The Theory of Devolution: Surfing’s Most Misguided Inventions

Surfing’s technical progression has occasionally reversed course through flawed engineering experiments, from dangerous bungee cords to overpriced electric propulsion systems.

The Hazardous Legacy of the Ocky Strap

Long before modern, padded roof-rack systems became standard equipment, surfers relied on bungee cords colloquially known in Australia as “octopus straps” to secure their boards. Writing about this era, Jock Serong observed that these devices were a “vicious hangover from an age when everything was dangerous.” The core hazard stemmed from hard metal or plastic hooks designed to maintain constant tension. When a strap slipped during transit, the metal terminal could detach and snap back at high velocity. While modern gear utilizes long, woven straps with straightforward plastic or metal buckles, the older bungee method remains a cautionary tale of prioritizing quick setup over basic safety.

The Weight and Cost Barrier of Jet-Propelled Surfboards

The introduction of battery-powered, jet-propelled surfboards promised an end to exhausting paddle-outs, generating brief industry momentum around 2010 when professional surfer Cory Lopez endorsed the WaveJet. Elite pioneer Laird Hamilton also championed jet-propelled variants and eFoils, yet the technology stalled. According to market observations a decade after their introduction, most units remained excessively heavy, prohibitively expensive—frequently retailing around the $5,000 mark—and underpowered. Although newer iterations by figures like Victoria Vergara continue to push the concept back into industry discussions, heavy power systems have consistently struggled to match the hydrodynamic efficiency of a traditional, unpowered fiberglass shape.

Friction and Fatigue in Paddling Innovations

Technological experiments have targeted every phase of riding a wave, including the paddle battle through the lineup. During a brief period in 1987, webbed paddling gloves worn by high-profile surfers like Brad Gerlach, Richie Collins, Marty Thomas, and Glen “Mr X” Winton gained mainstream visibility. The hydrodynamic theory posited that increased surface area would push more water, theoretically adding up to 25 percent more paddling power. In practice, however, the resistance created extreme muscular fatigue. Reflecting on the experiment over a conversation in Ericeira, Brad Gerlach noted that he wore them for about a month before abandoning them because they simply made his arms too tired. The market rejected the concept entirely, leaving webbed gloves as a short-lived curiosity of late-80s accessory design.

The Structural Compromise of Detachable Surfboards

Global travel has continuously challenged surfers to reduce board dimensions for transit, inspiring modular designs that break down into smaller components. Karl Pope launched the Pope Travelboard in 1964, a concept that evolved over three decades into the Pope Bisect and Pope Trisect SUP. While contemporary manufacturers like France-based NeWave continue developing modular assemblies featuring locking pins and injected nylon connectors capable of multiple configurations, historical performance metrics remain an obstacle. Experience shows that a structurally compromised or joined blank rarely replicates the flex pattern and torsional response of a unified, fixed surfboard.

The Elastic Danger of Coiled Leg Ropes

While Pat O’Neill is widely credited with inventing the modern surfboard leash in 1970 to keep equipment close after a wipeout, the subsequent invention of the coiled leg rope introduced severe functional flaws. Featuring a spring-like, compressed design meant to eliminate drag, these leashes offered a theoretical balance of flexibility and protection. In practice, however, the physics proved hazardous. Under tension, the compressed cord could stretch outward up to 18 feet before violently snapping back at high speed. Unpredictable recoil made coiled leashes largely impractical for surfing applications, demonstrating that altering basic safety geometry often introduces unintended physical risks.

Analyzing these historical missteps underscores the fine line between functional advancement and evolutionary regression in action sports engineering.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.