# Computerized Surfboards Students Build the Ultimate Board Using a Computer-Equipped Version By Michael Hines | Published 2010-09-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/computer-equipped-surfboard References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/computer-equipped-surfboard-could-lead-to-like-totally-awesome-boards/16090/) & [ucsd.edu](http://www.ucsd.edu/) Four students at the University of California San Diego have created a computer-equipped surfboard in an attempt to design the ultimate surfboard. The surfboard is equipped with an on-board computer and eight velocity sensors, which transfer data to an onshore laptop. The purpose of the computer-equipped surfboard is to find out the optimal amount of bend with which a surfboard should be designed. The data from this project could very well one day lead to the “perfect” surfboard. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Smart Surfboards:** The development of computerized surfboards equipped with on-board computers and velocity sensors provides surfers with the ultimate surfing experience and an opportunity for companies to design personalized surfaces. - **Emerging Sports Technology:** The design of computer-equipped surfboards highlights innovation opportunities in the field of emerging sports technologies that can be used to improve equipment and performance. - **Data-driven Design:** The use of velocity sensors and computer analytics in making a perfect surfboard are examples of how data-driven design can be applied to design other equipment in different industries. ### Who This Affects Most - **Surfing:** The development of computerized surfboards has great potential to revolutionize the surfing industry, providing a competitive edge to surfboard manufacturers and surfers with real-time performance analysis. - **Sports Equipment:** The trend towards developing computerized surfboards provides opportunities for the sports equipment industry to incorporate technology into their products, which can be extended to other sports equipment as well. - **Data Analytics:** The use of on-board computers and velocity sensors in surfboard design presents an opportunity to apply data analytics to other industries where intricate design and performance assessment is required. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Adaptable Nine-in-One Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/newave-modular-surfboard.md) - [Modular Electric Surfboard Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyclemate-electric-surfboard.md) - [Two-Wheeled Surfing-Inspired Skateboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surf-skateboard.md) - [Ruggedized Electric Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ruggedized-electric-surfboard.md) - [Competitive Surf Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surfbuddy.md) - [Hybrid Electric Surfer Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scubajet-hybridboard.md) - [Electric Performance Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-hydrofoil-board.md) - [Advanced Surfboard Materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proflex-technology.md) - [Modular Electric Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-electric-surfboard.md)