TURBO TUNNEL

[Surfing-Innovation]

garbarrage - 'cardboard surfboards'?? No idea what you're talking about....

If you've got something to say, then just say it...........

And you're right about 'innovations' - there aren't that many of them - mainly because when people DO try to bring something new in, there's too many 'surfers' with blinkers on who will openly slag a product off without EVER having tried it or even seen it used!!

EVERYTHING we sell was originally bought with our own money - and trust me when I say that has included MANY products that we've bought, used and didn't like - and we're not in the habit of just selling stuff to make a few quid quid if it's a product we don't believe in (we have both, afterall, got our 'real' jobs as well as the sideline company).

There are plenty of things in the pipeline, but we're in no rush. You'll just have to trust me when I say that we do have one product nearing completion that really is an 'innovation' ..............

[garbarrage]

thought i did just say it......
really wasn't taking the p***! here's the link:
http://www.neublack.com/art-design/cardboard-surfboard/

looks like a really good idea... was on another thread here. haven't the cash to burn trying it... but if i did or was in the business then i probably would.
i actually have been following your site because i've always had a keen interest in design engineering etc. and figured i'd see some cool stuff on your site. just you haven't added any products in a long time.
i understand its a sideline - and i'm probably being a bit impatient.

don't be so touchy tho... not attacking you or your site. apologies if you took it up that way.

[Surfing-Innovation]

My apologies - I actually thought you were having a dig at something on our site......

I do get a bit touchy sometimes because there are LOTS of really good, new products out there that we're trying out but the biggest hurdle in this country is the fact that people 'poo poo' ideas they have never used. I guess it's a good job Jack O'Neill wasn't from the UK, coz I can just imagine the reaction to his rubber suits from the 'real' surfers of the modern era.............and then where would any of us be???

You only have to see the reaction to the Hangair from some people on here - yet in the States the things sold really well.

That having been said, we're keeping faith with the product and we're currently working on a sole UK distribution which should also mean we can reduce the retail price to what we thought it should have been in the first place.

And another of our products (the Olly Pop) got slagged off on Dragon's Den - yet he's sold thousands of them, so what do they know, eh??)

We had hoped to get a few more things 'on the shelves' but it's been a difficult few months, all in all and some of the products we've bought and tried just haven't been up to a standard where we'd want to put our name to them, so it kind of puts us back a bit.........

Anyway - no worries on the misunderstanding - we are trying to get a few new bits in and we do appreciate the support we occasionally get......

[surferdude_scarborough]

to be fair none of the 'dragons' on dragons den know anything about surfing and would obviously see it as a minority sport and something they wouldnt get enough money out of. thats why they slagged it off. anyone whos been throught marking out a template of their board and practicing popping up on that would think its a good idea.

[garbarrage]

no worries SI - understand when people get touchy about something they're obviously putting a lot of effort into.

i'd say it's also a difficult market aswell as a "minority".... surfers seem to like keeping it simple. with the exception of the odd gadget junky.

the hang-air system seems to only be for people who live near a break. i normally camp or sleep in the car where i have no access to a power source... most B&Bs don't allow wetsuits the odd time i do stay in one.
also america has more coast hence more people living on the coast so its understandable why it would sell better over there.

the real wiings on the other hand do look like they extend to the whole market... who couldn't use more paddle power? (any chance of a freebie for the plug? - promise i'll tell all my mates lol)

[Surfing-Innovation]

LOL - we actually only 'sell on' the real wiings, as they wouldn't let us stock them......meaning we make only a couple of quid on each set, so can't really offer any freebies. Shame really, as they are a pretty unique bit of kit and, if you can overcome the inevetable 'what the f**k are those you're wearing' comments, are pretty damn good at what they are supposed to do........

BTW - the Hangairs WILL have 12v leads with them next time (something we always got promised by the former distributor, but never saw). You can get the lead from places like Maplins, as the unit is designed to run off 12v - ie car ciggy lighter......and doesn't draw any huge amps, so won't kill your battery that quick....

Anyway - if you do happen to see any new products floating around, drop me a line and let me know, as we're always looking for new stuff. We've got a couple more things in the pipeline - one of which, if we can get it for the right money, should be on just about everyone's Crimbo list.....