Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for providing strength and/or rigidity to lightweight materials. In certain embodiments, provided are compositions and methods for providing strength, rigidity and/or improving performance of flotation devices such as surfboards.

Abstract: Applicant's Side Force Enhancer for use with a slender planar object which hydrodynamically planes proximate to the interface of a liquid and gas environment. The side force enhancement device comprises a plate having an inner surface and outer surface terminating at an upstream leading edge and downstream trailing edge, said plate mounted to the upper surface of said planar object at a predetermined location along the length of said planar object's side edge. The side force enhancing plate's upper most surface is positioned a predetermined distance below the upper surface of said planar object, said plate's lower most surface positioned a predetermined distance below said planar object's lower surface. The inner surface of said plate is proximate to said planar object's side edge, defining an angular relationship therewith. Said plate has a preferred length to height ratio and said angular relationship defines a preferred range of angle.

Abstract: A multifunctional floating apparatus, which is able to float on water, includes a floating device, a handrail, a driving device, a controlling device, and a battery set. The floating device has an exterior edge and an interior edge, wherein the exterior edge is longer than the interior edge, and the floating device has an inner side at the interior edge. The handrail is connected to the inner side of the floating device, wherein the handrail has at least a holding portion for a user to hold the handrail. The driving device is provided on the floating device to drive the floating device to sail on water. The controlling device is electrically connected to the driving device to control the controlling device. The battery set is disposed to the floating device to supply the driving device with electric power.

Abstract: A surfboard has a surfboard body, an electric motor, and a propeller. An electric power circuit provides power to the electric motor from a source of electro-motive force within the interior of the surfboard body. Additional electrical components, which may be capacitor banks, limit the rate of acceleration of the surfboard body. Several different capacitor banks may be included to provide selectable rates of acceleration.

Abstract: A step shape in a planing hull for water craft and more particularly for sailboards, surfboard or PWC for increasing the lift in front of the step and decreasing it in back at high planing speed, which has dynamic lift directly behind the step when the hull is traveling at a transition speed between displacement mode and planing mode, but at high planing speed it does not have lift directly behind the step. The hull has increased speed because the lift behind the step at transition speed allows the position of the step to be moved forward and in one embodiment has cambered surface (9) in front of the step. This step does not go across the full width of the hull such that there is a continuous planing surface in front of the fins or other means, which it is desirous that they not ventilate, and fin or other means has more ventilation resistance in another embodiment.

Abstract: A lightweight watercraft device designed for use by general consumers and those without means or desire for a traditional, larger boat. The device comprises a pilot seat, an outboard electric motor and steering means mounted to a lightweight foam hull wrapped in a composite shell. The hull comprises a central region bounded by two forward sweeping sides that form the bow of the vessel. The sides taper from bow to stern, terminating at the rear of the boat in a squared configuration. The hull is a unitary foam structure, wrapped in plys of composite material for structural reinforcement. A plank board is bonded between plys along the central axis of the boat, and provides support for the seat, a rear transom board and an area for carrying supplies. Mounted on the transom board is the outboard electric motor, which provides motive power for the vessel.

Abstract: A sports mat includes a foam sheet, an adhesive bonding film, a patterned layer and a skid proof layer. The foam sheet is made of polyethylene foam. The adhesive bonding film applied to a top surface of the foam sheet. The patterned layer has a plastic film and a pattern printed in a bottom surface of the plastic film. The plastic film together with the pattern is joined on top of the adhesive bonding film. The skid proof layer, made of thermal plastic rubber, is coated over a top surface of the plastic film. Additionally, the skid proof layer together with the patterned layer, the adhesive bonding film and the foam sheet defines a plurality of indentations and protrusions over a top surface of the skid proof layer so as to strengthen connection therebetween.

Abstract: A sports board has a hard top shell formed with a top concave shell cavity. The hard top shell has an inside surface. The hard top shell is pervious to light. A top layer of adhesive adheres to the hard top shell. A rigid foam core is formed with a top profile and a bottom profile. The top profile matches and receives the top hard shell. The top layer of adhesive adheres to a top surface of the foam core. A bottom layer of adhesive adheres to a bottom surface of the rigid foam core; and a hard bottom shell is formed with a bottom concave shell cavity. The bottom concave shell cavity is formed to fit to the bottom profile. The hard bottom shell is pervious to light.

