A cross-industry collaboration led by Gowings, owners of FCS and Alvey, aims to deliver a seamless, high performance safety solutions for surfers.
A new initiative is underway to integrate shark deterrent technology directly into surfboard fins. The project, called Sea Surf Force Field brings together collaborators from the academic, commercial, material and government spheres with the ambition of making surfers safer without compromising the experience of surfing itself.
Recent shark attacks across Australia have brought renewed urgency to this mission. A successful outcome is more critical than ever. Led by lifelong surfer John Gowing, the project is driven by a deeply personal mission to ensure that everyone can enjoy surfing safely. John’s vision has evolved over a lifetime involved with the ocean, into a focused effort to design a practical solution.
“As surfers, we accept the ocean comes with risk but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep pushing for better solutions,” said John Gowing. “If we can build protection directly into something every surfer already uses, like fins, we remove barriers and make safety accessible to everyone.”
The core goal is the creation of a commercially viable solution integrating shark deterrent technology directly into the surfboard fin, thus removing the need for additional wearable devices or equipment. The project partners include the fin manufacturer FCS, renowned Australian industrial design studio Vert Design, and academic collaborations with the University of New South Wales and the University of Wollongong.
These institutions help ensure the technology meets the highest standards of performance, reliability and scientific rigor. Material innovation is a critical component and additional partnerships with the Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC) will enable the development of advanced, lightweight solutions suited to surfing.
A steadfast dedication to high performance remains paramount. This innovation is designed to work with the inherent properties of the board, maintaining responsiveness, maximising lightness and ensuring minimal interference for the surfer.
The benefits of this approach are numerous:
• Seamless integration with existing standards lowers the barriers to entry and makes the solution applicable to existing boards.
• Limited to no compromise on performance means users will not need to compromise performance for safety.
• Lightweight construction removes the need for the user to carry additional gear by housing the technology within the components already used.
• Increased confidence in the water.
• A practical solution convenient for everyday use.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) supports the use of personal shark deterrents as part of broader shark management strategies to reduce, though not eliminate, bite risk. Independent testing has shown that electronic deterrents can be effective in deterring white sharks within a close range.
As development progresses, this initiative has the potential to redefine surf safety, embedding protection into the fundamentals of the sport without changing its essence.
For more information on Project Sea Surf Force Field, please Contact : Gowings Surf Hardware International Pty Ltd
