FACES OF FADER
Rob Carraro – Founder & Senior Research Officer
With over 25 years experience as a diver, Rob’s passion for marine science led him to study sharks and marine biology. His first-class honours research on Wobbegongs sparked his deep interest in shark vision. Rob worked on numerous shark research projects with NSW Fisheries, including tagging Great Whites and Grey Nurse Sharks. After four years of aerial surveys with CSIRO and University of Technology Sydney, Australia, Rob observed natural shark behaviour, leading him to develop the Sharkview concept, which focuses on using vision to reduce shark attacks. With over 10 years of in-water testing and product development, Rob's work has resulted in Fader's Sharkview Adaptive Camouflage Surfboards and Contrast Gradient wetsuits.
Gemma Waggstaff – Head Designer & Production Coordinator
Gemma is the creative force behind Fader’s wetsuits. An ex- competitive swimmer and surfer from New Zealand, she grew up in the water, from surf lifesaving to synchronised swimming. Gemma’s background in high-performance swimwear inspired her to design wetsuits specifically for female surfers. She wanted to create a wetsuit that combined function with style, allowing women to feel both comfortable and confident. Her design incorporates racing swimwear features and seam lines that follow natural muscle groups, not only for flexibility but also to create a flattering, shape-enhancing fit. Gemma’s wetsuits perform, but they also look and feel amazing, no matter the body type.
Disclaimer
The best ways to reduce shark encounters include avoiding swimming or surfing in river mouths or canals, steering clear of low-light conditions like dawn and dusk, and staying away from schools of fish. Reduced visibility increases the risk of mistaken identity, as sharks rely on sight to hunt. Swimming in groups or pairs also lowers the likelihood of an encounter.
Sharks can be unpredictable predators, and factors like illness, hunger, or over-stimulation can cause unexpected behaviour. While our camouflaged wetsuits and boards reduce the chances of random encounters, they cannot eliminate the risk entirely. If a shark comes within a 5-meter range, the person will be seen, as visibility remains unavoidable at close distances.