Surfing pros and novices alike will be intrigued by an ongoing Kickstarter project from a company that wants to design 3D-printed custom boards based on actual data derived from riding in the water.

 

Chicago-based MADE Boards is trying to raise $450,000 on Kickstarter to further develop its sail, kite, surf, and paddle "SmartBoards." Using MADE's VOLUME mobile app for iOS and Android, customers can figure out what board is best for their own body and activity, and MADE will then custom build it.

 

The internal structure of the boards are 3D-printed, taking into account specific factors like shape, rigidity and how much the board curves. The board is then wrapped in bamboo underlayment and a fiberglass shell to stiffen it. MADE's founder Shanon Marks says additive manufacturing — or 3D-printing — lets the company factor in a person's geographic location, atmospheric conditions and the way the individual rides the board. Marks told Mashable their platform uses social data, performance tracking/journaling and big data to influence design.