Modom sells surfing accessories and will soon market the Shark Leash, an anti-shark leash using the SharkBanz âeuros patented magnetic technology that deters sharks from attacking. The leash is a link that connects the surfer to his board through a bracelet that he attaches around his ankle.
It will be the first time that a surf brand will distribute a product specially designed against sharks. A brilliant idea !
How does SharkBanz technology work?
Sharks use their electroreceptors instead of their eyes to "see" what is going on around the water. They have the most developed electromagnetic sense of any known animal, which they use to judge distances, shapes and heartbeats of animals around water. Often, sharks will bite out of curiosity, just to see what it is. These unprovoked attacks are the most common. Sharkbanz helps to prevent these attacks.
When the shark approaches a person wearing Sharkbanz technology, the magnetic waves that escape from the band disrupt its electro-receptors and draw it away from the "prey." To the shark, it's a bit like "a person being blinded by a very bright light in a dark room," explains Dr. Stroud, one of the experts and founders of Shark Defense.
This system works without any chemicals, batteries or electricity. Thus, there is no risk for the animal or for the human being.
A leash to keep sharks away
The Shark Leash will have a similar field of action to the existing bracelet, 1 or 2 m. Thus, the shark will have to be close to its target to feel the disturbing electromagnetic waves. It works as well underwater as on the surface.
However, it is not intended to protect surfers 100% against shark attacks, but to reduce the danger.
Convincing tests
The Stab site reports that Modom conducted a series of tests in collaboration with Dr. Eric Stroud and biologist Patrick Rice, the two experts and founders of Shark Defense, with ten of the best known predatory shark species. Tests were conducted by attaching the leash to a leg, made of meat. The sharks - particularly tiger sharks - would have turned back at 2 m from the leash. However, no tests have been carried out on great white sharks, which are known to attack very quickly.
The Shark leash is also being tested by Kelly Slater and Team Modom âeuros including Craig Anderson, Taj Burrow, Jack Freestone and Alana Blanchard.
