hit and run” attacks are the most common type, and Sharkbanz are an excellent defense against them.

It’s important to note, Sharkbanz magnetic technology will reduce risk of shark interactions but there is no 100% guarantee that interactions will not take place. This technology has been tested extensively on over ten of the most common predatory shark species such as Bull and Blacktip, which are responsible for the majority of “hit and run” attacks, and Sharkbanz are an excellent defense against these types of interactions.

Great Whites are unique in that they are the only shark that acts as an ambush predator, attacking from a long distance at high speed. There is no effective way to prevent this type of ambush attack. However, Great Whites rely heavily on their electromagnetic sense when swimming in open water, and Sharkbanz could effectively deter a curious Great White.

The Modom Shark Leash is available for purchase on Sharkbanz.com.

MSRP: $180.00

About Sharkbanz

Based in Charleston, SC, Sharkbanz use patented magnetic technology to interfere with sharks’ sensitive electroreceptors. Created by surfers and divers and tested by marine biologists on predatory shark species, Sharkbanz magnetic technology does not harm sharks or other sea creatures, uses no batteries, requires no charging and designed to endure the most rigorous water sports. Learn more about Sharkbanz technology, products and shark conservancy efforts by visiting http://www.sharkbanz.com.