Surfers know the area they ride, also referred to as the
surf zone, is a dynamic and scientifically-intriguing area that is hard to get
data on due to the aggressive nature of the waves. This got some smart people
to thinking. If they could somehow affix a smart device to the surfboard,
perhaps in or on the surfboard fins, then
maybe some magic could happen. Well… here’s Smartfin.
"By putting sensors directly onto surfboards, we can
collect data and begin to learn about changes in temperature, salinity, and pH,
which are properties that have huge implications for the species that live in
nearshore ecosystems," the Smartfin developers note.
Smartfin is the result of a partnership between non-profits,
engineers, and the scientific community. It is the brain-child of Dr. Andrew
Stern of The Lost Bird Project. In 2015, researchers at Scripps Institution of
Oceanography, one of the world’s leading institutions for oceanographic
research, came on board to validate the scientific application of Smartfin in
the surf zone. Surfrider Foundation joined the partnership in June 2016 to
provide logistical and outreach support for the distribution of fins to its
network of surfers worldwide. (Excerpt from the Smartfin website.)
Imagine being able to help contribute to shaping the oceanic
ecosystem while you enjoy surfing the waves as usual! Currently, the Smartfin
is available on those with a Future fin setup, but there may be plans to extend
that to other brands as the project continues.
No comments:
Post a Comment