Board sport training device and method of use

Abstract

The present invention provides a board sport training device and a method of use. In accordance with an embodiment, a board sport training device comprises a base comprising a plurality of separate base portions having at least a front pivot area and a rear pivot area. The front pivot area and the rear pivot area are positioned along a longitudinal axis of the platform and separated by a distance from the platform. The front pivot area and the rear pivot area are also separated by a distance from each other such that the platform is pivotable from side-to-side when the front pivot area and the rear pivot area are in contact with a ground surface and the user steps to various positions between the front pivot area and the rear pivot area. The rear pivot area is inset from a rear end of the platform such that the platform is rotatable about the rear pivot area when the user steps to a position such that only the rear pivot area is in contact with the ground surface.

Description

[0001]This application in a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 318,204, filed Dec. 23, 2005, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of training devices for board sports.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Board sports such as surfing, windsurfing, snow boarding, skateboarding, wake boarding, and others require the use of advanced balancing skills in an unstable and dynamic environment. Additional skills also must be mastered. For surfing, these skills include the ability to quickly move from a prone position (on one's stomach) to a standing position, the ability to step to an appropriate position on the board to speed up or slow down, the ability to adjust the body to perform proper turning technique and the ability to perform advanced maneuvers, such as cross-stepping and drop-knee turns. It can be difficult to practice these skills in the customary environment fo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention provides a board sport training device and a method of use. In accordance with an embodiment, a board sport training device comprises a base configured for attachment to a platform. The base comprises a plurality of separate base portions having at least a front pivot area and a rear pivot area. The front pivot area and the rear pivot area are positioned along a longitudinal axis of the platform and separated by a distance from the platform. The front pivot area and the rear pivot area are also separated by a distance from each other such that the platform is pivotable from side-to-side when the front pivot area and the rear pivot area are in contact with a ground surface and the user steps to various positions between the front pivot area and the rear pivot area. This allows the user to perform side-to-side balancing. Stepping, cross-stepping, and turning maneuvers may also be practiced while performing side-to-side balancing. The rear pivot area is inset from a rear end of the platform such that the platform is rotatable about the rear pivot area when the user steps to a position such that only the rear pivot area is in contact with the ground surface. This allows the user to practice turning maneuvers.

Problems solved by technology

It can be difficult to practice these skills in the customary environment for the sport, such as surfing in the water, because the opportunities to practice are limited.

In addition, the customary environment may not allow the needed movements and balancing to be repeatedly practiced.

These simulators tend to generate board motions independent of the rider's foot positions, pressures, and vertical position of the center of the gravity and, thus, do not effectively help the users' ability to control and manipulate the surfboard.

However, these devices are limited in their movement and do not accurately reflect the stepping, cross-stepping, and turning techniques that are useful in an actual surfing ride.

The devices discussed above tend to require a hard surface in order to be used and may even require electricity.

This can make them impractical for use at beaches, where most surf school classes are conducted.

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