Abstract: A multi-purpose boat has a two angle V hull with a rounded fore-aft profile and slightly convex deck. The hull has steeply angled edge portions and shallowly angled center portions. The edge portions are sufficiently sloped away from vertical to allow the boat to be lifted and not pushed by waves. The rounded fore-aft profile allows the boat to slide over waves, especially during a beach entry. The boat includes a keel having a horizontal base and separating downward from the hull at the fore and aft of the boat to resist yawing. The dry weight of the boat is about 25 pounds with a foam core with a resin coating and the keel is preferably hollow and includes ports to allow water to enter the keel to add about 25 pounds after entering the water. Approximately four inches of freeboard is provided separating riders from cold water and predators.

Abstract: A snowboard or other glide board has a receptacle and plug accessory system for quickly incorporating additional and interchangeable functionality to the board. A user can readily switch functionality in and out of the board by way of the plug and receptacle system. Various plugs contain different features. The receptacle can be incorporated during manufacturing, such as in a manner compatible with existing manufacturing practices, as a retrofit to existing boards. The receptacle is a plate embedded into the board, in line with the core and sandwiched between the strength layers that are typically comprised of fiberglass. The receptacle sidewall has a one side of a latch mechanism in its interior walls. In one implementation, the plug accessory can latch fit into the receptacle. The plug can be disengaged with one hand without tools. The plug accessory can incorporate a camera, a light, a flag, and a rooster tail duct.

Abstract: A personal water sport riding board with a modified bottom surface to enhance its water riding characteristics is herein disclosed is provided with a pair of appendages designed to facilitate the catching of water. In such a manner, as water passes on the bottom surface, it is caught by the appendages thus propelling the riding board forward in a faster manner. The appendages are manufactured of rigid foam that is covered with a fabric material in much the same manner as a conventional riding board.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water slider that features an electrically insulative body extending along a longitudinal axis and having opposed surfaces with a perimeter edge extending therebetween. An electrical conductor is positioned upon one of the surfaces; and a discharge connector is in electrical communication with the electrical conductor and disposed upon said perimeter edge. The electrical conductor may be one or more of a plurality of configurations.

Abstract: A sleeveless, torso-encircling vest having an open front to facilitate donning the vest useful for body surfing. Closures, for example a hook-and-loop fastening system, secure the two front portions of the vest to one another after the vest is in place on a wearer's body. Flotation material is placed only in a back panel of the vest to help properly orient a wearer while body surfing. The garment is lightweight, easy to put on, and streamlined in the water when on the wearer's body. The hook-and-loop closure system provides adjustability so that a single size vest properly fits a large range of body sizes. However, the vest may be provided in different sizes such as adult and child sizes.

Abstract: A submersible water toy for stunt based activities includes a main body portion constructed of a buoyant material. The main body portion defines an upper deck surface upon which the user can stand or otherwise be supported. The buoyancy of the main body portion is such that at least a portion of the user's weight is supported when used in a pool or other body of water.

Abstract: A multifunction engagement apparatus for use with a water recreation device may include a foot pad and a multifunction strap. The multifunction strap may be positioned to overlie the substantially flat foot pad, and may be moveable between an uncollapsed position and a collapsed position. In the uncollapsed position, the multifunction strap may present a generally arcuate foot opening between the strap and the top surface of the foot pad. In the collapsed position, the multifunction strap may present a substantially flat contact cushion atop the foot pad. The multifunction strap may have elastic properties that allow for selective positioning of the multifunction engagement member for use by a towed rider as the rider transitions between prone, kneeling, and/or standing positions atop a water recreation device.

Abstract: A body board (1) is provided having a cavity (2) into which reinforcing elements (4) may be interchangeably inserted through an opening (3) by the user to vary the flexing characteristics of the board. The reinforcing elements may be provided with securing parts adapted to engage with a retainer in the board to securely hold the reinforcing element in place.

