Dave has been wearing the device since October when a mate, part of the Bite Club shark attack survivors group, gave it to him to trial.

Dave, who sustained significant injuries to his arm when bitten by a shark at Crowdy Head in 2011, said that surfers were trying various methods and equipment to remain safe in the water.

"Everybody's trying everything at the moment because there's nothing else out there," he said.

Current shark repellent equipment works by emitting electro-magnetic pulses in the water, which is designed to upset a shark's senses.

Dave said he thinks that the repellent works well against sharks which are slowly cruising near the surfboard, but said he's "sceptical at best" about their potential to stop a full-blown attack.

"From what everyone in the group says, everybody gets hit at speed," he said.

So if a shark is coming from a while away, it won't even feel the electric signals, Dave said.

However, he said the devices were at least an attempt to increase surfer safety.

"If it prevents someone getting injured, it's worthwhile," he said.

Dave said that recent shark attacks on the north coast near Ballina mean there is a multitude of helicopters, drones and patrol boats, making it an unpleasant atmosphere to surf in.

"There's so much stuff going on, it's a bit of a circus," he said.

"It goes back to why do you surf? There's not that peacefulness out there at the moment."

With the amount of shark surveillance currently being undertaken on the coast, Dave said it was important that surfers and swimmers were informed so they could make their own decisions on whether to enter the water.

"If the information is presented then people can make an informed decision," he said.

"You've got to give people the opportunity to make their own decisions."

lachlan.leeming@fairfaxmedia.com.au