In an awe-inspiring fusion of athleticism, marine biology, and pure adrenaline, National Geographic’s Shark Fest presents Shark vs Ross Edgley, an extraordinary event where ultra-marathon swimmer and shark advocate Ross Edgley attempts to pit his mind and body against one of the ocean’s most formidable predators—the shark and alonmg the way includes Aquabatix synchronised swimmers to assist. This thrilling series not only tests Edgley’s physical and mental limits but also seeks to deepen our understanding of these incredible animals and their remarkable abilities. Among the most exciting challenges for this Shark Fest series, Edgley faced was attempting the Polaris jump of a great white shark, an endeavor that brought the expertise of the Aquabatix synchronized swimming team into the spotlight.

The Polaris Jump Challenge

The great white shark, often described by Edgley as a “submarine with teeth,” is renowned for its ambush hunting tactics. One of its most spectacular maneuvers is the Polaris jump, where the shark propels its massive body completely out of the water in an arching leap. This breathtaking display is not just for show; it is a vital hunting strategy that leverages the shark’s incredible muscle mass, streamlined body, and natural buoyancy.

For Ross Edgley, replicating this maneuver posed a monumental challenge. While the great white shark boasts 65 percent muscle mass concentrated in its powerful tail, Edgley, despite having an impressive 45 percent muscle mass, still falls short of the shark’s formidable physique. To bridge this gap, Edgley enlisted the help of the Aquabatix synchronised swimming team, whose members are adept at launching themselves out of the water with grace and precision—a skill critical for their routines.

Aquabatix: The Secret Weapon

Aquabatix, renowned for their synchronised swimming prowess, brought a unique blend of artistry and athleticism to Edgley’s quest. Synchronised swimmers frequently perform explosive lifts and jumps out of the water, often with the assistance of their teammates. This expertise in biomechanics and hydrodynamics was precisely what Edgley needed to understand and attempt the Polaris jump.

The Aquabatix team worked closely with Edgley, demonstrating techniques and offering insights on how to maximize his thrust and streamline his body for the jump. Initially, with the team’s boost, Edgley managed to achieve significant height out of the water. However, the challenge lay in achieving similar results independently, akin to the great white shark’s solitary leap.

Monofin Mastery

To simulate the tail power of a great white shark, Edgley incorporated a monofin—a single fin used in underwater sports like free diving and finswimming. The monofin allowed him to harness more power from his kicks, providing the necessary propulsion to attempt the Polaris jump on his own.

After rigorous training and countless attempts, Edgley achieved an impressive feat: he managed to launch 75 percent of his body out of the water. While this falls short of the great white’s full-body leap, it is a remarkable achievement for a human, highlighting the extraordinary physical demands of such a maneuver.

Conclusion: 75 Percent Shark

Ross Edgley’s journey to emulate the great white shark’s Polaris jump is a testament to human determination, ingenuity, and the collaborative spirit of sports and science. With the invaluable support of the Aquabatix synchronised swimming team, Edgley not only pushed his own limits but also offered viewers a deeper appreciation of the biomechanics and power of these incredible marine predators.

Shark Fest’s “Shark vs. Ross Edgley” is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the human spirit’s relentless pursuit of excellence and understanding as well as the incredible physicality of sharks. As Edgley continues to take on the ocean’s top predators, his adventures promise to inspire, educate, and captivate audiences worldwide. Join us in witnessing these extraordinary feats and exploring the wonders of the underwater world like never before. Shark Fest is currently showing in the US, Australia and New Zealand on National Geographic, Disney + and Hulu, whilst heading the the UK end of July on National Geographic Wild. Natalie Grace from Big Wave Productions was delighted with the shoot and said “you were all amazing and the shoot was a massive success”.

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