Abstract: The invention comprises a non-slip foam pad that provides an ergonomically shaped grip for the hands for use on a personal water craft surface, such as a surfboard or body board, to provide for maximum grip during maneuvers which involve moving through oncoming water while maintaining a grip on said watercraft.

Abstract: A pair of poles are positioned for pivotal connection adjacent the lateral edges of a skim board. A rider initially stands on the beach behind the board and grips the poles. The rider runs on the beach behind the board to forwardly propel the board on the low friction surface of the shallow water. The speed and direction of the board is controlled by the rider manipulating and pivoting the poles. When the board reaches a desired speed, the rider jumps with one foot onto the board while gripping the poles to control balance and direction of movement of the board. The rider places his other foot on the board as the board glides on the surface of the water. By continuing to grip and pivot the poles, the rider stabilizes his position on the board until the board completes the gliding movement and comes to a stop.

Abstract: A water recreation device and method of use is contemplated having advantages such as improved stability, maneuverability and ease of use. Embodiments of the contemplated water recreation device include a riding board, handles and a tow hook assembly that are configured to allow a rider to more easily transition to a standing forward-facing position while riding the device. The contemplated device may also include foot bindings or foot grips for added ride stability. The device may alternately include rails disposed on the bottom surface of the riding board. Such rails are adapted to channel water toward the rear bottom section of the riding board to cause the device to achieve an approximately planar orientation relative to the surface of a body of water. This planar orientation provides positioning and stability that further improves the ease of transitioning to a standing position.

Abstract: A sports board comprises a top surface for supporting a rider, a bottom surface, a leading edge portion and a following edge portion with a central axis extending between the leading edge portion and the following edge portion, a first side edge portion and a second side edge portion located on respective first and second lateral sides of the central axis of the sports board. The lateral width of the sports board between the first side edge portion and the second side edge portion may be equal to, or greater than, the distance between the leading edge portion and the following edge portion. A first-side part of the bottom surface may be inclined upwardly towards the first edge portion, and a second-side part of the bottom surface may be inclined upwardly, in a lateral direction, towards the second edge portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for practicing towed boardsports while avoiding falls and saving time in learning, teaching, and progressing. The device consists of a rigid structure (2, 9) connected to a towing vehicle and provided with a means (3, 4) for suspending a user (5) such that the latter no longer falls. The means for suspending a user includes a rope attached to the top of the structure, at the end of which a harness for suspending the user (5) is attached. The user (5) is suspended under the device. Thus suspended, the user (5) no longer falls. The device of the invention is particularly suitable for boardsports towed by motor boats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water slider that features an electrically insulative body extending along a longitudinal axis and having opposed surfaces with a perimeter edge extending therebetween. An electrical conductor is positioned upon one of the surfaces; and a discharge connector is in electrical communication with the electrical conductor and disposed upon said perimeter edge. The electrical conductor may be one or more of a plurality of configurations.

Abstract: A foam product includes a foam core, at least one elastic buffer and a foam skin. The foam core defines an area on a surface thereof. The elastic buffer has a bottom surface bonded to the area of the surface of the foam core. The foam skin has a bottom surface bonded to a top surface of the elastic buffer and other areas of the surface of the foam core. The elastic buffer is made of foam materials and is elastic than the foam core. Additionally, the elastic buffer causes a bulge in the first foam skin.

Abstract: The water board cover apparatus removably covers an existing water board so that the board can be towed behind a watercraft without the typical problem of the board's destruction. The apparatus has a top and a bottom, a front and a rear. The forward cover covers the nose of the water board. The tow loop is affixed to the front cover bottom. The bottom retainer covers the tail of the water board. The selectively connected strap assembly joins the forward cover to the bottom retainer. The bottom cover covers a part of the bottom of the water board. The bottom cover is connected to the forward cover bottom and the bottom retainer bottom.

Abstract: The present invention is a towed water sled apparatus that includes a hull, a pair of knee indentations to accommodate any sized rider's knees while the rider is riding the apparatus and a pair of handles with a non-slip gripping surface disposed on each side of the apparatus. There is also a bumper pad disposed in front of the knee indentations to provide padding and protection to the rider while riding and a hitching aperture disposed on the hull to receive and attach a towing line to pull the apparatus. The apparatus is designed to greatly reduce diving or sinking while being towed or in an upright or overturned position.

