We’ve seen a number of waterproof cases for the iPhone and iPad, and we’d suggest to users of those devices to seriously consider such aftermarket products. This week it was reported that Apple has gotten patent approval for a water-damage detection system. The patent reads:
”Water exposure is among major reasons that may cause significant malfunction of devices, such as electronic devices, which include electronic, mechanical, or chemical components. Therefore, verification of significant water exposure is important to manufacturers of the devices. For example, for purposes such as warranty claim assessment, trouble-shooting for repairs, and product development, a manufacturer of electronic devices typically needs to verify whether a malfunctioning device has been immersed in water.” Continue reading Apple Gets Water-Damage Patent
While no one would probably want to be “waterboarded” or experience “waterboarding” we think a lot of wave riders might want to experience the Waterboard. These new eco-friendly boards are made of partially-recycled material and are hand crafted in the USA.
There are all sorts of ways to measure distance, speed and even altitude on a mobile smartphone. Now Shaka has added a wind gage, which can be useful for shooting, sailing and other sports where windage needs to be addressed. This portable accessory plugs into the iPhone’s 3.55 headphone jack of all things to gather wind speed.
There are numerous cases that allow the iPhone to stay protected near or even in the water, but the iPhone Scuba Suit casing for the iPhone 4/4S will actually allow the phone to go down to 15meters under the water. The company claims the casing will protect the phone from basically anywhere there is water, as it creates a liquid airtight barrier.
As if anyone really needed an excuse to skip out of work and hit the beach – but just in case, today is now officially “International Surfing Day.” So how did this get “official” exactly? Thank California, or more accurately the California Assembly, which on Monday approved a resolution declaring June 20 International Surfing Day,while the head of the sport’s international advocacy group has gone on the record to urge people to take the day off to hit the waves.
With a smartphone you can easily search for a seafood restaurant, or you could use it to go directly to the source. While we’ve seen gizmos such as the 
Summer is here and now is the time to get wet and wild. And Eliot Germanovsky of BoatsToGo talked with us about the new innovations in practical boats that can be folded, inflated and ready for the water. Best of all these boats are compact enough that they can be easily transported and stored when not in use. 
There are many cameras that claim to be able to “go-anywhere” but Sony is looking to prove it. The company unveiled its HandyCam HDR-GW77V last week, a pocket video cam that features a compact vertical body design with a flip-out waterproof three-inch LCD touchscreen. It is waterproof and impact resistant.
If there is one thing that smartphone users have learned (after not to drop it), it is that water and phones don’t go together. There are plenty of cases out there, and even cases that allow a device to be attached to an external speaker. But now Grace Digital Audio – maker of waterproof speakers such as the
Going to pieces isn’t usually a good thing, but BoatsToGo announced a new Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) that will go to pieces in a good way – namely for transport and storage. That’s because SUPs are a lot of fun in the water but less fun to get to the water, and no fun at all to store when not in use. BoatsToGo has solved this problem with a foldable boat that breaks down into three equal pieces.
Need to row down the river with 99 of your closest friends? If you do, outdoor retailer L.L. Bean might be able to accommodate you. The company built the world’s largest modular kayak – a 500-foot long version of Point65’s collapsible kayak. Of course this kayak isn’t actually for sale, but rather is just made to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary in business, and to get in the Guinness Book of World Records.
While this isn’t quite what most people have in mind with a lifeguard name Emily (above) that’s because E.M.I.LY. is actually a robot lifeguard that can be deployed on beaches to aid human lifeguards.
The surf culture knows that protecting the waves is necessary to ensuring that the waves will be there in the future. To this end Kitson Boards has changed the way boards are made. Instead of the usual foam and fiberglass, Kitson’s team is utilizing carbon fiber for boards that will last a lifetime.