Smart Surfboard Fins Aim to Deter Sharks Without Sacrificing Performance
An Australian research collaboration is developing cutting-edge surfboard fins embedded with shark-deterrent technologies. The project seeks to reduce the likelihood of shark encounters while preserving the high-performance characteristics that surfers demand.
Key Partners & Technology
The initiative brings together Gowing Bros Ltd, the University of New South Wales Sydney, the Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC), and the University of Wollongong's Surf Flex Lab.
The prototype fins will integrate miniaturized sensors, electromagnetic systems, and illumination features. These technologies are designed to influence shark perception or interaction with surfboards—without harming sharks or disrupting the marine environment.
"Surfers will not adopt safety innovations if they compromise flex, responsiveness, or maneuverability."
— Professor in het Panhuis, director of the Surf Flex Lab
Performance First
Professor in het Panhuis emphasized that the core challenge is ensuring the fins perform as well as traditional designs. The focus is on seamless integration, so safety does not come at the cost of the surfing experience.
A Life-Changing Innovation
ACM CRC CEO Luke Preston highlighted the broader potential of advanced manufacturing. "Innovative composite manufacturing can have life-changing impacts," he said, adding that embedding functional technologies into lightweight materials can deliver next-generation surfboards at a time when shark attacks are reportedly on the rise.
Real-World Validation
Field testing is scheduled to validate laboratory results under real-world conditions, ensuring the fins are both effective and durable.
A Shift Toward Coexistence
The project represents a shift from simple avoidance toward integrated systems of coexistence. It is explicitly designed to reduce negative encounters between surfers and sharks, not to eliminate sharks from coastal ecosystems.