Abstract: A towable water sports device having a hydrofoil assembly including a strut, fuselage and front and rear blades carried by the fuselage wherein said parts are extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for body surfing which provide the body surfer a means to stabilize his ride and control his direction/position on a wave are described herein. According to one aspect, a body surfing apparatus includes a body suit having a torso and legs; a plurality of fins located on the torso; and one or more fins located laterally on the legs. The fins are preferably attached to the body suit via an adhesive or mechanical means and the fins and suit are preferably covered with a buoyant layer, the buoyant layer having a minimum thickness of 1 mm.

Abstract: A surf ski system to enable a user to surf waves. This system includes a pair of surf skis, each surf ski being in the form of a floatation device including a floating hull, fore and aft ends, longitudinal axis connecting the fore and aft ends and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A pair of flexible connecting straps are provided connecting the pair of surf skis, each surf ski having a foot well and toe straps for receiving and partially restraining the feet of a user. One of the flexible connecting straps is located fore of the foot wells and one of the flexible connecting straps being aft of the foot wells. Each of the floatation devices has an upper surface and a lower surface and side walls for facilitating a user's ability to plane on water and a skeg extending from each lower surface, the side walls and lower surface meeting at an edge forming a hard chine there between.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown which allows a small child or infant to perform a gliding sport on water. The apparatus includes a platform having an upper surface, a lower surface, a thickness, a front extent and a rear extent, the platform being wide enough to accommodate at least the width of two feet. A pair of foot grips are located on the upper surface of the platform. A handle bar extending upwardly from the upper surface of the platform from a location in front of the foot grips. The handle bar includes a grip portion which lies in a horizontal plane at a height which allows the grip portion to be conveniently gripped by a small child or infant. A tow point is located at the front extent of the platform for receiving a tow rope for pulling the platform over a surface of water.

Abstract: A sleeveless, torso-encircling vest having an open front to facilitate donning the vest useful for body surfing. Closures, for example a hook-and-loop fastening system, secure the two front portions of the vest to one another after the vest is in place on a wearer's body. Flotation material is placed only in a back panel of the vest to help properly orient a wearer while body surfing. The garment is lightweight, easy to put on, and streamlined in the water when on the wearer's body. The hook-and-loop closure system provides adjustability so that a single size vest properly fits a large range of body sizes. However, the vest may be provided in different sizes such as adult and child sizes.

Abstract: A slider includes a foam board, a top layer and a bottom layer. The foam board is a polystyrene foam board that is easily formed and molded. Furthermore, a bottom of the foam board has a rail portion protruded with a plurality of foam rails therefrom and the foam rails are parallel with each other. In addition, the top layer and the bottom layer are made of polyethylene materials and comprise interface coatings respectively, so that the top layer and the bottom layer made of polyethylene could heat bonded to the polystyrene foam board without adhesives by the first and second interface coatings.

Abstract: A board assembly for kitesurfing and/or kiteboarding includes an elongated board for traversing a supporting surface while a person is riding the board and apparatus for changing the orientation of the person's feet relative to the different ends of the board. Such apparatus includes a deck that is rotatably attached to the board, foot receptacles coupled to the deck and a device for facilitating rotation of the deck between different stationary positions relative to the different ends of the board while the board is traversing the supporting surface. The device for facilitating rotation temporarily locks the deck in one of the stationary positions upon the deck having been rotated to the one of stationary positions. The device for facilitating rotation responds to motion of the person's feet by causing the deck to be released from retention in the stationary positions.

Abstract: The water board includes a substantially planar board forming a pair of bat shaped wings adapted to be towed by a water vehicle. A pair of upstanding handles is disposed on the top surface of the planar board, which the user may grasp for towing the user and maneuvering the board. A pair of fins depends from the bottom surface of the planar board to stabilize and control maneuvering of the water board both above and below the water. A towing bracket with a towing ring is secured to the top surface of the planar board so that the board may be connected to the water vehicle via a towline.

