Magnetic Shark Defense!?
Hey friends, it’s Bethany here! 💛
I recently had such an epic conversation on the “All Things Possible” podcast with Nathan Garrison, the co-founder of Sharkbanz, and I just had to share more of it with you. This one really struck a chord because it hit on a mix of fear, faith, innovation, and the deep love we have for the ocean.
If you know my story, you know the ocean has always been home to me. But even for someone like me who’s spent thousands of hours in the water, there’s still that lingering thought—sharks. It’s a primal fear, hardwired into all of us. Whether you’re a parent watching your little one paddle out or a seasoned surfer chasing the next set, that awareness never totally goes away. But here’s the thing: we don’t have to live in fear.
That’s why this episode was so special. Nathan opened up about how his passion project—Sharkbanz—was born out of a friend’s harrowing shark attack and a desire to create something that could genuinely help people feel safe and stay safe in the water. No scare tactics, no hype—just honest innovation.
What Is Sharkbanz?
In simple terms, Sharkbanz are wearable devices—think ankle bands or leash attachments—that use magnetic technology to deter sharks. Sharks have these incredibly sensitive receptors in their snouts called ampullae of Lorenzini (yeah, it’s a mouthful 😄), which detect electrical signals in the water. The magnets in Sharkbanz overload that system, kind of like shining a floodlight in a pitch-black room. It’s not harmful to the shark, just really unpleasant. So they swim away.
It’s wild! Like Nathan said, “You’re not just relying on luck anymore.” It’s not about being invincible. It’s about lowering the risk. And I’m all about that—especially as a mom.
Peace of Mind for Parents
Honestly, I used to brush off the idea of using a shark deterrent. I figured, "Hey, I’ve been surfing this long without one." But once I saw the testimonials and read the research, I was like, okay, what’s the harm in adding a little extra peace of mind?
Now, especially when my kids paddle out, we clip Sharkbanz to their leashes. It's like a helmet on a bike or a seatbelt in a car. We don't expect anything to happen, but we take precautions just in case. Knowing they’ve got that extra layer of safety helps me enjoy watching them from shore without that pit in my stomach.
Real Stories, Real Results
One of the most incredible parts of our chat was hearing firsthand stories from spear fishermen Jesse and Jacob in Hawaii. Picture this: deep blue water, miles from shore, and a 14-foot tiger shark comes cruising toward the fish they’ve just caught. One of them had a Sharkbanz device on the stringer. The shark came right up—and then turned away. Just like that.
That kind of story is the reason we’re so passionate about sharing this tool. Not from a place of fear, but from a place of empowerment.
Protecting Wildlife, Too
This isn’t just about human safety—it’s about respecting and protecting marine life, too. Nathan explained how outdated practices like shark nets and culling not only fail to protect people but also kill countless other species, dolphins, turtles, and more. Sharkbanz offers a non-lethal alternative. That makes my heart happy.
It’s sad that some governments still use destructive methods when we have better options right in front of us. But change takes time, and the more we speak up and show what's possible, the more minds we can open.
Two Major Takeaways:
1. You don’t have to let fear rule your love for the ocean.
Whether you're a surfer, swimmer, or beach-loving mama, tools like Sharkbanz offer practical peace of mind. We can be aware, prepared, and still wildly free.
2. Innovation and stewardship can go hand-in-hand.
It’s not just about protecting ourselves—it’s about protecting the beauty of creation too. Sharkbanz is a win-win for people and ocean life.
A Word from the Word
As I think about this balance of caution and courage, this verse from 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) comes to mind:
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
God didn’t design us to live in fear. He gave us wisdom, tools, and community so we could live boldly and joyfully—even in the face of real risks.
Check out the whole conversation here!
I hope this encourages you to keep doing what you love, to chase your next adventure, and to embrace tools that help you live fully.
Much love and salty hair,
Bethany
