Body surfing method and apparatus

US8105125B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventor

• Michael Sick · Timmendorfer Strand, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 16, 2008
• Grant date: Jan 31, 2012
• Expiry date: Jan 28, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A63B2225/605
• WIPO field: Furniture, games
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A buoyant device that enhances water activities and surfing by providing increased thrust from incident waves through utilization of a surface or volume to propel the buoyant device. A buoyant enclosure with an internal hand grip has surfaces that promote hydroplaning, flotation and the reduction of friction through the shape, materials and laminations used to manufacture the device. At least one of the surfaces can engage moving water allowing a user to benefit from the thrust of a wave to increase propulsion. A shape that combines a planar bottom surface with planar area to at least one side surface forms a wave wall to enhance propulsion from the force of a wave. Hydroplaning is enhanced using material with increased buoyancy to improve the body surfing experience. The devices are hand held by the user and can be used independently or combined to function as a single device. A “bow” like shape can be created by placing devices on both the left and right hand components together as a method of utilizing the system to efficiently cut through the water while simultaneously hydroplaning.