Abstract: A surfing board and method for manufacture that include the cutting and bending of a buoyant material to a flat arch with a concave upperside and a convex underside to define an elongated body. T-shaped longitudinal cutouts extend from one end to the other along the upperside and underside, respectively. The T-shaped longitudinal cutouts are kept at a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to each other with the vertical leg of the T-shaped cutouts coplanarly disposed opposite to each other and the crossed legs of the T-shaped cutouts substantially flush with the upperside and underside, respectively. Two elongated reinforcement core members are longitudinally coextensive with the body and being mounted within, and conforming to, the cutouts that are kept at a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to each other.

Abstract: A device for use in activity on snow-covered surfaces, water or the like having a bottom board (1) for contact with the surface, longitudinal steering ribs on the underside and with upwardly curved faces at the front edge and preferably also at the rear edge. A top board (2) is adapted to the user and his position of use by the formation of well-like depressions along the side areas for the user's legs. On the top board (2) in the central region there is formed an elongate, trough-shaped depression (6) in which there is secured an airtight bag (3) that is adapted to the depression. The central portion (10) of the bottom board has at least one, preferably two central steering ribs/grooves (12). The front is equipped with fastening means (8) for a towing line or rope (17).

Abstract: An improved structure for a sport board comprises: a first layer, which is a low density foam layer and has a first surface and a second surface; a second layer, which is a hardened layer, a first surface of the second layer being joined the second surface of the first layer; a third layer, which is a low density foam layer, a first surface of the third layer being joined a second surface of the second layer; and a cover layer, which is a waterproof layer, a first surface of the cover layer being completely joined the first surface of the first layer and a second surface of the third layer.

Abstract: A waterboard with externally adjustable stiffness includes a stringer assembly having a rotatable beam to modulate the stiffness of the beam in a selected direction to impart a desired stiffness to the waterboard.

Abstract: A sports mat includes a foam sheet, a patterned laminate and a skid proof layer. The foam sheet is made of polyethylene foam. The patterned laminate includes a first plastic film, a second plastic film and a pattern. The first plastic film is laminated on top of the foam sheet. The second plastic film is laminated on top of the first plastic film. The pattern is placed in between the first plastic film and the second plastic film and visible from outside of the sports mat. The skid proof layer is coated over the top surface of the second plastic film. Additionally, the skid proof layer together with the pattern laminate and the second foam layer defines a plurality of indentations and protrusions spread over a top surface of the skid proof layer so as to strengthen connection therebetween.

Abstract: A water facility with an underwater walking stage provides a waterplay facility that not only adults but also handicapped people and children can safely use. The water facility includes floating bodies 10 and 10? for floating on the surface of water; a walking stage 20 placed below and connected to both the floating bodies, thereby forming a footing; and rails 30 and 30? connecting each edge of the walking stage with a corresponding one of the floating bodies. The walking stage is supported by the floating bodies to be immersed in the water below the surface of water.

Abstract: A slider resists erosion due to moisture, dirt and ultraviolet of sunlight and protects a pattern or the bonded surface from wear and tear. The slider contains a foam core, a top layer, a pattern, and a bottom layer. The foam core has a top surface, a bottom surface and edge surfaces. The top layer is a composite layer heat laminated to the top surface and edge surfaces of the foam core. The pattern is formed within the top layer and visible from outside of the top layer. The bottom layer is heat laminated to the bottom surface of the foam core.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kickboard. The kickboard includes a wedge-shaped flotation body with a top surface and a bottom surface. The kickboard preferably includes an adjustable strap feature for positioning a swimmer's hands in a flattened position while swimming with the kickboard in a forward position. The top surface preferably includes depression features for fitting or cradling against the swimmer's arms with the swimmer's arms outstretched. Preferably, the kickboard includes one or more fins protruding from the bottom surface of the wedge-shaped flotation body and the bottom surface includes one or more contoured channels to further stabilize the kickboard while swimming with the kickboard in the forward position.

