As we're certain you know by now, there are
fails, and then there are
epic fails. This case most definitely falls into the latter category, as Sea Change's
shark-deterrent system (affectionately dubbed Shark Shield) was actually bit into by a great white when tested off the coast of South Africa. Reportedly, the device sends out electronic fields that are meant to deter sharks from coming near surfers, but according to the company's CEO, the botched trial was "due to a problem with the electrode's configuration." Furthermore, he noted that the thing is only "guaranteed to work when it's stationary, not when it's surfing in the wave or paddling." Needless to say, the effectiveness of these type devices have now been called into question, and regardless of whether this thing actually works as advertised, the lack of total protection -- you know, while
actually surfing -- is enough to make us steer clear.
[Via
UberReview]
posted Mar 4th 2008 6:07PM
Apparently the misplaced electrodes were transmitting "Hi I'm tasty treat" instead of "Danger Will Sharkinson!"
The electrodes were reprogrammed when hit by a Frickin' laser beam. That is why this thing truely failed...all shark deterrents nowadays must be laser-proof.
Figure A: The difference between a truly funny comment and the opposite.
Wow, a hilarious comment, coming in first. Hats off to you, sir.
"We're gonna need a bigger Shark Shield."
"guaranteed to work when it's stationary, not when it's surfing in the wave or paddling."
So...it never works then? Let me know when you find a surfer who is stationary...idiots..
What are you talking about? It totally works on the beach!
I actually RTFA so I can clear this up: The claim was that it only works 100% when sitting in the water waiting for a wave. Which, admittedly, is where surfers spend a lot of time.
Doesn't change the fact that a great white actually bit _into_ the shield device... seems to me as if the exact nature of the shark's electromagnetic sensors are not sufficiently understood to create a "shield".
That makes all the sense in the world, if it doesn't work when I am surfing or paddling, I guess it will save me from a shark when I am walking on the beach!
or sharks that show up to your house: http://www.spike.com/video/2802070
and, no, i'm not rick rolling you
Obviously it's a land shark deterrent. It's great against land sharks who are pretending to deliver candygrams.
You laugh now, but these people are thinking ahead. After WW3 anything is possible, especially landsharks. Gamma World taught me that...
Maybe the shark had a Shark Shield Buster...
Shark Shield Buster Buster. Ahh movies were so much better back in the days.
Do you see any sharks around my desk? No, you don't. And it's all thanks to my anti-shark rock. Only $19.99 each!
Allegations of the Shark Shield being inneffective are patently false. When stationary on dry land, Shark Shields have proven effective in 98% of clinical trials, with only 1% leading to shark-related fatalities. Clearly, the numbers don't lie.
Please don't ever use "epic fail" again.
seconded.
to me they kind of sound like a 50-year-old white guy saying "wow. that is very hip and fly! dope too!"
Please keep the lame catchphrase bullshit out of professional blogs, okay?
Jeez! What the hell crawled up your asses?! Lighten up.
I guess they will learn from there mistake!! That is a expensive mistake!
"Oh! here goes are best engineer!"
"hum... are only engineer... DAMN IT!"
I just couldn't let it go after the second "are"... IT'S "OUR!"
OH! Thanks MATT!
I only pratice my english on the internet! But this is not a reason for a stupid mistake :P
I speak French all day!
Merci encore!
Surfers spend 90% of the their time in the water sitting stationary on their boards outside of the break, waiting for sets of waves. So this device, if it actually worked, would give a surfer great peace of mind for the majority of the time they are in the water.
Anyone who surfs in shark infested waters while the sharks are about deserves to be eaten.
i guess that means all surfers deserve to be eaten. oh.. i forgot about my implanted sonar!
Wasn't as good as the gizmodo headline: "Anti-Shark Device Eaten by Irony-Loving Great White"
wouldn't transmitting a signal coupled with the fact that surfers look like seals or penguins from underwater to a shark actually make a shark zero into your location faster?
"i taste human, and there's an irritating buzz coming from that direction"
Usually predators want to kill whatever is annoying them.
When you're surfing, that's the closest you're going to get with being one with nature, I don't think there's anything you can do about the sharks.
Am i the only one who is tired of the "fail" meme?
I think at this point it's fair to draw the comparison to white girls saying "bling" and yelling "I'm rick james!'
ugh. i'm over it.
I think your just tired of hearing it because such girls can never find a better way to describe your attempts at a social life. Go away.
wow, that was pretty weak, lex.
EPiC FAiLz0rs!!!
I cAN haz fail?
lolcatz!!!
all your base.
You just hated on yourself.
no, i hated on lex.
I think the engadget dudes spend a little to much time on :fourchan:
Then there is ultimate fail.
Why was this ever invented?
Just carry a can of Bat-Shark-Repellent... added bonus of protection from exploding sharks!
Whats a bat-shark?
*runs*
Unoftunetly, that peice of mind is lying to you.
later on a man was eaten by sharks while not surfing or paddling. the company reveals that the device only works if its sunny, its Wednesday, and if you have a loaded 12 gauge shotgun point at the shark when attacked.
Its about as successful as these bear repellents: http://loadingreadyrun.com/videos/view/29/omg_bears
Ouw my eyes... Even if that is the intended theme of the website I hate the designer for it.
But, will it blend atleast?
No. Nor will it play doom.
in the stomach of a great white? of course it will
-atleast
Ha. Let's see *this* turn into a Mac vs. PC sploogefest.
Does anyone else see a lawsuit in the making? talk about a false sense of safety!
Great for clearing space at the front of a Jimmy Buffett Concert...
Fins to the Left, Fins to the right, BACK, fins, BACK!
hmm, maybe if they used electric fields instead of electronic fields...