Rock-It Surf launches shark-deterrent surfboards and bodyboards

Rock-It Surf has introduced SHARKGUARD, a new lineup of surfboards and bodyboards with an integrated magnetic shark deterrent system, available now in the U.S. The company says the boards are built for beginners, families and kids, and are designed to reduce the risk of unwanted shark encounters without batteries or extra gear.

Why it matters: - Rock-It Surf is trying to add shark deterrence directly into the board, targeting a real concern for surfers, parents and surf schools. - The SHARKGUARD lineup is designed to work passively, so riders do not need to wear, charge or remember anything extra. - The product could be especially relevant in shallow-water recreational surf zones where beginners and children are most likely to ride.

What happened: - Rock-It Surf, a Virginia Beach-based soft-top surfboard brand, launched SHARKGUARD on August 3, 2026. - The lineup includes surfboards and bodyboards with a patented integrated magnetic shark deterrent system. - The products are available nationwide through Rock-It Surf's Shopify store and wholesale partners. - Rock-It Surf also said the lineup is available now at rock-itsurf.com.

The details: - SHARKGUARD uses epoxy-coated rare-earth neodymium magnets embedded into the foam beneath each board's HDPE slick bottom. - The bodyboards use four magnets, while the surfboards use six. - The magnetic array is designed to project a field into surrounding water and interfere with sharks' Ampullae of Lorenzini, the electroreceptor organs sharks use to navigate and hunt. - The company says the effect is meant to create discomfort and disrupt an approach before an encounter escalates. - The boards require no batteries, no charging and no additional equipment. - Rock-It Surf says the integration adds no noticeable weight gain, seams or bumps, and does not hurt board performance. - SHARKGUARD also includes a zebra-stripe underside pattern inspired by 2013 research from the University of Western Australia suggesting high-contrast stripes can deter shark approaches. - Rock-It Surf says the dual approach reflects its effort to ground product claims in peer-reviewed science. - The 2026 lineup includes an 8-foot Big Softy, a 5-foot-6 Alberto for kids ages 6 to 12, and a 42.5-inch SHARKGUARD bodyboard. - The Big Softy is positioned as the flagship model for beginners, families and summer surfing. - The Alberto is described as a high-volume shortboard fish-tail design for young riders. - The bodyboard is described as the world's first bodyboard with integrated magnetic shark deterrence. - The boards are made with marine wooden stringers with epoxy nano-coating, proprietary EPS foam, UV-resistant soft-top material and a production facility that uses collected rainwater. - Rock-It Surf says no harmful dyes, glues, resins or toxins are used. - Every board includes a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Between the lines: - Rock-It Surf is positioning SHARKGUARD as risk reduction, not a guarantee of safety. - Founder Nick compared the concept to a seatbelt, saying it reduces risk without eliminating it. - The company says its testing and review of existing research suggest the magnets work against multiple shark species, including bull sharks. - Rock-It Surf also said a full-force ambush strike from a large apex predator, such as a charging great white shark, may not be deterred by magnetic field technology. - The soft-top format fits the product strategy because those boards are commonly used by beginners and children in shallow water, where many recreational encounters happen. - The approach lets Rock-It Surf sell safety as a built-in feature rather than an add-on accessory.

What's next: - Rock-It Surf says wholesale inquiries are open for surf shops, surf camps, rental businesses, outdoor retailers and co-brand accounts across the U.S. - The company has entered an exclusive distribution partnership for Australia and New Zealand. - International availability is expected to expand in 2026. - Rock-It Surf also directs customers to visual testing on its SHARKGUARD product page.

The bottom line: - Rock-It Surf is betting that built-in shark deterrence can become a selling point for beginner-friendly boards, especially for parents and schools looking for a passive safety layer.