The History of Carcharias Clothing

Carcharias opened a small shop situated in the main road of Gansbaai in May '98. It was started by entrepreneur and shark enthusiast, Juan Lahore, with a total of 30 t-shirts and 10 caps on only TWO designs. Our vision was to pass on messages through t-shirts about the importance of the white shark in the ocean, as well as to promote South Africa as a shark diving destination.

In February '99 we moved to a bigger shop because we could not fit more than 5 people inside the shop at the same time. At this stage we had 5 different designs and more products such as posters, postcards (with the help of the worlds very best under water photographers, seduced by the charm of Carcharias), different caps, sweaters, and shark related fashioned by the African community of Gansbaai.

In October 99', we were the first company to realize the potential future of the Kleinbaai harbour (where white shark cage diving operations launch daily) as a perfect base for the service of visitors. With a limited budget, we placed a container in the harbour as a operating base, later upgrading to a shop at the center of the bustling harbour. Today, this harbour site is a bustling epicenter of South Africa's white shark cage diving industry.

In 2008, Carcharias underwent another major change, as it was passed on to OCEANS (from SAMPLA) as part of their conservation program. However, to the loyal customers of Carcharias, and fans of inspirational Juan Lahore, you need not worry, OCEANS will continue in the Carcharias tradition of promoting conservation and awareness through the creative and imaginative products that has made Carcharias famous the world over.