Abstract: A release mechanism is provided for releasably connecting a strap to sports equipment. The strap is secured at a first end to the sports equipment and at a second end to the release mechanism. The release mechanism has a fastening part releasably connected to an engagement element. The engagement element interacts with a fastening part bail element that is pivotable about a pivot axle between a release position and an engaged position with the engagement element. The bail element can be secured in the engaged position by a securing element. The securing element and bail element are secured to the fastening part such that the distance between the pivot axle of the bail element and the securing element changes when a tensile load is applied to the bail element. The securing element releases the bail element when a defined release tensile force is exerted on the bail element.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to allow a user to use their feet as an alternative to their hands as a source of input for motion control. Such a method may be provided comprising receiving orientation data representing orientation information for a controller manipulated by a user, receiving movement data representing dynamic information for the controller, evaluating at least one of the orientation data and the movement data, and moving an avatar in a direction based on the direction in which the controller is moved. The method can be implemented in a software application or across multiple software applications on different platforms.

Abstract: A fin shaped and sized to connect to a leash so that the leash is securely stored during transport or storage. In an embodiment, a leash may be wrapped about a board and a portion thereof connected to connecting means formed about a fin, not limited to a notch, a hole, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Dynamic foot repositioning systems for a gliding board including a platform, having a top surface and a bottom surface, the platform including a foot receptacle disposed on the top surface of the platform, and a tether coupled to the platform with a distal end protruding from the bottom surface of the platform. The systems further include a guide track configured to slidably receive the distal end of the tether, the guide track defining a motion path over which the platform slides freely in response to forces applied by a user's foot while the gliding board is traversing a supporting surface. Related gliding board assemblies and methods for repositioning a user's feet are also described.

Abstract: A rotatable footstrap plate (2,4,7) for a gliding board, said rotatable footstrap plate comprising: a centre disc (2) which is arranged to be mounted on the deck of the gliding board in a fixed angular position, a non-slip surface (3) mounted on the centre disc, said non-slip surface being arranged to be in contact with the user's foot during use, an outer ring element (4) which is arranged to be rotatable around the centre disc during use of the rotatable footstrap plate and footstrap mounting elements (6) fastened to the outer ring element. In addition, a footstrap assembly comprising the rotatable footstrap plate of the current invention is also provided as is a gliding board comprising said footstrap assembly.

Abstract: A device that provides support for sailors while hiking from a sailing vessel is disclosed. The device is a hiking strap/watersport boot combination, designed to provide extra grip together. The watersport boot is ergonomically designed to support muscles in the foot that are under strain while hiking.

Abstract: A foot strap and recreational sports board that allows the user to easily tension a foot strap over the top of his or her foot. The foot strap, attached to the board, includes a strap, a cable, and a cable adjuster. The strap has separate first and second sides connected by the cable cinched and uncinched together as the cable is tightened and loosened by the cable adjuster with which it is engaged. A single cable adjuster and cable can be employed to simultaneously adjust two straps, both attached to the sports board. A pull may be included to facilitate exercise of the cable adjuster.

Abstract: A mounting and retrieval system for wakeboards includes a pair of opposed pads for receiving the feet of a wakeboarder thereunder. The pads are mounted on subframes which facilitate the longitudinal and pivotal positioning of the pads. A strap extends over one of the pads to secure a foot of the wakeboarder while the opposite foot is being engaged with the opposing pad. A retrieval cable extends from a spring loaded reel mounted on one of the subframes which normally retracts the retrieval cable while facilitating extension thereof to facilitate a fall from the wakeboard.

Abstract: A footstrap in which a portion bridging the foot of a surfer is pre-shaped such that the footstrap contacts the entire area of the foot with regular distribution of pressure.

Abstract: A footstrap (26) having a first formed piece (50) and a second formed piece (52) that overlay each other and which are secured together by hook and loop fastener members (86, 78, 79, 74, and 48). A neoprene cover 44 enclosed the two pieces (50, 52). Pieces (50, 52) when overlapped, form an asymmetrical shape that better conforms to the shape of a sailboarder's foot.