Abstract: A water recreation device and method of use is contemplated having advantages such as improved stability, maneuverability and ease of use. Embodiments of the contemplated water recreation device include a riding board, handles and a tow hook assembly that are configured to allow a rider to more easily transition to a standing forward-facing position while riding the device. The contemplated device may also include foot bindings or foot grips for added ride stability. The device may alternately include rails disposed on the bottom surface of the riding board. Such rails are adapted to channel water toward the rear bottom section of the riding board to cause the device to achieve an approximately planar orientation relative to the surface of a body of water. This planar orientation provides positioning and stability that further improves the ease of transitioning to a standing position.

Abstract: A shark-repelling surfboard or flotation board made of polymer foam with coating. The surfboard or the flotation board has a locator device for locating large aquatic animals, and an alarm device for alerting a rider of large aquatic animals, such as sharks, located by the locator device. The surfboard or the flotation board also comprises a repellent or deterrent signal generator that is configured for transmitting interference signals to disrupt the electro-sensory perception system of the aquatic animals.

Abstract: A personal water sports board with a wave engager operably secured thereto for operation in a flow of water, such as a boogie board and the like, is disclosed. The wave engager has a wall shaped to allow water to flow freely thereby in one direction, but to operably engage water flowing from an opposite second direction thereby propelling the board in that opposite second direction. Disclosed embodiments include wave engagers formed of indentions and/or protrusions along the water engaging surface of the board. Preferably, a plurality of wave engagers are provided, and the height of each wave engager's wall increases the further it is positioned toward the front of the board. Wave engagers are preferably positioned on the lower surface and/or on the left and right sides of the board.

Abstract: A water sport training device is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, a raft having a distal nose portion and a proximal rear portion. A relatively rigid platform is positioned within the raft and configured to provide a stable surface for the person during use of the device. A tow rope attachment means is secured to the raft for selectively towing the device over a body of water, the attachment means comprising at least one tow rope attachment point located on the nose portion of the raft, below a nose portion mid-plane. The device is configured such that a back half of the device has a center buoyancy sufficient for providing a stable surface to support the weight of a person while floating on water both at standstill and as being pulled through the water as by a boat.

Abstract: A novel multiboard with a board shape and handle to provide directional qualities. The handle may be pivotally mounted to permit a lowered formation, for compact storage, and a raised formation extending upward from the top surface of the board. The handle may be adjustable to vary in length to accommodate the rider's height. The rider may pull the handle to flex the multiboard and may balance against the handle to shift the rider's weight to change the direction of the multiboard's movement. Additionally, the handle may assist newer riders in maintaining balance and the proper direction as they are developing their skills.

Abstract: A surfboard having at least one fin, which an be removably connected to the underside proximate to the board tail end. First and second graduated channels are disposed in the underside, each having a front end shallower than a tail end, wherein the front ends are proximate to the board midsection and the tail ends are proximate to the board tail end, and wherein the graduated channels are substantially parallel to the central axis of the surfboard. A keel is disposed in the underside along the central axis, centered between the first and second graduated channels.

Abstract: A foam product includes a foam core, a foam buffer and a foam skin. The foam core includes a top surface and a bottom surface and defines at least one recess in an area of the top surface wherein the area is to be imparted during use with respect to other areas of the top surface. The foam buffer is more elastic than the foam core and is securely received in the recess of the foam core. In addition, the foam skin is bonded to and entirely covers a top surface of the foam buffer and the other areas of the foam core.

Abstract: A slider includes a foam board, a top layer and a bottom layer. The foam board is a polystyrene foam board that is easily formed and molded. Furthermore, a bottom of the foam board has a rail portion protruded with a plurality of foam rails therefrom and the foam rails are parallel with each other. In addition, the top layer and the bottom layer are made of polyethylene materials and comprise interface coatings respectively, so that the top layer and the bottom layer made of polyethylene could heat bonded to the polystyrene foam board without adhesives by the first and second interface coatings.

Abstract: A shaped inflatable water sports board is presented. The inflatable water sports board includes an airtight elongated housing having a predetermined shape. An internal structure is contained within the housing for substantially maintaining the predetermined shape when the board is inflated. An inflation valve is provided for inflating the board where when the board is inflated the board is sufficiently rigid to maintain the predetermined shape under the weight of an adult.