Sun, sea, sand -
spam? |
For a
decade, "surfing" has come to mean browsing the net rather than
riding ocean waves on a plank.
But a surfboard has now been developed that lets surfers surf
while surfing. The prototype board has been built by Devon "shaper"
Jools Matthews.
It houses a laptop, solar panels, and video camera, and is to
launch at the Intel GoldCoast Oceanfest on 18 June.
The world's first wi-fi board uses a high-speed net connection
point - hotspot - positioned on the beach.
Chip makers Intel has commissioned the unusual surfboard as part
of the free sports and music festival in North Devon to show off how
technology can be brought to the sea and sand.
The board will have its maiden outing on the waves when it is
used by international pro surfer Duncan Scott at the event.
Ride with the best
"As a professional surfer, explorer, writer, film producer and
world traveller, being able to communicate quickly and effectively
is critical to my success," said Mr Scott, who also advised on the
board's design.
The board is a prototype to show off
technology |
"In
the near future," he added, "via wireless real-time streaming, it
could be possible that observers will, for the first time, actually
be able to 'ride' a wave with the best surfers in the world."
The board itself is 9ft 4 inch long board, ideally suited to the
particular waves found along the UK's "Surfers' Paradise" in North
Devon.
The technology, supplied by Intel, is tucked away neatly in the
board, inside a specially designed waterproof casing.
The casing is made of a tough but lightweight tray, and has a
silicone seal, a crystal PVC cover and an aluminium gasket.
The tablet laptop has a wireless chip, a 1.7Ghz processor and a
80Gb hard drive.
Power comes from the solar panels fitted onto the board, and it
also has a video camera which can store 64Mb worth of wave-catching
action.
Serious side
But even though it is all a bit of fun, serious efforts have been
made to ensure the technology did not interfere with the ride and
feel of the board, said Intel.
The laptop weighs in at 2.3kg and its position in the board was
careful calculated to maintain the desired balance for surfers.
"It's all about giving people the freedom to get online when and
where they want - and this technology demonstrates that with a bit
of imagination you can do just that," said Tim Hatch, Intel's
consumer marketing manager.
The GoldCoast Oceanfest takes place from 18 to 20 June at Croyde
beach in North Devon.
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