Upsidedown Surfing

Dulip Kokuhannadige

Most of us would be content to be able to stand on a surfboard for just a few seconds. But 22 year old Dulip Kokuhannadige does it upside down! He has become a tourist attraction in the seaside town of Bournemouth in Dorset.

The Sri Lankan-born builder lost everything in the 2004 Asian Tsunami. He taught youngsters to surf in the aftermath. He started to do headstands on this surf board on a whim and practised until he could stay upside for the duration of a good wave all the way to the beach.

He continued to hone his skills after he moved to Britain. He added, "When I am riding a wave my face doesn't get too wet but when it breaks, water does go up my nose."

Upside-down Surfing
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop specialized surfboards and equipment designed for upside-down surfing.
Tourist Attractions
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create unique and unconventional tourist attractions, such as upside-down surfing demonstrations.
Recreational Water Sports
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Offer new and exciting variations of traditional water sports, like upside-down surfing, to attract a wider audience.

Where This Applies

Surfing Equipment Manufacturing
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and produce specialized surfboards, accessories, and safety gear for upside-down surfing.
Tourism and Hospitality
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop immersive and unconventional tourist experiences, such as upside-down surfing lessons or dedicated upside-down surfing destinations.
Entertainment and Recreation
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create unique water sports activities and recreational experiences, like upside-down surfing, to attract and engage adventure-seeking consumers.
SCORE
1.6 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 12%
Activity 29%
Freshness 8%

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