Someone Has Started a Camaro 'Sharking' Trend and We're Digging It!

"Sharking" takes inspiration from Jeep's rubber duck trend, but Camaro fans are making it their own with toy sharks and a sense of camaraderie.

By Verdad Gallardo - September 6, 2024
Someone Has Started a Camaro 'Sharking' Trend and We're Digging It!
Someone Has Started a Camaro 'Sharking' Trend and We're Digging It!
Someone Has Started a Camaro 'Sharking' Trend and We're Digging It!
Someone Has Started a Camaro 'Sharking' Trend and We're Digging It!
Someone Has Started a Camaro 'Sharking' Trend and We're Digging It!
Someone Has Started a Camaro 'Sharking' Trend and We're Digging It!

Sharking Camaros

What started as an inside joke among a small group of Camaro enthusiasts has blossomed into a full-blown community tradition. Inspired by the popular Jeep rubber duck trend, Camaro owners have adopted their version called "sharking," where small toy sharks are placed on Camaros to foster connection and celebrate their beloved sports car. The practice gained traction through social media and groups like “Sharked Camaros,” gathering thousands of followers who proudly participate in this unique display of camaraderie.

Origin Story

The idea of "sharking" Camaros can be traced back to Sharell Lester, a dedicated car enthusiast and former Jeep owner. After a scuba diving trip in Florida, Lester was reminded of her love for sharks and the camaraderie in the Jeep community, which inspired her to bring the same sense of fun to the Camaro world. She pitched the idea of using sharks in a Facebook group of Camaro lovers, where a poll was conducted, and sharks emerged as the clear winner for their symbolic connection to the car’s sleek and powerful design.

Sharks as Symbols of Camaro's Fierce Power

The shark motif wasn't chosen arbitrarily. Many enthusiasts see a natural connection between sharks and the Camaro, with its sleek lines and reputation as a fierce competitor on the road. “To me, it’s because the Camaro is a fierce Mustang-eater like a shark,” said group member John Carter. This sense of fierce competition and sleek design resonates with Camaro owners, adding a layer of symbolism to the sharking trend.

A Community Built on Shared Enthusiasm

The heart of the sharking trend lies in its sense of community. Enthusiasts across various states have reported meeting fellow Camaro owners through this fun practice. Laura Johnson, an active participant, said, "I got sharked at a car show a couple of years ago and got hooked. I have met so many fellow Camaro owners in many states." These random acts of kindness and shared love for the vehicle are building a growing network of Camaro lovers who feel connected through their passion for the car.

The Expansion Beyond the Camaro

While initially focused on the Camaro, sharking is slowly expanding to other Chevrolet models. In one instance, someone sharked a third-generation Chevy Traverse with a foam shark keychain. Some speculate that the shark imagery could also reference design elements on newer Chevrolet models, such as the shark fin-shaped C-pillar seen on the 2025 Equinox. This evolution shows that the sharking trend could extend beyond the Camaro to celebrate a broader range of Chevrolet vehicles.

A Trend with Staying Power

As the Camaro community prepares for the vehicle’s production hiatus, the sharking trend is gaining even more momentum. For many, it’s more than just a fun activity; it’s a way to connect with fellow enthusiasts, express creativity, and honor a car they adore. Whether it's the symbolic tie between sharks and the Camaro or simply the shared joy of owning a Chevrolet, sharking brings people together in a time where differences often dominate conversations. The camaraderie that sharking fosters is set to grow, potentially spreading to other Chevy vehicles along the way.

>>Join the conversation about Sharking Camaros right here in the LS1Tech Forum!

For help with the service of your car, check out the how-to section of LS1Tech.com.

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