A method of repelling sharks for limiting their attacking a surfboard user comprises applying a conventional surfboard traction improving solid wax that also incorporates a shark repellent such as a surfactant, a capsaicinoid or a semiochemical in a concentration based on the “Johnson & Baldridge Test”. The extent of application is consequently sufficient to render the coated surfboard foul tasting when bitten by a shark but insufficient to reliably repel a shark in response to the dispersion in the water of the repellent. The invention extends to a shark repellent incorporating surfboard coating wax.
