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Posts with tag surf

Shark Shield experiences epic fail, gets chomped by great white in test

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 4th 2008 at 6:07PM


As we're certain you know by now, there are fails, and then there are epic fails. This case most definitely falls into the latter category, as Sea Change's shark-deterrent system (affectionately dubbed Shark Shield) was actually bit into by a great white when tested off the coast of South Africa. Reportedly, the device sends out electronic fields that are meant to deter sharks from coming near surfers, but according to the company's CEO, the botched trial was "due to a problem with the electrode's configuration." Furthermore, he noted that the thing is only "guaranteed to work when it's stationary, not when it's surfing in the wave or paddling." Needless to say, the effectiveness of these type devices have now been called into question, and regardless of whether this thing actually works as advertised, the lack of total protection -- you know, while actually surfing -- is enough to make us steer clear.

[Via UberReview]

Lenart Studios kicks out GPS / LCD-equipped surfboard

by Darren Murph, posted Jul 23rd 2007 at 3:49AM


Granted, the Light Wave was snazzy in its own right, but Lenart Studios has certainly gone the extra mile with its iteration of the intelligent surfboard. Simply dubbed the Surf Radio, this board reportedly packs a built-in display that utilizes "radio and GPS technology" in order to "give surfers updated information about their location, rip currents, and building swells," and even doubles as a walkie-talkie for chatting it up with fellow riders. Moreover, the unit features an integrated sensor that can detect if you've wiped out a bit too harshly, and then triggers the internal communications system to send out an emergency beacon with your exact location. Unfortunately, there's no word on if this design will ever go mainstream, but a board so stacked ain't likely to run you cheap if it does.

[Via Core77]

Light Wave Surfboard alerts tugboats of your presence

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 24th 2007 at 11:08PM

Now that it's been made possible to surf in bitterly cold waters without freezing up, we're sure more than a few daredevils would like to cut up after hours. Santa Cruz Light Wells' latest contraption takes the worry out of surfing beyond dusk, as the Light Wave Surfboard features headlights, a rail light, and fin lights to keep you lit up whilst carving those murky waves. Additionally, the rail light is controlled by a left or right handed dimmer switch, the headlights are activated by lifting the nose, and the tube lights / headlights can be "programmed to run from 10 to 45 seconds" at a time. The whole kit is powered by "two replaceable batteries" that should keep things bright for at least a night or two, but considering the $2,950 pricetag attached to this thing, we were definitely expecting it to run off hydroelectricity.

[Via ShinyShiny]

Rip Curl launches the H-Bomb: "world's first heated wetsuit"

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 26th 2006 at 8:58PM

Although late October typically conjures thoughts about the upcoming ski season, Rip Curl is hoping to please those So Cal / Hawaiian residents by giving you one less reason to ditch the waves this winter. Announcing the "world's first heated wetsuit," the H-Bomb (no relation to the F-Bomb) looks like your average neoprene wetsuit at first glance, but beneath the back lies twin Li-ion cells which are used to generate heat and keep surfers warm on those chilly days at the beach. The suit has two settings -- low (120 - 130 degrees Fahrenheit) and high (140 - 150 degrees Fahrenheit) -- and utilizes "thin layers" of internal fabric to "spread the heat evenly and protect your skin." While we're certainly fans of staying toasty, strapping a pair of potentially explosive batteries onto one's back doesn't exactly sound inviting, but hopefully these won't be subject to any detrimental recalls anyway.

[Via Pocket Lint]
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