Tag: water

Categories
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.

Categories
Features

Out There: Watburn turns salt water into energetic flame

Out There is a feature where we highlight wildly ambitious or dubious projects that have little chance of coming to fruition in the foreseeable future.

The quest for renewable energy sources that can replace oil and gas is underway, albeit with little luck. But wouldn’t it be nice if the world ran on a resource that’s so abundant that it makes up 2/3 of the Earth?

Now introducing Watburn. This world-changing product takes saltwater and converts it into a 5,000°C flame that can be used for welding and cutting. According to the product’s campaign, cathodes, magnets, generators and salt water all work together to turn the water into usable energy. The creator claims that this product will be the source of a new kind of clean energy. In the future, it has the potential to work with other objects and eliminate the need for fossil fuels altogether.

For a donation of $250, backers can have their own Watburn by August 2015. This Bulgarian product is looking for $25,000 on Indiegogo. While the Bulgarian product’s creator’s claims aren’t as egregious as other Out There features, his reasoning still leaves something to be desired. It’s apparent that backers who purchase this product will likely receive a clunky thing that either won’t work or will burn their hands off.

Categories
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.

Categories
Accents

Roka filter uses sand, charcoal to filter water for plants, makes for healthier growth

Plants are only ever as healthy as the water they’re given. Most pay little attention to the quality of the water they use for their plants. Doing so, however, means that many plants get contaminated water, harming them in the long run.

Roka is a filtration system for plants. Looking much like an upside down glass bottle with the bottom cut off, Roka gets inserted directly into the soil of the plant. Then, using several layers of filtration, the kit delivers only clean water into the soil. The top layer is fine sand which gets pathogens and microorganisms out of the water. Second, course sand keeps the fine sand above at bay. Third, charcoal pellets get chlorine and industrial solvents out. Last, the water passes through cotton balls which ensure that none of the sand or charcoal get into the plant. For one kit, backers can donate $50 on Kickstarter for delivery in July 2015. Roka hopes to raise a modest $1,750 in funding.

While the idea of a natural filtration system is appealing, it doesn’t seem necessary to filter tap water, especially for plants. Perhaps in places where the tap water is undrinkable Roka makes more sense. In addition, the campaign fails to clearly state how long each kit will last for. Still, the idea is interesting and Roka’s appealing aesthetic will surely make it popular.

Categories
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.

Categories
Nutrition/Hydration

Aquatiser water bottle juices fruit too, provides delicious non-boring water

Water is an essential part of staying healthy, but most people don’t drink enough of it. Some simply forget, while others prefer less boring beverages like sodas or juices.

Aquatiser provides a way to drink water with a kick. This glass water bottle has an extra compartment at the bottom for fresh fruit. The user simply places the fruit in the bottom and then the juicer attachment unlocks the fruit’s flavor. Fruit can also easily be placed in the main part of the bottle if the user desires. This bottle comes in pink and green.

This stylish water bottle, while well-designed, seems a little unnecessary. The campaign isn’t very convincing in explaining why backers need this water bottle as opposed to any other regular water bottle. Still, those who want to own an Aquatiser can donate £15 (~$22) for either color with delivery in February. That is, if the product can reach its £15,000 (~$22,500) goal on Kickstarter.

Categories
Camping Relaxation

Nomasoak portable hottub provides a relaxing soak wherever

There’s nothing quite like the relaxation offered by a hot tub. To own one is a luxury. Oftentimes, staying in a hotel is made even more desirable by the presence of a hot tub.

With the Nomasoak, one never has to be without a hot tub again. This product is, quite simply, a portable hot tub. Weighing 45 pounds, it’s possible to lug this thing around pretty much anywhere. All one would need is a 100 gallon water source. Nomasoak is made from 100% poly plastic and runs via a rechargeable battery. The tub is appropriate for two people to use.

