Luke Asplin
Surfboard carry bag
St Johns College, Hamilton
Year 12 Materials Technology:
Recreational Pursuits
Duration: 30 weeks
Students were asked to identify a recreational activity where the equipment involved could be refined. Luke, a keen surfer, identified the need to improve the ability of surfers to carry their surf boards and gear, especially when carrying more than one board and covering long distances.
In designing his board-bag solution, Luke had to bear in mind the requirements of his identified user group, their equipment, and their need to protect their boards yet retain mobility, along with other factors such as cost and the school facilities available to make the product.
Luke made a series of models to test for functionality. He then produced working-size patterns, selected his materials and processes and, finally, began construction of a prototype. During these processes he kept in regular contact with user groups which helped him achieve the best performance from the prototype.
As the materials and processes involved were new to Luke, he sought advice from outside experts, including material suppliers, Soft Materials Teachers from Hamilton Girls and his mother.
A harness system similar to a pack was developed for the board bags. The bags have built-in pockets, which are used to carry equipment. A detachable day pack attached to the harness can also be used to carry gear. The intention was to make the back pack but due to time restraints the pack was bought.
Teacher comment
"According to stakeholder evaluations the system works fine. Some small adjustments have been made to the carrying height of the board. At first we were a bit reluctant to attempt a Soft Materials project with very few facilities for this type of work, but as Luke further researched the issue he became more confident the desired outcome could be achieved."
