SurfWatch can reveal that Action Surf & Skate has spent the last few months developing a new range of surfboards and surfing waves and is now appealing for volunteers to help test its new HUD-controled surfboards. Action is currently conducting beta testing with a number of Second Life surfers, but now aims to expand the beta testing program prior to the launch of the new product.
"We have been working on a private sim for three months solid trying to develop the new surfboard and waves," said bobn4uyes Winkler, co-owner of Action Surf and Skate (see pic right). "We've had a team of four people working both on new boards and new wave shapes. The boards have been in beta for two months and we're currently going into the final beta phase. We are trying to do something new and are asking for the assistance and feedback from the Second Life surfing community."The new boards include a control HUD, that allows the rider to adjust the surfboard to surf on different types of Second Life surfing wave and even make adjustments for laggy surf days. According to Action, the HUD controls all the functions of the surfboard entire the board from paddle speed through to surfing speed. The boards also boasts three cams: 'tele' (simulates TV view), aerial view (or 'chopper view') and 'tube' (for the 'real life' experience). There is also a full trick set HUD still under development, which has not yet been released to beta testers, with surfer and board animations.
"The idea is that surfers can have more control over their surfing and really surf in their own style," said bobn4uyes "Many people complained that the first board I made was too stiff, so I wanted people to ride like in real life, the way they prefer. One of the innovations we've included, is that the board will throw the surfer off the board when he fails during a hard maneuver. Yes, we added wipeouts!"
However, according to Action, surfers will not have to wear the surfboard HUD the whole time. Once the surfboard is set up for your home wave and with your preferences, you do not need to wear the HUD to surf. However, if you lose the board you will have to wear the HUD to program in your settings on the new copy of the board.
Second Life surfers interested in participating in Action's surfboard testing program should contact 'bobn4uyes Winkler' via IM.
Useful links
SurfWatch: Action board burning (16 Feb 08)
URL: Action Surf & Skate
SLURL: Action Surf & Skate
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