A Parent’s Fear Becomes Innovation
Sharkbanz was born from a deeply personal motivation. After hearing about a shark bite incident involving a surfer, father-son duo Nathan and David Garrison set out to create a product that could reduce the risk of such encounters. The result? A wearable shark deterrent that didn’t rely on chemicals or electronics but instead used magnets—simple, safe, and maintenance-free.
Since launching in 2014, Sharkbanz has gained attention worldwide for offering ocean users a lightweight, low-tech form of added protection.
How Sharkbanz Works
Sharkbanz uses powerful permanent magnets to interfere with a shark’s electroreception system—specifically, the Ampullae of Lorenzini, a set of sensory organs sharks use to detect electric fields in the water. When sharks get close to the magnetic field, they experience a strong, unpleasant sensation and instinctively turn away.
Importantly, Sharkbanz products do not harm sharks; they simply act as a deterrent at close range (about 0.3–0.5 meters). The magnets are always “on” and require no batteries, charging, or activation.
The band can be worn on the ankle or wrist, fits users of all ages, is waterproof to 100 meters, and weighs just 85 grams—making it a practical choice for surfers, swimmers, and divers alike.
Testing and Effectiveness
Backed by Controlled Testing
Controlled lab testing, including studies involving over a thousand shark encounters, has shown that Sharkbanz can successfully deter species like bull sharks, reef sharks, and blacktip sharks. In those trials, sharks often avoided bait when the device was present, indicating a clear aversion to the magnetic field.
Sharkbanz has received recognition from multiple innovation and product design awards and has been used by recreational users and professionals alike, including military and marine personnel.
Real-World Results: A Mixed Bag
However, real-world outcomes vary. Independent field studies, particularly those involving great white sharks, have shown that Sharkbanz may not significantly reduce interactions with more aggressive or ambush-oriented species. In some tests, sharks still approached or struck bait despite the presence of the device.
The company itself acknowledges this limitation and does not claim that the product guarantees protection against all shark encounters.
What Users Are Saying
Positive Feedback
Many users, especially surfers and swimmers in warmer waters, report peace of mind while wearing Sharkbanz. They appreciate its ease of use, lack of required maintenance, and the comfort of knowing they have an added layer of protection against curious sharks.
Testimonials often mention reduced anxiety in shark-prone areas and note the band’s durability and fit.
Criticism & Skepticism
Not everyone is convinced. Some ocean users argue that the device offers a false sense of security, especially in regions with great white activity. Others question its value, pointing to the limited effective range and mixed independent testing results.
While Sharkbanz can deter certain types of shark behavior, it’s not a universal solution—and it shouldn't replace good ocean awareness and safety habits.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
✅ Pros:
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No batteries or charging required
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Lightweight and travel-friendly
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Deters some common shark species
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Eco-friendly and chemical-free
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Durable and reusable
⚠️ Cons:
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Limited effective range (~0.5 meters)
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May not deter large or aggressive sharks (e.g., great whites)
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Effectiveness varies depending on species and conditions
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Can interfere with certain electronic devices if stored nearby
Who Should Use Sharkbanz?
Sharkbanz is ideal for casual swimmers, surfers, snorkelers, and spearfishers in areas with bull sharks, reef sharks, or other species known to exhibit investigative behavior. It's not meant to be a high-tech shark shield, but rather a passive deterrent that may lower risk in the right conditions.
For those venturing into deeper waters or locations known for larger, more aggressive sharks, additional or alternative shark deterrent methods may be more appropriate.
Final Thoughts
Sharkbanz isn’t a magic solution to shark encounters—but it’s a thoughtfully designed, science-backed tool that can make time in the ocean a little safer and more comfortable. It won’t stop a determined predator, but it might prevent a curious shark from coming too close.
As with any ocean safety product, Sharkbanz works best when paired with informed behavior: avoiding murky water, swimming in groups, and staying aware of local wildlife patterns. For those looking to stack the odds in their favor without strapping on bulky gear, Sharkbanz offers a sleek and simple option worth considering.
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