http://stwww.surfingmagazine.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2012/10/africa-alan-van-gysen.jpg
http://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/surf-tech-data-inline.jpg
http://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/surf-data-inline1.jpg
http://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/photo-4-e1415115886615-768x1024.jpg
A prototype program collects data from a Smart Phin connected through USB.
A surfer attaches a Smart Phin to his board before heading out into the water.
Benjamin Thompson
Who: Benjamin Thompson and his startup, Board Formula.
Why: So surfers can collect pH, temperature and salinity data in areas otherwise deemed dangerous for research.
What: Smart Phin, a surfboard fin that collects data on pH, salinity and temperature while you surf.
spotlight
The Smart Phin, Benjamin
Thompson’s latest project, is a
surfboard fin that collects pH data
while you surf. Surf spots, as well
as other areas of water close to
shore, have been notorious for
difficult data collection due to the
powerful waves and rough
conditions. Thanks to Thompson
and his consulting firm, Board Formula, surfers will now be able to collect pH data from dangerous areas in the ocean. Although still in the development phase the Phin was a recent finalist in the Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE. Thompson hopes he can soon bring his product to market so surfers can get out there and start collecting data. (Lapowski, 2014)