Outdoors

Folding SailStick lets longboarders catch the wind

Folding SailStick lets longboarders catch the wind
The SailStick is currently on Kickstarter
The SailStick is currently on Kickstarter
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The present version of the SailStick
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The present version of the SailStick
The SailStick is currently on Kickstarter
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The SailStick is currently on Kickstarter
A couple of the SailSticks, folded up
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A couple of the SailSticks, folded up
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Sails for longboard skateboards do already exist, but they're pretty big – about the size of a sailboard sail. The SailStick, however, folds down for relatively easy carrying and storage when not in use.

Invented by Dutch entrepreneur and software developer Jesper Wulffers, the SailStick started out as a broomstick with two stunt kites attached. Numerous prototypes followed, with the current version featuring an aluminum boom and two kite-inspired folding nylon sails. Plans call for a future model to feature a lighter fiberglass or carbon fiber boom.

Wulffers says that by adjusting the angle at which the device is held, users can travel in any direction relative to the wind – they can even travel upwind (in the direction from which the wind is blowing), just like sailboats are able to do.

He suggests learning to use the SailStick at wind speeds of 14 to 17 knots (26 to 31 km/h or 16 to 20 mph), then moving up to wind speeds as high as 21 knots (39 km/h or 24 mph).

The present version of the SailStick
The present version of the SailStick

Jesper claims to have already taken the present incarnation of the device up to 42 km/h (26 mph). In its current form, it weighs 2.4 kg (5.3 lb), is 1.4 m long (4.6 ft), has a total sail surface area of 1.2 square meters (12.9 sq ft), and can reportedly be folded or unfolded within 30 seconds. And while it's been demonstrated mainly as a longboard accessory, it's also intended for use with snowboards and stand-up paddleboards.

Should you be interested, the SailStick is presently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of €185 (about US$219) will get you one, when and if it reaches production.

You can see the device in action, in the video below.

Source: Kickstarter

SailStick: Foldable handheld sailing device

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3 comments
3 comments
Harap White
Make the sail transparent so you can have better visibility in front
michael_dowling
Interesting. Looks like something a DIYer could make.
jerryd
Not really big enough sail area except in heavy winds or sailing downhill. A sail only makes 1 lb of force at 16mph though 4lbs at 32mph.
I've always wanted to build a land sailing 20' sq back canoe with tiller steering and dynamically automatic sail foil/s combined with EV drive for between wind and charged by regen while sailing.
With a tent cover could be an interesting RV traveling on land or water.