A device for attachment to a rideable object upon a water surface, such as, but not limited to a paddleboard, to provide a grasping surface and foothold to aid in righting and boarding the rideable object. The device is configured for universal use, wherein it is adjustable for multiple sizes and types of rideable objects or paddleboards. The device is comprised of a connecting portion having a first end and a second end opposed the first end. The connecting portion includes a selectable position and attachment means to enable fixing the device to the rideable object. A second end of the device includes a loop member configured to dangle below the rideable object to provide a foothold for boarding and righting the object.

Closed cell chitin foam is provided. The closed-cell chitin foam composition does not absorb water, is biodegradable, and is mechanically characterized by a density range of 16 to 800 kg/m3, closed-cell pore sizes ranging from 50 microns to 1 mm, an elastic modulus of 3 to 175 MPa, and a tensile strength of 0.15 to 6.5 MPa. The chitin is at least 70% acetylated. In one aspect, the foam is enclosed in a shell e.g. in the form of a surfboard. Chitin foam according to this invention is fully biodegradable. The chitin foam overcomes the current problems with foams that contain polyurethane and polystyrene, and which are manufactured from petroleum-based sources. Petroleum based foams are not renewable, have an adverse impact on our environment, and pose significant health hazards to those who manufacture them. The chitin foam with its water-based manufacturing process and naturally sourced chitin, solves these problems.

Closed cell chitin foam is provided. The closed-cell chitin foam composition does not absorb water, is biodegradable, and is mechanically characterized by a density range of 16 to 800 kg/m3, closed-cell pore sizes ranging from 50 microns to 1 mm, an elastic modulus of 3 to 175 MPa, and a tensile strength of 0.15 to 6.5 MPa. The chitin is at least 70% acetylated. In one aspect, the foam is enclosed in a shell e.g. in the form of a surfboard. Chitin foam according to this invention is fully biodegradable. The chitin foam overcomes the current problems with foams that contain polyurethane and polystyrene, and which are manufactured from petroleum-based sources. Petroleum based foams are not renewable, have an adverse impact on our environment, and pose significant health hazards to those who manufacture them. The chitin foam with its water-based manufacturing process and naturally sourced chitin, solves these problems.

An oar assembly for a paddleboard is disclosed herein. The oar assembly according to one embodiment, allows the user to propel in a forward as well as a reverse direction. The oar assembly comprises a shaft having a top end and a bottom end. A first geared coupler having a first toothed surface extends from the bottom end of the shaft. A second geared coupler having a second toothed surface is configured to couple to the first geared coupler. An oar blade extends from the second geared coupler. A pair of brackets is configured for assembly on the shaft, the first geared coupler, and the second geared coupler. According to one aspect, a meshing of the first toothed surface with the second toothed surface facilitates hingeable movement between the first geared coupler and the second geared coupler, and thereby between the shaft and the oar blade.

An oar assembly for a paddleboard is disclosed herein. The oar assembly according to one embodiment, allows the user to propel in a forward as well as a reverse direction. The oar assembly comprises a shaft having a top end and a bottom end. A first geared coupler having a first toothed surface extends from the bottom end of the shaft. A second geared coupler having a second toothed surface is configured to couple to the first geared coupler. An oar blade extends from the second geared coupler. A pair of brackets is configured for assembly on the shaft, the first geared coupler, and the second geared coupler. According to one aspect, a meshing of the first toothed surface with the second toothed surface facilitates hingeable movement between the first geared coupler and the second geared coupler, and thereby between the shaft and the oar blade.

Wakeboats that include an aquatic invasive species control apparatus are provided. These wakeboats can include: a wakeboat with a hull; at least one throughhull fitting in the hull of the wakeboat; an irradiation chamber in fluid communication with the at least one throughhull fitting, the irradiation chamber having a radiation source; and at least one water destination aboard the wakeboat. Methods for irradiating invasive aquatic species aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: receiving water from outside the wakeboat hull; and irradiating water aboard the wakeboat prior to discharging the water.

Provided herein are various embodiments for a boot for releasable engagement with a binding having a downwardly facing ledge and a toe strap. The boot preferably contains a sole, a toe portion, and a heel portion. The boot preferably also contains a heel retaining device extending rearwardly from the heel portion of the boot and having an upwardly facing engagement surface at the top of the device which engages with the downwardly facing ledge of the binding to prevent vertical movement of the boot relative to the binding while allowing forward horizontal movement of the boot relative to the binding.

A system and method for displaying surf training instructional information is used to improve a user's pop-up, as it relates to popping up on a surfboard, and improving one's surf fitness. The visual illustrations indicates the position of a surfer's hands, their body when lying on their surfboard and/or where their feet should land when they pop-up into their surfing stance on a surfboard, which can engraved, drawn or painted onto a surface of any type. The system and method also has visual instructional guidelines for performing exercises and stretches that can be done to improve a user's surf strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. By using this system and method a user will improve their pop-up (jump) and overall surf fitness in order to become a better surfer.

Wakeboats that include an aquatic invasive species control apparatus are provided. These wakeboats can include: a wakeboat with a hull; at least one throughhull fitting in the hull of the wakeboat; an irradiation chamber in fluid communication with the at least one throughhull fitting, the irradiation chamber having a radiation source; and at least one water destination aboard the wakeboat. Methods for irradiating invasive aquatic species aboard a wakeboat are also provided. The methods can include: receiving water from outside the wakeboat hull; and irradiating water aboard the wakeboat prior to discharging the water.

An oar assembly for a paddleboard is disclosed herein. The oar assembly according to one embodiment, allows the user to propel in a forward as well as a reverse direction. The oar assembly comprises a shaft having a top end and a bottom end. A first geared coupler having a first toothed surface extends from the bottom end of the shaft. A second geared coupler having a second toothed surface is configured to couple to the first geared coupler. An oar blade extends from the second geared coupler. A pair of brackets is configured for assembly on the shaft, the first geared coupler, and the second geared coupler. According to one aspect, a meshing of the first toothed surface with the second toothed surface facilitates hingeable movement between the first geared coupler and the second geared coupler, and thereby between the shaft and the oar blade.