Nomasoak would be like a kitty pool without some kind of heat source. Using a propane-fueled water heater attached to the tub, the water heats up by entering the heat exchanger. The heated water then rises to the top, meaning that no kind of heavy pump is needed. The heater will go for three hours on one gallon of propane.

Nomasoak is such a luxury item that it’s hard to scoff at. Sure, it’s decadent and hugely inconvenient to actually carry hot tub around. However, on a camping trip where a car is used, it may be just the way to relax with friends, or just one friend. One concern would be the quality of the water. There’s no filtration system and the campaign suggests simply using clean lake water or saltwater is fine, though that seems a little far-fetched, especially for the saltwater. One can be had by backers for $400 with an estimated delivery date of October 2015. Nomasoak is looking to raise an ambitious $350,000.

Categories
Food and Beverage

K-Easy prevents sinking feeling by continuously replenishing coffee makers

Coffee is the fuel for many important corporations around the world: if workers don’t get their coffee break, something within them dies. For many people, this is especially true in the morning.

K-Easy is a water sensory device that automatically adds water to a coffee machine whenever it runs low. The product works with any coffee machine that has its own water tank. There is a fail safe control board that has a timer for automatically shutting down the device in the event that the sensor fails and water flows for more than 15 seconds. Installation is easy for most home or office environments, and there are only two fittings that need to be tightened with a wrench. All other adjustments can be done by hand. The campaign claims that the installation can be completed by non-plumbers.

This product’s aimed at busy professionals who can justify doing a little upfront work to avoid those laborious trips to the fountain acrsos the kitchen. Coffee-loving backers may also want to check out the Arist,  Bruvelo and for those who like to entertain and aren’t in a hurry for their coffee, Brewover. This campaign seeks to raise $10,000. Backers get one product for $50, with an expected delivery of January 2015.

Categories
Home

GreenVase keeps indoor plants watered for up to three weeks

Studies show that having plants in the home can improve productivity and mood. Plants are a welcome addition to any room, but like any other living thing, require some maintenance. Without the proper amount of water, plants will wilt and die.

With GreenVase, watering is no longer a worry. This vase consists of three parts, a soil pot, a water tank and a rope. With four settings, it will keep the plant watered for up to three weeks. Plants that need tons of water get it on the highest setting, while more finicky plants won’t get over-watered with the lower settings.

It’s interesting to see a product like this that doesn’t involve Bluetooth or a smartphone app. The rope is what distributes the water to the soil. It’s incredible that the GreenVase can keep plants watered for up to three weeks. It must be said that smart planters, like the Daisy si, can monitor moisture levels and distribute water accordingly. However, if the plant never moves and the temperature remains relatively stable, there’s really no need for manual watering. GreenVase may not be as accurate as smarter waterers, but it doesn’t really need to be.

Backers can have their very own for a donation of $29 for estimated delivery in May 2015. GreenVase is looking to raise $101,000 by mid January on Kickstarter.

Categories
Nutrition/Hydration

Fred Water Flask holds water flat; fits just about anywhere

Girls who hate purses and guys who don’t carry a briefcase must depend on pockets for everything they need. However, water bottles won’t fit in pockets, so some are missing out on getting their recommended amount of water each day. That’s where the Fred Water Flask comes in. This particular water bottle is made of 100% stainless steel, which means it’s food-grade safe and BPA-free. With a height, width and depth of 5.8 x 3.4 x 1.8 inches, this flat flask is more transportable than any water bottle that is round, square or even rectangular because it fits better in a pocket.

It may also fit well in a purse, briefcase, book bag or gym bag, although it likely will need to be refilled frequently in order for a person to actually drink those 32 ounces of water per day that are recommended for optimal health. Other water bottle options that backers might want to check out include Aqualight, Trimr, Intlishake, and for those concerned about pet hydration, there is K9. This campaign seeks to raise $30,000 by December 31, 2014. Early bird backers get one product for $19 with an expected delivery of January 2015.