insideKENT Magazine Issue 65 - August 2017 | Page 154

GADGETS+TECH
THE TECHNINJA
Surf’s up!
IN THE SUMMERTIME WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT, YOU CAN STRETCH RIGHT UP AND
TOUCH THE SKY. OR SO MUNGO JERRY SURMISED. AND I LIKE THEIR THINKING. THE
SUMMER HOLS ARE A TIME FOR TRYING NEW THINGS, FOR GOING ON ADVENTURES AND
FOR GETTING OUT THERE AND DOING THE THINGS YOU’VE BEEN DREAMING OF AS YOU’VE
SAT AT YOUR OPEN-PLAN DESK FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR. AND IF YOU CAN GET
WET DOING IT – ALL THE BETTER!
But what about us geeks, I hear
you ask. Well – contrary to
popular belief, geeks do not
explode when sunlight hits
them, no matter how crazy
they are. We like to get outside
and do exciting things too.
Personally speaking, I’ve loved
the sea since I was a little kid
sitting on the beach fishing
with my dad, and since seeing
the original (NOT the reboot)
of Point Break, I’ve always
fancied myself as a bit of a
surfer…
What I try to encourage, in my
secret role as the Tech Ninja,
is for people to embrace
technology in real life
scenarios. I believe technology
exists to serve mankind, not
the other way around. And
when it comes to fun summer
pursuits such as water-related
activities, this could not be truer
right now!
When you think of “inflatables”
you probably cast your mind
to bouncy castles, or dodgy
lilos that collapse in the middle
whilst you’re trying to float
across the pool sipping a
cocktail. But in fact, inflatable
technology has come a
tremendously long way.
Two Bare Feet, a fantastic
company based in Paignton,
Devon, have embraced
modern manufacturing
techniques, and consequently
elevated the concept of
inflatable watercraft to lofty
new heights. Starting with
stand-up paddle boarding, an
activity very much enjoyed
here in the South East on both
the sea, and on lakes in places
such as Lydd, they have
expanded their range of
products to encompass other
fun ways of staying cool during
154
the summer months, and
beyond.
THE SPORT AIR 10’10” SUP
Utilising the same heavy duty
drop-stitched PVC
construction as their inflatable
SUPs, the new products pack
down small enough to fit in a
backpack and pump up to
20PSI so they become
incredibly rigid.
So whereas in days of old, you
had to strap your gigantic
boards to a battered old VW
Camper which, if heading for
the South West, would
inevitably break down in traffic
next to Stonehenge on the
A303, you can simply take a
small bag or bags of inflatable
surfy goodness, sling it in the
back of your MINI, and head
for where the waves are.
Mind you, given that this is
insideKENT, I am very pleased
to report that you don’t
necessarily have to travel such
a long way. Here in the South
East, we have some excellent
resorts for surfing and
bodyboarding, such as
Camber, and even Folkestone
– in fact one of my most
memorable and enjoyable
times bodyboarding with my
son was on Folkestone Sands!
And as you get up to North
Kent, there exists a very healthy
surfing scene. Be sure to keep
a weather eye on the Magic
Seaweed website, which is
fantastic for delivering surf-
related forecasts.
Here are three different
products that my friends at
Two Bare Feet offer that use
inflatable tech to tremendous
effect, and which the Tech
Ninja reckons will guarantee
you a great summer, regardless
of your level of ability,
experience or fearlessness:
In case you’ve somehow missed the incredibly enjoyable pursuit of
stand-up paddle boarding, I would describe it as surfing crossed with
kayaking. It’s extremely easy to get into (there are many places in Kent
where you can have a go at it for not too much money) but as with all
good hobbies, it takes a lot longer to master it. Whether you are on a
lake, or playing in the sea waves, it is an extremely enjoyable and
exhilarating sport. Two Bare Feet’s fine offering, the brand-new Sport
Air 10’10”, comes with an impressive array of accessories and is a limited
edition (it’s even individually numbered!) inflatable board. It’s designed
to meet the demands of today's all-round paddler and to appeal to the
broadest range of rider abilities, so everyone can experience the joy of
paddle boarding.