Category: Aquatics

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Aquatics Sensors/IoT

OnCourse Goggles set swimmers straight on the open seas

It’s one thing to swim laps upon laps in a pool nicely appointed with lane ropes that provide visual cues to keep swimmers on the straight and relatively narrow, but those swimming in the open seas face a bigger challenge in not going off in one direction or another.

patent-claimedBy mixing together an electronic compass, accelerometer, processor, battery and the company’s software, OnCourse Goggles help keep swimmers moving in a straight line even in open waters by detecting water or wind forces. It uses this information to trigger LEDs inside the goggles to prompt simmers to veer left or right. The goggles are activated with the press of a button on their left side and charge via USB in about 45 minutes. And traithletes will be pleased to know that they have been approved for triathlete competitions. The company seeks $50,000 by September 18th. The goggles cost $200 and are expected to be delivered in February 2016.

The OnCourse Goggles look like they could be a helpful tool for moving forward — and even away from danger — for open water swimmers. Alas, without GPS, there’s no tracking of swim routes that the goggles can provide after the fact. Still, while they’re likely tough to justify for casual beach goers, they could make for a competitive advantage for serious aquatics competitors.

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Aquatics

Take the possibility of adventure anywhere with the Coast foldable kayak

Facilitating meaningful adventure is not only about what kind of gear someone has, but the passion they have in doing so. With that said, it never hurts to have functional, thoughtfully designed gear to complements that passion.

The Coast series is a set of two kayaks, the Coast and the Coast+, exactly for that purpose. Their claim to fame lies in their origami-esque design, allowing both 16 foot kayaks to fold up into boxes just 32 x 15 x 18 large. This lets users store one in a closet, a trunk, or even check it in on plane to avoid heft kayak rental fees. This design also contributes to its 34 pound weight, its massive 180 liters of storage, its max load of 400 pounds, and top speeds of 5.36 knots.

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Aquatics

The Waterblade lets you walk on water with a workout

The world has no shortage of water recreational activities, but an architect has designed yet another option that stands to get the blood pumping as well as the water..

patent-claimedThe Waterblade is designed to simulate the feeling of walking on water, providing a workout for the leg and core muscles. The Waterblade has a motor to help assist the rider, but it’s not clear if it provides power or stability. The product also has a surfboard-style leash that will disengage the motor if the rider falls. The designer aims to raise $90,000 by July 4th, 2015, which delivery expected late July 2015.

The videos show the rider using a lot of effort for not a lot of gain, and with a hefty $1,650 price tag, they’re not accessible for the average family. The Waterblade may be better marketed as strictly a water workout, or it may have applications as a rehabilitation tool for physical or occupational therapies.

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Aquatics

RC Ski pulls wakeboarders’ legs without a boat operator

It may sound like the punch line to a light bulb joke but it usually takes two people to engage in many many sports like wakeboarding –. one to do the actual wakeboarding and the other to operate the jet ski or both. Ideally, there’s a third party involved who can indicate to the driver when the rider wants to stop or has fallen off.

RC Ski has cut out the middle and last man. It lets wakeboarder operate a jet ski from the board. Meaning that while they’re riding around, they can control the jet ski from their tether. The grip includes a mechanism to let riders steer the jet ski and cut off the engine if need be. Those who are interested in such a product will need to donate $499 to the campaign for delivery in November. RC Ski is shooting for a funding goal of $50,000 on Kickstarter.

The campaign calls this product “safe and legal.” But the vague language in the campaign certainly doesn’t help quell any doubts. What if the rider falls off? Does the jet ski just keep going? The creators do provide a map of where this product is legal in the U.S. and under what conditions but, of course, caveat surfer. 

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Aquatics

Inflatable SipaBoard propels paddleboards with engines, removes remnant exertion

Paddleboarding has become one of the most popular forms of water entertainment. Riders stand on top of the board and simply paddle around. However, this is one of the more serene, slower-paced water sports out there.

SipaBoard hopes to amp up the volume on paddleboarding. This newfangled inflatable floating platform comes with an electric engine to get you moving faster. With three hours of life, the engine is strong enough to propel boarders upstream for more difficult waters. The engine runs on a battery pack that can be recharged. Multiple packs can be used for maximum runtime on the water. Simple buttons on the board help control the engine for uncomplicated use. In addition, a compressor helps inflate and deflate the board quickly.

Theproduct joins other paddleboarding enhancers such as the Roll-Up Sail, which provides extra speed as well. SipaBoard pushes the envelope further with engine power, a new development for this sport. For their own, backers must donate $1,490 for this product. SipaBoard is looking to raise $150,000 on Kickstarter.

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Aquatics

Roll-Up Sail lets paddleboarders ride with the wind, stay in the clear

Paddleboarding is the newest trend in water sports. The activity features a heavy board for standing along with a paddle riders can use to navigate with. All told, it looks a little boring at first glance, but people nonetheless love to partake.

