Archive for the ‘GEAR’ Category

Posted on: April 27th, 2011 | Written by | 309 Comments

WaveJet – Introducing The First Jet-Powered Surfboard

Just when tow-ats and SUPs get outlawed from most line-ups, Wavejets are here for watermen lookin for a boost. WaveJet is the first company to bring a miniaturized jet drive to market for surf boards, SUP’s, rescue boards, kayaks, kite boards, and boat tenders.

Wavejet is powered by an integrated twin-lithium ion battery pack with internal twin drives, unlike the dangerous internal-combustion driven propellers of motorized surfboards from the past. It’s capable of 20 pounds of thrust, has a continuous run-time of over 30 minutes, activated through a wireless wrist controller and recharges in a standard wall socket.


Steve Walden, master shaper and craftsman has been building and perfecting longboards for over 45 years, and is considered “the father of the modern longboard.” Here’s his take on the Wavejet: “WaveJet’s propulsion drive will dramatically enhance when, where and how we surf due to conditions and location. WaveJet’s PWP is really amazing, it is an assist system that allows you to catch more waves and get extra speed thru sections. It gives you the energy you need to paddle distances. Think of PWP as a power pack for your ride.”


-PWCs banned and it’s too big to paddle at Mavs or Ghost Trees…enter the Wavejet.
-Don’t have a boat, but want to surf Hollister Ranch…enter the WaveJet.
-Tired of grovelling for two hours without ever seeing a clean section…enter WaveJet
-Busted your arm, but need surf to stay sane…get a Wavejet!

So, if you’re prone to jump on the hater bandwagon, remember what Laird said about SUPs, “A kook on a shortboard is a kook on a SUP, surfers who respect the rules of the road shouldn’t get heckled if they’re being safe and courteous.”

Founder/Inventor Mike Railey of Del Mar Ca, breaks it down down:

Q. What is the technology that WaveJet is built on?
A. Patented Personal Water Propulsion (PWP) technology invented in the US is a revolutionary, one-of-a-kind system. It’s a clean, quiet, battery-powered miniature jet drive that can be plugged into any WaveJet-ready personal watercraft, including surfboards, standup paddle boards, kayaks, inflatable’s, belly boards, DPVs and operated with a wireless controller (wrist).
Q. How fast is a WaveJet?
A. Manufacturers will be able to offer boards that run about an hour and fifteen minutes and those pods will have a top speed of about 6 mph. There is also a higher performance pod with a top speed of 10 mph that will have a run time of about 40 minutes.
Q. How much does a WaveJet weigh?
A. A WaveJet pod will add about 14 lbs to a surfboard. Surfers that are testing WaveJet powered boards say they love the additional control and balance they get from the additional weight. If you think about it, boards float on water, so once you put 20 lbs of thrust in a board, weight becomes your friend and the WaveJet becomes your jet powered assist.
Q. How does a rider control the board?
A. We put leading edge wireless technology developed by WFS Defense into an oversized wrist control. The system is very unique because the signal must travel under water. If you fall off your board the WaveJet powers off.

At $3,500 per board, we wont see packs of Wavejets filling the line-ups right away, but you can bet we’ll see surf pioneers around the world using Wavejet technology. Look out for the first line of Wavejets from Walden Surfboards mid September.

For more info, visit Wavejet.com
See more Wavejet videos here

Whats your opinion of the WaveJet? (Remember Laird’s words)

Posted on: March 22nd, 2011 | Written by | 19 Comments

Sector Nine’s Latest: Slides, Spills & (Free) SWAG!

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a downhill skater?

This recent short flick sent to us by the boys over at Sector Nine takes you into the mind of team rider Erik Lundberg as he performs his daily routine. Roaming his local streets of Encinitas California, Lundberg remembers past wipeouts and some crazy dh events. Shot entirely in monochrome and with some sick first person GoPro footage, this movie is sure to leave you intoxicated with it’s beating drums and moving pavement. Includes appearances by Jeff Budro, Evren Ozan, Mischo Erban & various other IGSA riders. Skip to 7:13 for some of the sickest slides known to man..

Want some more action?

9 lives DVD from Sector Nine

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Sector nine is now giving away their new dvd 9 Lives: First Try with purchase of ANY Sector Nine product on SWELL. The film features nearly an hour and a half of surf and trick/downhill skating that will have you frothing no matter what sport you rep…

This video is not available in stores, so don’t blow it grab a skate, get your dvd, and start shredding!

Click Here to Check out Sector Nine on Swell

Posted on: March 22nd, 2011 | Written by | 28 Comments

Derek Hynd and his finless wonder board

Derek Hynd is an Australian surfer/shaper/writer. On top of being a former contest pro and intelligent writer, he’s one of surfing’s great innovators and explorers. His ability of high level surfing as well as having such an understanding of board shaping and hydrodynamics puts him in a category which only the likes of George Greenough and Tom Wegener can hold a candle to.

Derek Hynd and His Finlessboard

Over the past few years Derek has been shaping and riding his own finless surfboard design. Instead of joining the throngs on the trail of the Polynesian Alaia he’s been updating this concept by using the advances of bottom contours in PU blanks. This newly invented, skegless board design has allowed him to harness the reduction of friction along with having the hold, trim and turning properties of concave. These results may just be a window into the future. Derek Hynd we salute you!

Check out this mind blowing vid segment of D.H. riding some of his finless wonders

For more incredible footage of Derek Hynd add this radical classic to your video library asap: Litmus The Special Edition DVD- http://www.swell.com/LITMUS-SPECIAL-EDITION-DVD

Litmus Special Edition

Posted on: March 8th, 2011 | Written by | 359 Comments

Product Review – HangGoose Wetsuit Hanger

At one point or another we have all been guilty of leaving a dripping wetsuit in the back of our trucks only to find a musty pile for our next session. It’s not that we don’t care, it’s just many of us can’t be bothered to find a decent place (or way) to store our rubber after a tiring surf. Well worry no more because the HangGoose is here!
HangGoose

Straight from the frigid waters of Nor Cal comes this solid, beautifully crafted collapsible wetsuit hanger. Designed and perfected by a surfer/contractor from Humboldt County, the HangGoose’s smooth teak body is as refined as it is useful.
HangGoose

So what’s different about this hanger? you might ask..

Unlike a normal hanger the ‘Goose hangs your suit from the middle, which lets it dry quicker and doesn’t stretch out the neck or shoulders. Also included on both the sides of the hanger are posts specifically made for draining/airing out your booties. No other method works better for eliminating that scummy water build up when stowing your boots.Then, to top it off, at the base of the hanger is a fastening string that allows gloves or any other gear to be hung alongside your suit.

So with the Goose your entire wetsuit quiver can be securely hung and dried with the greatest of ease. Now even the laziest of surfers out there will be able to properly care for their gear.

In turn all your expensive cold water gear will last longer and stay warmer for more than a couple seasons.

hanggeese

The HangGoose collapses for easy storage in your car or truck and can be hung just about anywhere, even door frames!

The ‘Goose makes a great great gift for groms and geezers alike… because no one likes a soggy, worn out suit..

Check it out here