Ct
I would think with a few body mods, this would be great portable device for lifegaurds.
Timothy Neill
The electric model needs a way to exchange batteries quickly, because I guarantee you, one hour is not going to be enough runtime for anything that looks that much fun.
Marco Corona
If Jason Woods needs any money and business savvy to make this incredible product 'float', I believe the Sharks from the Shark Tank show would love to grovel for his invention. JMO
OMEGATALON
This would be a great device for US Navy SEALS as this could allow them to be deployed quicker and be at full strength when they reach their designation to take care of the next phase of mission.
Michael Crumpton
Very cool.
I suspect the solar charger "4 x 6-inches (10 x 15 cm), the charging station" is supposed to be 4 x 6 feet rather than inches unless they had some even more exciting solar power breakthrough than an electric boogieboard.
wiarus2000
I believe he should find an investor and start mass producing these boards because at $5000 it will not be a success. For $2000 I would buy one for myself today but $5000 is too expensive
Douglas Hoskins
Seems like a great idea for SAR, or SEALS (with significantly more run-time - perhaps back to gas for that version)
Or playing in the ocean surv, but I see one potentially serious safety issue at least under the conditions down at my local lakes, due to the low profile of the body board configuration -- and hence, a possibly very serious liability issue --
1. The rider's head is very close to the water -- any significant wake or wind waves are going to really reduce the rider's ability to scan for other water craft; at the same time
2. The low profile will make it difficult for other craft to see the board, especially if waves are over a few feet. Boats are likely to be scanning well enough to miss the board in time, but the jet ski (PWC) crowd tends to be less observant. Stereotyping, I know, but I believe the statistics bear it out -- moreover, PWC can usually get away with a shorter warning time, because of their enhanced maneuverability relative to a traditional boat. Not a problem with boats and other PWC because they are visible. In moderate waves, a ri der on these boards could be hidden when they are on the next wave over.
In effect, the rider is about as visible as a swimmer out in the open water.
RECOMMENDATION: At a minimum -- some kind of whip antenna with a high visibility flag -- same as dune buggies in the sand dunes, for the same reason.
Antenna is a hassle, of course -- perhaps a short, tethered "paraglider" kite, like they sell for backpackers? or ... something.
Vince Pack
Oh man, I want one for playing in the river! My biggest concern is banging my chin on it in serious water. Good thing I've got a canyon helmet :-)
Jason Woods
A huge thank you to everyone for the huge response! We are swamped in inquiries at the moment so please be patient we will get back to you as soon as possible!
@Timothy- Oh Yes, that is a must! the batteries will be easy to swap out and the new cells we are looking at will greatly reduce the charge time.
@Michaelc- You are correct it is 4'x6' primarily for lifeguard tower or dock mount.
@wiarus2000- I couldn't agree more! The real end goal is to drive the cost down to make it truly affordable for everyone to own and operate as quickly as possible. For SAR applications, the average retail for just the towable rescue sled for a jetski is around $3500+ so $5000 for a device that saves you $20,000 with greatly increased accessibility is a huge value. Add to that remote operation and its a steal!
Thanks again!
togaclad
Should talk to Polyplus. They have a lithium salt water battery that can push 1300Wh/kg. Still too early in development for this project but certainly as a future replacement battery. Also consider the military side. Not that I'm a fan but military funding can really boost you to the finish line.