Smart Phin Studies the Ocean While Surfing the Waves

Nov-07-14 The Smart Phin keeps tabs on a surfer's location while also gathering data on specific ocean conditions—which could be useful to researchers back on land.

Created by Benjamin Thompson, a surfer and engineer, the Smart Phin grew out of a collaboration between Board Formula—Thomson's startup company—and the environmental non-profit Lost Bird Project. The fin is equipped with a sensor that tracks the surfer's location as well as the temperature, salinity and acidity of the water. By monitoring these variables, researchers will have one more tool for evaluating the effects of climate change.

Thompson's Smart Phin was recently selected as one of 18 teams that will be competing for the Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE. His next move is to ensure the device can withstand the rigors of the ocean environment.

More Info about this Invention:

[WIRED.COM]
[BOARDFORMULA.COM]

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