Summary of SURFBOARD LED STRIPS LIGHT UP THE WAVES
Surfing is typically a daytime activity, but Moritz Sivers has created a night-surfing surfboard equipped with motion-reactive LEDs. The project modifies a standard board by cutting a channel around its perimeter to house WS2812B LED strips. An Arduino Nano controls the light patterns using input from an MPU6050 3-axis gyroscope, which detects movements like turns and pumping. The system is powered by a lithium rechargeable battery, allowing for dynamic visual effects that change based on the surfer's actions while riding waves.
Parts used in the Motion-Reactive Surfboard:
- Regular surfboard
- WS2812B LED strips
- Lithium rechargeable battery
- Arduino Nano
- MPU6050 3-axis gyroscope
Surfing is an activity predominantly enjoyed during the day, primarily for reasons of warmth and water safety. Of course, if you prefer to carve the waves at night, you might enjoy the latest project from [Moritz Sivers] – a surfboard kitted out with motion-reactive LEDs.
The build consists of a regular surfboard, with a channel cut around the perimeter into which WS2812B LED strips are glued. Powered by a lithium rechargable battery, commands are given by an Arduino Nano hooked up to a MPU6050 3-axis gyroscope. This allows the Arduino to change the light patterns based on the movement of the board. Left and right turns, pumping the board, and surfing down a wave all come with their own animations.
It’s a fun twist on night surfing, and makes it easier to spot a downed surfer, too. It’s a build we expect to see recreated in a high-end 4K surf film before the year is out. Of course, if you just need to know if the conditions are right before you head out, this surf weather station might be just the build for you. Video after the break.
Source: SURFBOARD LED STRIPS LIGHT UP THE WAVES
- Why is surfing predominantly enjoyed during the day?
Surfing is mainly done during the day due to warmth and water safety. - What modification did Moritz Sivers make to the surfboard?
He cut a channel around the perimeter to glue in WS2812B LED strips. - How does the surfboard detect movement?
An MPU6050 3-axis gyroscope hooked up to an Arduino Nano detects the board's movement. - What powers the LED system on the surfboard?
A lithium rechargeable battery provides power to the system. - Can different surfing actions trigger different light animations?
Yes, left and right turns, pumping, and surfing down a wave each have their own animations. - Does this project improve safety at night?
Yes, the lights make it easier to spot a downed surfer in the dark.