Now, paddleboarding can be a bit more interesting with the Roll-Up Sail (RUS). This nifty product attaches to any paddleboard using a C-clamp. It rolls up and down so that when a little speed boost is desired, the user can unfurl the sail and then roll it back up when finished. The sail itself is made out of a durable clear material that is rated to last for years.

The RUS is an elegant solution to the problem of getting stranded far out in the water. However, it’s still likely that some riders, especially in stiffer winds, may end up in the drink if they’re not seasoned sailors. Those who crave the speed more than anything else may just want to stick to windsailing. Interested backers can pick up their own for $75 by July 2015 (paddleboard not included). RUS is hoping to raise $5,000 by May 25.

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Aquatics Cycling

Glide along the water with the Schiller S1 water bike

Water sports present the opportunity for athletes to enjoy thrilling activities with little risk. As long as they’re wearing a lifejacket, they’re good to go.

Schiller S1 is an exciting new entrant to the water sports market, offering athletes the chance to cycle on the water. This water bike consists of a rust-resistant bike that sits in between two floatation devices. Using a catamaran-like design, the Schiller won’t sink. In addition, a rudder attached to the handles allows for steering while pedaling backwards sends the bike into reverse. Schiller includes a pump to blow up the floaties, which can subsequently deflate for maximum portability. One unit will cost backers a whopping $3,950 for their own with expected delivery by July 2015. Schiller is looking for $100,000 in funding by April 11.

Schiller’s campaign boasts about how portable this bike is, with owners being able to take it on a train, plane or in a car. Backers should beware, however, because the bike weighs a total of 70 lbs. Such heft isn’t exactly considered portable. However, in all other aspects, this is a fun product thatoffers a great way to get out on the water without getting super wet.

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Aquatics Imaging

Video Diving System lets divers safely record wonders under the sea

Scuba diving is one of those sports that allow for killer views, like hiking or skydiving. However, unlike other sports, it can be difficult to take photos or record videos underwater.

The Video Diving System is a way for scuba divers to record their underwater adventures safely. This waterproof product consists of a compartment for GoPro, DLSR or smartphone cameras. A stabilizer makes sure that any footage captured is clear, even at night. The System can either be held by its grips on either side of the camera, attached to the diver or placed on a stable surface underwater. For a full list of cameras the Video Diving System is compatible with, check out the Indiegogo campaign.

While this is a product certain to be appreciated by many divers, it’s unclear if the cameras need to be switched on before entering the water and then just left on during the dive. That’s a point the creators may want to address. Still, the Video Diving System seems to have solved the underwater footage problem plaguing many divers. For their own, backers can donate $134 for delivery in August 2015. The funding goal is set for $35,000.

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Aquatics Winter Sports

Übertüb lets you ride the waves, doesn’t offer tub service on demand

Pool rafts, inflatable beach balls and inner tubes all make for added fun in the summer sun. But the air often escapes and they deflate within a few hours.

Übertüb stays inflated until the user deflates it, and it can be used for more than just water fun. Multiple features set this multifaceted outdoor toy apart from the others. The redesigned air intake system allows for nearly any inflation method, though it also comes with its own inflation tool. The updated valve means that it won’t scratch the user or rip their swimwear, and it deflates quickly when it’s time to pack up. These tubes have been designed for several types of recreation. So they also work well in the snow and on dry land. Several color options and three sizes are available: the small size is 28 – 30 inches, medium is 36 – 38 inches, and large is 42 – 44 inches.

The product updates and reinforces a simple and classic source of outdoor fun. Water-loving backers might also like to check out Hydropacer and Towel’On. This campaign seeks to raise $65,000 CAD (~51,900 USD) by March 31, 2015. For $79 CAD (~63 USD), backers get one small Übertüb with an expected delivery of August 2015.

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Aquatics

Goumba safety flag alerts boaters to divers, makes a splash in the ocean

Scuba diving is a fun sport filled with wonderment and excitement. However, the proper safety measures must be taken in order to avoid accident. The same goes for boating. When shirking safety responsibilities, people can get hurt.

When divers go underwater, there’s no telling where they may pop up again. That’s why divers use a safety flag. According to the campaign, these flags are abysmal and need an update. That’s why Goumba was created. Goumba is a dive flag or cube with four reflective sides and a light to indicate to boaters that divers lurk beneath the surface.

In addition, Goumba offers boat flags as well. These flags indicate when there is a diver underneath the water from that boat. This product uses a wind turbine so that the flag spins around, but its message is always visible. For either the in-water or on-boat flag, backers will need to donate $129 for delivery in April 2015. Goumba hopes to raise $50,000 on Kickstarter.

With a fun name and innovative design, Goumba will definitely find success with divers and boaters alike. It’s not the coolest product out there, but those who spend a lot of time in the water will appreciate the peace of mind it brings.