A new manufacturing-focused research initiative funded by the Australian Composites Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (ACM CRC) is set to address rising concerns over shark encounters along Australian coastlines through the development of smart composite surfboard fins embedded with deterrent technologies.
Announced in April in Sydney, the project will apply advanced composite manufacturing techniques to create surfboard fins that integrate miniaturised sensors, electromagnetic systems and illumination features directly into the fin structure.
According to the ACM CRC, the design aims to improve surfer safety while maintaining hydrodynamic performance.
The initiative is being led by Gowing Bros Ltd in collaboration with UNSW Sydney and The University of Wollongong, and comes as New South Wales records an increase in shark encounters.
John Gowing, Executive Chairman at Gowing Bros Ltd, said the project reflects a proactive approach to marine safety.
“With shark activity on the rise, the project takes a proactive approach to coexisting safely with marine predators, combining cutting-edge materials science with surf safety innovation,” he said.
He added that the effort highlights the role of manufacturing in addressing real-world challenges. “The project demonstrates how innovatively combining advanced manufacturing, safety innovation, and practical commercialisation can address real-world marine safety challenges,” Gowing said.
“It positions Australia as a sustained leader in high-tech surfboard manufacturing on the global stage and is an exciting example of how Australian technology can have far-reaching positive impacts.”
Co-funded by the ACM CRC, the project includes investment in embedded sensors, additive manufacturing equipment and surfboard components, alongside the exploration of automated manufacturing processes.
These include fin and fin box production, surfboard shaping to incorporate shark-deterrent systems, composite material deposition, and prototype development.
ACM CRC Chief Executive Officer Luke Preston said the initiative demonstrates the broader potential of composite manufacturing technologies.
“As Australia’s leading research centre for composites manufacturing, we are proud to bring together the greatest academic and industry minds to prove how innovative composite manufacturing and technology can have life-changing impacts,” he said.
“By embedding functional technologies into lightweight, composite materials we can support both innovation and practical application, delivering the next generation of surfboards at a time when shark attacks are apparently on the rise,” Preston added.
“This is a world first that is strengthening the capabilities and resilience of Australian surfboard manufacturing, giving us a competitive edge in a crowded global market.”
The ACM CRC noted that the technology may also offer economic opportunities, with potential to support commercialisation of smart surfboard fins, contribute to job creation and strengthen Australia’s composites manufacturing sector.
