From Tribord’s inflatable stand-up paddleboard and Nabaiji’s interchangeable-lens swimming goggles to Swimbot’s wearable device for improving swimming technique, here’s a look at some of the innovative new products landing this spring for swimmers and watersports fans.
A compact, inflatable stand-up paddleboard
While not everyone can hope to match French firefighter, Jérome Jarossay, who’s set to cross the Atlantic by paddleboard on March 31, stand-up paddleboarding is an increasingly popular activity. This watersport comes straight from the sun-soaked shores of Hawaii, and involves standing up on what’s basically a kind of surfboard, and paddling yourself around in the sea. The sport has proved a hit, offering paddleboarders fun, freedom and a great way to enjoy the ocean waves. In fact, no less than 1.5 million stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) were sold in 2015.
Global sports retailer Decathlon has jumped on the trend, launching via its in-house Tribord brand an inflatable board that’s rigid enough ensure stability and decent glide. The board is available in three sizes for riders weighing 60 kg to 110 kg (132 lbs to 243 lbs), and is priced from €479.99 to €549.99. The product claims to be the cheapest on the market too, as SUP prices currently range from €500 to €1,000. Once deflated, the board and its pump fit neatly into a compact backpack.
Swimbot connected swim coach improves technique in real time
Swimbot is a new high-tech device that helps swimmers improve technique by correcting movements in real time. The 60g wearable device acts like a personal swim coach, analyzing every movement with the help of nine sensors and making sounds to prompt users to correct movements. For example, when an unnecessary vertical movement slowing down the stroke is detected, a sound lets the swimmer know to change their position. The tool also teaches better breathing technique, which can help swimmers gain speed, especially with front crawl. After a workout, Swimbot can sync to a smartphone over Bluetooth to review performance stats and track progress. ($249 from the crowdfunding site indiegogo.com)
Selfit 3-in-1 goggles regulate light and offer corrective lenses
Staying in the word of swimming, Decathlon’s Nabaiji brand has developed a pair of goggles with interchangeable lenses for different light conditions. In a couple of clicks, the goggles can be loaded with clear, smoked or mirrored lenses that suit the surrounding environment (from €19.99). Short-sighted swimmers can even fit the goggles with corrective lenses.
For more information visit: http://uk.nabaiji.com/en/advices/selfit-goggles-new-nabaiji-innovation
Spongesuit, the environmentally proactive swimsuit
The idea may not appeal to everyone, but a bathing suit that simultaneously cleans the ocean is pretty revolutionary. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside have developed a bikini that absorbs pollutants from the water. The substances are trapped in the pores of the Spongesuit’s material, keeping them out of contact with the wearer’s skin. This bikini is made from a sponge-like material derived from sucrose. It has a porous structure and is highly hydrophobic. The material can absorb and retain up to 25 times its weight in substances other than water. The Spongesuit won the 2015 Reshape Wearable Technology Competition, and although it’s still at prototype stage, it could be brought to market soon.
Check out the Spongesuit in this video:
– Cover Image: © 2016 Vimeo, LLC
– Source: AFP Relaxnews
