# Shark-Repelling Wetsuits The SMAS Invisible Wetsuit Keeps Swimmers, Divers and Surfers Safe By Meghan Young | Published 2013-07-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smas-invisible-wetsuit References: [fastcompany](http://www.fastcompany.com/3014479/fast-feed/shark-repelling-wetsuits-use-natures-technology-to-keep-surfers-and-divers-safe) Not every shark attack story has as happy and inspirational an ending as Bethany Hamilton's, who happens to have just gotten engaged, so extra precautions are always good; that's where the SMAS Invisible Wetsuit comes in. It is an innovative wetsuit that, as its name suggests, makes the wearer invisible to sharks. Interestingly, the design of the SMAS Invisible Wetsuit is much more busy than standard ones. Created by [Shark Attack Mitigation Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shark-cryoglow) in collaboration with scientists from the [University of Western Australia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrogen-based-energy-systems), the SMAS Invisible Wetsuit essentially 'blinds' sharks with its underwater camouflage. Available in two versions, the bolder black and white striped number warns fishes to stay away. Professor Shaun Collins says the designs use "nature's technology, based on high contrast-based banding patterns." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 20% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Underwater Camouflage:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced camouflage technologies for different underwater activities to enhance safety and security. - **Nature-inspired Designs:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply nature's technology and patterns to create innovative products in various industries, such as fashion, sports, and outdoor equipment. - **Protective Gear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new materials and technologies to develop improved protective gear for swimmers, divers, and surfers against potential threats or dangers. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate advanced technologies and designs into fashion products that provide safety features without compromising style and aesthetics. - **Sports:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative sports equipment and gear that prioritize safety and protection while maximizing performance and functionality. - **Outdoor Equipment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop cutting-edge outdoor equipment, such as camping gear and adventure tools, that incorporate advanced safety measures to mitigate risks and potential dangers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Self-Inflating Kids Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-swimwear.md) - [Limestone-Based Sustainable Wetsuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wetsuits-2.md) - [Underwater Jetpack Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kikfin.md) - [Lifesaving Swimming Vests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-vest.md) - [Inclusive Beach Essentials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inclusive-beach-essentials.md) - [Bespoke Scuba Diving Drysuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diving-drysuit.md) - [Playful Sun-Safe Garments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunsafe-garments.md) - [Aquatic Shark-Inspired Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waterborne-drone.md) - [Stylish Sun-Protective Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upf-collection.md)