SurfTag - Ownership & Rigging App

SurfTag aims to modernize the windsurfing and kitesurfing experience by leveraging blockchain technology and NFC tags for ownership tracking, rigging guidance, and equipment. By registering individual gear components - such as boards, sails, and fins - on the blockchain with structured metadata, users can securely track ownership and access personalized rigging recommendations, improving gear performance based on real-time conditions like wind speed and rider weight.

Table of Content

The essential components that make up the rig are the board, sail and the fin (under the board). The correct pairing of the board with the sail and fin is crucial for optimal performance because each part affects how the windsurfing rig interacts with wind and water

Board

The board is typically made from lightweight materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, designed to float on water and provide stability for the rider. It has a non-slip surface where the windsurfer stands, and it often includes foot straps for better control at high speeds. Pairing the board with the appropriate sail and fin helps maintain control, speed, and stability in various wind and water conditions, making for a more enjoyable windsurfing session.

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Image showing the SurTag NFC tag attached to a Windsurfing Board

Sail

The size and type of sail determine how much wind you can harness. A larger sail provides more power but is harder to control in high winds, while a smaller sail is better suited for strong wind conditions. Matching the sail size to the board’s volume and width ensures balance and control.

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Image showing the SurTag NFC tag attached to a Windsurfing Sail

Fin

The fin, located under the board, helps with steering and stability. A larger fin provides more lift and allows better upwind performance, while a smaller fin makes the board more agile and better suited for maneuvers. The right fin size is essential to balance the forces generated by the sail. If the fin is too small for a large sail, the board may lose stability or “spin out” (lose grip in the water).

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Image showing the SurTag NFC tag attached to the cover of a Windsurfing Fin

App

Example of an app to Write and Read NFC tags. These then will recorded on a blockchain and fed into an app to suggest the best rigging combination of Board / Sail / Fin

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Printscreen of an example app that Write and Reads from the SurfTag NFC and shows the detail of the Board to which it is attached

Conclusion

By registering windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment on a blockchain each piece of gear, from windsurf boards to kites, will be linked to unique metadata stored on the blockchain, allowing users to securely track ownership and equipment characteristics.

The integration of NFC tags allows users to scan their gear and access an app that reads the blockchain-stored metadata. By entering real-time conditions such as wind speed and the rider's weight, the app provides personalized rigging recommendations, optimizing the performance for the current conditions.