QuickSilver Innovation Contest

Innovation: Octopus BoardBag

Background:
Have you ever seen a surfer/windsurfer with a backpack? 
Well maybe once or twice, but its not very common, neither practical. 
So what if you want to bring something with you while riding the waves. 
Almost every other sport in the world has custom made bags so I thought 
it was time for surfers and other boardriders to get their fair share 
of the cake. Said and done inspiration was found in the one element that 
is closest to the sport namely the ocean and its inhabitants. 
I tried to mimic the behaviour of such animals like squids, starfish and 
octopuses who use small suction cups to get grip of things but instead 
of using it to prey on other animals this new Octopus will live in 
harmony with you and help you get a grip of your belongings. 
In real life the octopus is highly intelligent and very flexible and 
that is also the goal of this bag.
But the bag isnt limited to surfers its perfect for other sports aswell.

Description:

The BoardBag is exactly as the name implies a bag for your board.
Whether you have a snowboard, surf, windsurf, wake- kite- or any other 
board this bag is for you. The main difference to other bags is how you 
carry it, as you really dont carry it at all, instead you attach it to 
your favourite equipment so that you never even have to think about 
carrying anything again.

The purpose is to be able bring smaller objects with you wherever you 
go without interfering with your sporting/riding experience.
It should also be a stylish yet functional accessory and maybe work 
as a fun ”eye-opener” hopefully the first question people will pop 
when they see one is: 
What is it and where do I get one? :)

The bag is intended to carry your most important stuff like money, 
a mobile phone, a candy bar, something to drink, a t-shirt, 
a small towel or maybe a picture of your girlfriend!

Active people needs unrestricted movement and cant always carry a 
backpack, this bag simply stays with the board instead. You can easily 
adjust the position so that it doesnt change the centre of gravity and 
balance of the board.

While developed with board sports in mind it works perfect for other 
purposes aswell:
Attach it to you bathroom mirror as a functional toiletbag while 
travelling or inside the door of your school locker, stick it to the 
gas tank of your motorcycle or inside your car window.
In addition to being a regular bag it is equipped with a detachable carry 
handle which works perfect as an extra grip for bumpy boatrides or 
maybe as a surfboard handle for beginners. The handle can be 
attached to the bag in both directions or completely removed to make 
place for a shoulder strap or simply get a more streamlined shape. 
The handle could also be used to carry your board (only applicaple to 
lighter boards) by attaching two cups on each side or 
hold on to a car for a freeride while skateboarding or cycling 
(although this is not recommended)

The BoardBag is a traditional product made in an untraditional way
To attach the bag you use lever-operated suction cups that creates a 
vaccum between the bag and the surface. This gives you a strong  grip 
aswell as a simple way of attaching/detaching the bag in a matter of 
seconds.

The bag can be attached to most flat and airtight surfaces such as glass, 
plastic, metal, coated wood, marble etc. This makes it possible to carry 
your belongings in ways you have never done before.
It is ideal for board sports like surfing snowboard, kitesurfing, 
windsurfing, but also for kayaking, skiing (2 cup version) or jetski and boatriding 
where bags often need to be stuffed down and secured to not fall overboard. 

It consist of a 100% water tight inner compartment which also makes the 
bag float if dropped in the water.
The bottom layer is made of neoprene and doesnt scratch the surface.
Siliconbased rubber is used for the cups which makes them flexible and 
high perfoming even in cold conditions. 
The inside of the bag is tucked with foam fabric for added protection.

 
Future development could include
More sizes and shapes (se attached pictures) 
Web-based ordering system for customisable colors to match your board.

Summary of main features:

Lever-operated suction cups for easy operation, attach and detach in seconds.
Attaches to all flat airtight surfaces.
Floats if dropped in water.
Siliconebased rubbercups for all weather conditions.
Water tight zipper and inner compartment.
Handle for carrying or getting extra holding grip.
Neoprene bottom protects your board from being scratched.
Shoulder strap could be used to carry as a regular bag.


Hope you enjoyed this concept and thx for listening!


/Fredrik Stenström