KineticShift | Evolving Consumer

Board of Light

Stand-up paddleboarding remains a fast growing sport, and start-up firm Nocqua looks to get boarders out at night as well as during the day. Unlike surfboards this slower paced type of board riding can be done on calm lakes, rivers and even reservoirs.

The Nocqua board offers a little light for those nighttime treks out on the water as the board features the company’s 2000 LED light system, which include two waterproof LED light bars with 72 LEDs. These put out more than 2,000 lumens (hence the name of the system), and can cast an almost inspiring glow on the water.

Nocqua Official Website

Specialized Goes AWOL

AWOL means Absent Without Leave, but in the case of Specialized it means a bike that is ready for adventure. Part of the Adventure bikes, the Specialized AWOL features a rugged steel frame made of 725/520 chromoly. It also offers what Specialized calls a do anything body, one that can tackle the mean streets as a durable commuter bike and still head off road on the weekends.

While it can be set up as a road bike, it offers a slider dropout and split chain stays. What this means is that it can be quickly (and more importantly easily) converted to use as a single speed or even with belt drive. About the only thing that is AWOL with this bike might be the rider from work on a Friday afternoon.

Specialized Official Website

Carbon Disc Print

For those who like to play Frisbee or Disc Golf there is now a very serious disc – one made of carbon fiber. While it isn’t available in stores just yet, Tyler Seamons is looking to Kickstarter to help his concept take flight. He’s designed a 10 inch 175 gram disc made of carbon fiber that features a heavy duty polyurethane plastic protective edge.

The concept actually includes two styles, a Disc Golf style driver and a Frisbee shaped version. The former is meant to fly greater distances while the latter is shaped for shorter distances and for catching. Video after the jump

Board Pack

A backpack can help you carry your stuff while you ride the skateboard, but the Concrete Native: The Action Sports Backpack can also be used to carry the board when you get to your destination.

This bag can carry longboards and even snowboards. It is made of an abrasive resistant material to prevent griptape wear and sliding, while the ergonomic backstraps make this comfortable to wear. There is a water bottle pocket, padded laptop sleeve and even “suicide door” side pockets to allow for quick access to those things you need to get at quickly. Video after the jump

Nike Looking Fly(knit)

Nike isn’t likely to be caught standing still. Not that a company really goes running, but with shoes like the Nike Free Flyknit motion is just something that might seem perpetual. This pair combines two running shoe technologies, the Flyknit and the Free, and the result promises to be something comfortable and lightweight.

The Flyknit Free offers a second-skin fit while the upper, midsole and outsole work to create a natural feel with every step. The upper features a polyester yarn that is woven with a proprietary knitting machine to create little to no waste, while further minimizing weight.

Nike Flyknit Free Official Website

Outdoor Retailer Demo Day’s new Location

The Outdoor Retailer expo in Utah will begin next week, but the location will be a little different. The organizers have announced that the Open Air Demo will move due to low water levels at the Jordanelle Reservoir, the original planned location. Instead of Jordanelle, the demo will be held at the Pineview Reservoir near Ogden, on July 30.

Check back all next week for news from the Outdoor Retailer Show, which runs from July 31 to August 3.

Outdoor Retailer Official Website

Board Rack

Leaving a skateboard on the floor anywhere in the house is a recipe for disaster. Jeff Stout, who apparently enjoys skateboards and snowboards, had a bright idea and recently took his Wall Mounted Board Rack concept to Kickstarter.

Why not store snowboards and skateboards – possibly even surfboards – in a special rack that could be mounted in a garage, basement or even living room. That latter could turn down various boards and decks into a type of art display. Simple idea, but a cool one at that. Video after the jump

Peugeot Hits the Waves

Back in the day Peugeot produced a line of bicycles that rivaled Schwinn. Those days are long in the past, but the Peugeot Design Lab continues to innovate, and recently created a unique concept surfboard that combines original balsa wood of early planks (nose) with carbon fiber (tail). It is quite a concept indeed, and the GTi Surfboard Concept – as it is being dubbed – will be displayed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013.

[Via Surfer Today: Peugeot unveils futuristic surfboard]

Nike Apparel Takes Flight

Nike has revealed its new Aeroloft apparel technology, which is designed to help keep runners warm without overheating. This will debut in the Aeroloft 800 vest, and will address the issue of movement-activated ventilation hat is aided by laser-cut, strategically placed perforations. Engineers at Nike reportedly also analyzed the side of the baffles as well as placement and the amount of fill used to ensure it handles the task at hand. Continue reading Nike Apparel Takes Flight

Fashionable Boot

There has been a serious movement in recent months to provide more fashion-forward attire for urban commuters, with shoes and even clothing that is as friendly for the office as on the bike. However, most of the apparel and shoes have been aimed at the male rider, leaving the female somewhat on the side of the road.

DZR Shoes did offer up a very fashionable pair of full length synthetic leather boots that included a flexible clipless pedal shank. However, for reasons we don’t understand only 50 were produced for the whole world, so getting a pair could be a challenge.

DZR Zurich Official Website

League Helps Riders and Drivers Get Educated

httpv://youtu.be/EK-EDKVWOLE

Education is something that can help make for safer roads, and this month the League of American Bicyclists has launched a new website that includes interactive features to help cyclists connect with local riding clubs, bicycle-friendly businesses, bike educators and other resources in their area.

The League also launched a series of 19 educational videos that are free for public use. These cover topics like bikes and gear, bike safety and other riding tips. Time to get educated.

The League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling Videos

Weekend Reading List (07.20.2013): Head Studies, Board Builder, Kit or Gear?

Head Studies

From The Chronicle of Higher Education: A Brain Gone Bad
Researchers clear the fog of chronic head trauma

The first thing Patient 53 saw as he walked in was a red football helmet. A groan rattled through his vending-machine-sized frame. “The last thing I want to see,” he said, “is a football helmet..” Continue reading Weekend Reading List (07.20.2013): Head Studies, Board Builder, Kit or Gear?

Show Your Surf Shape Skills

Can you see a surfboard in a big chunk of foam? We can’t but probably someone with more vision than us likely can. To that end the Chuck of Foam Challenge will kick off this September in Orlando as surfboard makers show what they can do.

Four shapers in total will take the foam and in just three hours will likely turn it into surf pieces of art at the Boardroom’s Surf Expo, September 7-8 in Orlando Florida.

The Boardroom Official Website

Press release after the jump