While there is no device to actually let you take flight easily – at least not without riding in a plane, you might be able to get the sensation of flying while underwater with the Subwing. Designed for underwater sports the wings essentially give you “wings” for gliding through the water. The only equipment needed is diving mask but it can be used with a snorkel and fins as well, while it is recommended that users are towed by a boat – which should travel at about 2 knots. The Subwing is available in either fiberglass ($700) or carbon fiber versions ($850 for Carbon Matte or $895 for the Carbon Glossy), while the rope is made of Dyneema fibers. Video after the jump
Tag: water sports
Revolutionary Kayak is No Mirage
“Look Ma, no paddles!” That’s probably our first take when seeing the Hobie Mirage Revolution 11, which is part of the company’s “MirageDrive line” of watercraft. While you can still do the traditional paddling, this drive allows users to pedal instead. Two pedals drive a pair of underwater fins – and reportedly work much like a penguin’s flippers. While the boat might be named Mirage those watching it move across the water might think they are seeing things as the Kayak’s users isn’t doing any paddling!
The Mirage Revolution 11 is also revolutionary in that it offers a featherweight hull, has an impressive turning ratio, plenty of storage and even lashing configurations for optional sailing kit. And without sailing kit the MirageDrive means you can pedal instead of paddle and save the arms for lifting a cool drink instead.
CES 2012:: Indestructible Dive Lights and Waterproof Cameras
Products that can go deep are what Fitness Technologies Inc. is showing this week in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show. These include the newly announced full-day hour Uwater Action Cameras, which include the UD3X, HD55 and the HD77. All three cameras feature mounting accessories so they can be used with helmets, on a bike or mounted on the body or board. Continue reading CES 2012:: Indestructible Dive Lights and Waterproof Cameras
Boat Worthy of Gilligan’s Island
Here is something even the Professor on Gilligan’s Island never crafted: a Hammock Boat. This concoction, which is making the rounds online, was reportedly seen near University of California at Davis (with reports varying as to how long ago that was), and we’re not sure if it came about after a weekend binge or a marathon of old TV shows. While it seems silly, it probably does provide a good upper body workout. But we can see this appealing very much to those who’d rather just float down the river instead.
[Via Bonjour Life: Hammock Boat Concept]
CES Preview: Uwater K7 Delivers Big Sound in Small Package
The Uwater K7 won’t shrink in water and that’s a good thing, because it is about as small as could be already. The world’s smallest 100 percent waterproof FM radio/receiver will be showcased at next month’s Consumer Electronics Show, and is provides music, news, sports and talk radio to swimmers.
The device has a built-in Li-Ion rechargeable battery, which juices up from a USB port, and it can run for eight hours on a single charge.
It features a one-inch LCD screen, 19 station preset, stereo sound, indoor/outdoor reception (even under water) and “twist & lock” earphones are included. The silicon ear tips even come in two sizes, and at just an ounce this one won’t hold you back in the water.
Flex Goggles Let Swimmers Become Predator in the Water
While much of the United States is being hammered with snow, down under is another story. Despite some floods and a terrible cyclone, summer is in full swing and thus time to get in some swimming before the coming of fall. This week keen swimmers were offered a way to improve their stroke techniques and help their level of performance with two products from Zoggs.
The 4 Flexpoint Predator Flex Goggles are designed for use in pools as well as open swimming, and these feature enhanced frame styling, along with Fogbuster impregnated anti-fog lenses. The goggles offer quick adjust straps that can make for easy adjustments while swimming, plus 180 degrees of undistorted peripheral vision from the Curve Lens Technology. There are even mirrored lens to suit a variety of light conditions.
The Four-Stoke Positive Drive Fins can help users with all strokes. These training fins feature an offset foot pocket, which promotes natural supination in the kick turning for positive drive, while the ellipsoidal shaped blade provides ideal thrust in all the main four kick cycles. There is also an ergonomic foot pocket that is designed to provide greater comfort for training. The fins come in sizes 2/3 to 13/14.
Both products should help you feel like a big fish in a small pond, and more importantly a much faster fish at that. Let’s hope these products catch the current to North America this year.
Not Your Dad’s Topsiders
Back in the ’80s topsiders were popular as the preppy shoe of choice. They faded into the background to be kept afloat by sailors and other boaters. But while the traditional style is still available from manufacturer Sperry, some new designs use tech specific to water sports. The Ping uses SON-R technology that gives the wearer feedback of the surface he’s walking on. Made to go on land and under shallow water for launching boats and small boat water sports like Kayaking and canoeing, the Ping has an “outsole-to-insole-to brain” sensory feedback system constructed of multiple pads comprising the same sole. This SON-R system lets you feel the rocks under your feet and navigate different surfaces even when you can’t see them under water.