The slopes of Mount Canobolas are a long way from Newy Beach, but for the past 18 months Orange-born Alex Vardanega has been at the forefront of exciting new technology helping make surfing safer.

Newcastle-based startup, Aqua Armour, is developing a shark-proof wetsuit, using a combination of fibre-reinforced composites and high-tech alloys to protect major arteries, while keeping the wetsuit flexible and comfortable.

Alex, 25, moved to Newcastle in 2016, where he is currently studying for a double degree in Engineering and Mechanical and Mechatronics.

It was while at the University of Newcastle, that Alex approached Assistant Professor Thomas Fiedler and Dr Chris Dayas, the co-founders of Aqua Armour, to come on board and help with the development of their exciting new product as part of his honours project.

“They came up with the idea (about six years ago) to develop a shark-proof wetsuit and began researching high-strength, low-weight materials that would stop shark bites,” he said.

“The increase in shark attacks has definitely been a factor in developing this technology. We’d like to protect humans in the marine environment.”

After Alex joined the team in August 2020, the trio started work on the Aqua Armour technology through lab testing, later moving into prototyping the product and developing a consumable product: “A professional level wetsuit we’d be happy to sell to customers,” stated Alex.

“What we’ve done is localise the protection of our material to a few key areas where people normally die from (a bite) – that is your femoral arteries, and the upper biceps.

“Sharks come up and have a nibble and swim away…but by then the damage has been done,” he explained.

“We’re balancing comfort and flexibility while still protecting the person in the suit.”

The product has been designed as a ‘type of chainmail mesh’, but it’s the high-tech materials that make the difference.

“It’s arranged in such a way that it’s designed to be flexible, scrunched into a ball, or spread out. It’s very light,” said Alex

Alex and Dr Daya, both keen surfers have been testing out a number of prototypes along with their surfer friends.

“We’ve quite happy with the product,” he said. “We’re collaborating with a wetsuit manufacturing company in Sydney, SeaTech, who is making the wetsuit for us and incorporating our technology.

“Eventually we’re hoping to get it either an online store process or just retail presences or both in collaboration with other wetsuit companies.”

Alex expects Aqua Armour to be available for purchase in the next year or two, with wetsuits to suit all sizes.

The Aqua Armour team is currently looking for more investors to come on board to help finance the product.

“The government has been good in providing us with a little momentum, but we need more to help fund our prototypes,” Alex said.

To stay up to date or donate, visit aqua armour.com.au.