Adaptive Surfboard

Adaptive Surfboard - open-source assistive technology product by the TOM Israel community community

About this project

Waveability is a modified surfboard that empowers people with disabilities to spend time in the water and participate in extreme water sports.

The challenge

Inbal is an architect. She served in the IDF as a fighter. She was wounded from a bullet during training. She was left paralyzed from her chest down, and she uses a wheelchair on a daily base. Her challenge is surfing a board. Before the injury, she used to surf and it was one of her favorite things to do. A year ago, the team made a custom surfboard that has allowed Inbal to surf again

Who it helps

The modified surfboard built in this project includes handles, cushioning, boundaries, and other safety features to enable people with disabilities to surf.

How it works

Watch this video about the story behind the Waveability Surfboard.

Who

The Waveability surfboard is designed for people with physical or developmental disabilities that prevent them from safely surfing on a store-bought board. Examples include people with amputations, limited mobility, and Cerebral Palsy.

Why

Surfing empowers people to be a part of a team, enjoy the ocean, and have fun.

What

How

Using this specialized surfboard, volunteers in the water, and adapting surfing practices.

[Project formerly titled Adaptive Surfboard]

Tools Needed

Pencil

Meter Stick

Square

Drill

6mm Drill Bit

8mm Drill Bit

10mm Drill Bit

Phillips Drill Bit

Box Cutter

Scissors

Flat Head Screwdriver

Paintbrush (Or Piece Of Cardboard)

Scissors

SLS Nylon 3d Printer (Or Printing Service)

Low grit sandpaper

Clamps (Optional)

Laser Cutter (Optional)

Angle Grinder (Optional)

Bill of Materials

Please see detailed BOM and printing models in the downloadable product file.

Estimated Time to Make

10 hrs of machine time

9 hrs of assembly time

Project details

The build files for Adaptive Surfboard are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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