SMAO Paddles Swim Paddles by Speedo Usa

Home > Winners > #40855




DESIGN DETAILS
DESIGN NAME:
SMAO Paddles

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
Swim Paddles

INSPIRATION:
Utilizing bio-mimicry, the Humpback Whale pectoral fin was part inspiration behind this unique design.

UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The most innovative paddles to hit the market, loaded with cutting-edge hydrodynamic features for the elite swimmer! SMAO paddle is the answer to the elite sprinter's need to refine the drive-in phase of the stroke, demand an aggressive entry into the water, and reinforce a high elbow catch.

OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION:
Targeting the elite swimmer who is striving to gain strength and speed in their sprint.

PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION:
Los Angeles, Development complete October 2013. Product on shelf August 2014

PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY:
PLUSfoam®. PLUSfoam® is a performance based, 100% recyclable material. It is crafted using various combinations of reclaimed post-consumer material, post -manufacturing scrap and virgin material. Unlike traditional EVA, PLUS compounds are closed-cell, which means they are inherently non-microbial and nonabsorbent. PLUSfoam® out performs EVA in a variety of categories - namely rebound, compression and elongation. PLUS compounds also tend to have better traction in went and dry conditions than the materials they were designed to replace. PLUSfoam® uses less energy to process, is virtually landfill neutral and is endlessly recyclable.

SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES:
10.8 ounces per paddle, size small

TAGS:
SMAO, Paddles

RESEARCH ABSTRACT:
The design brief for the SMAO paddles required a large size and buoyant material. however, the 1/2 kickboards (that inspired the design) did not move well through the water - they were awkward and cumbersome to swim with. The design team looked to biomimicry to see what elements in nature helped move large bodies through the water elegantly and efficiently. This is how we came to the Humpback whale and the tubercles found on their pectoral fins. These bump-like nodules along the fin edge provide a greater surface area (vs. a smooth edge) for water to pass over. This ultimately helps push more water and give a smooth pulling motion through the water. For the humpack whale, this means they can move quickly and with agility, with relatively small-sized fins, even though they are the largest mammals on earth. For the SMAO paddles, this means the swimmer can move large paddles easily through the water with a smooth and controlled trajectory. Thus, demanding an aggressive water entry and strong pull for the elite freestyle sprinters.

CHALLENGE:
Coming up with paddles that could be large in size while also remaining buoyant was challenging. Swimmers had been cutting kickboards in half and using the halves as paddles. These makeshift paddles were heavy, and difficult to swim with. Our solution? Researching nature for elements that help move large bodies efficiently through the water. The Humpback Whale's pectoral fin is lined with tubercles: nodules that provide a greater surface area for water to pass over. We implemented tubercles onto these paddles.

ADDED DATE:
2015-03-27 22:05:40

TEAM MEMBERS (8) :
I.D. Workshop: , Don Reardon , Damon Clegg , , Speedo: , Kathleen Davis, Craig Stiff and Barry McGeough

IMAGE CREDITS:
Speedo USA Marketing



CLIENT/STUDIO/BRAND DETAILS
NAME:
-

PROFILE:
-



NOMINATION DETAILS

Smao Paddles Swim Paddles by Speedo Usa is a Nominee in Sporting Goods, Fitness and Recreation Equipment Design Category.

· This project is currently confidential as results have not been announced yet. Images and further details of the project is not available for public yet, please check back later. If you are the owner of this design, please login to view the images.

· Click here to register today inorder to be able to view the profile and other works by Speedo Usa when results are announced.


AWARD DETAILS

Smao Paddles Swim Paddles by Speedo Usa is Winner in Sporting Goods, Fitness and Recreation Equipment Design Category, 2014 - 2015.



· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Speedo Usa.

· Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Speedo Usa.


SOCIAL
+ Add to Likes / Favorites | Send to My Email | Submit Comment | Comment | Testimonials | View Press-Release | Press Kit



Did you like Speedo Usa's Sporting Goods Design?
You will most likely enjoy other award winning sporting goods design as well.
Click here to view more Award Winning Sporting Goods Design.


Did you like Smao Paddles Swim Paddles? Help us create a global awareness for good sporting goods design worldwide. Show your support for Speedo Usa, the creator of great sporting goods design by gifting them a nomination ticket so that we could promote more of their great sporting goods design works.

See other A' Design Award and Competition WinnersA' Design Award Presentation Submit Your Designs
 
design award logo

BENEFITS
THE DESIGN PRIZE
WINNERS SERVICES
PR CAMPAIGN
PRESS RELEASE
MEDIA CAMPAIGNS
AWARD TROPHY
AWARD CERTIFICATE
AWARD WINNER LOGO
PRIME DESIGN MARK
BUY & SELL DESIGN
DESIGN BUSINESS NETWORK
AWARD SUPPLEMENT

METHODOLOGY
DESIGN AWARD JURY
PRELIMINARY SCORE
VOTING SYSTEM
EVALUATION CRITERIA
METHODOLOGY
BENEFITS FOR WINNERS
PRIVACY POLICY
ELIGIBILITY
FEEDBACK
WINNERS' MANUAL
PROOF OF CREATION
WINNER KIT CONTENTS
FAIR JUDGING
AWARD YEARBOOK
AWARD GALA NIGHT
AWARD EXHIBITION

MAKING AN ENTRY
ENTRY INSTRUCTIONS
REGISTRATION
ALL CATEGORIES

FEES & DATES
FURTHER FEES POLICY
MAKING A PAYMENT
PAYMENT METHODS
DATES & FEES

TRENDS & REPORTS
DESIGN TRENDS
DESIGNER REPORTS
DESIGNER PROFILES
DESIGN INTERVIEWS

ABOUT
THE AWARD
AWARD IN NUMBERS
HOMEPAGE
AWARD WINNING DESIGNS
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
MUSEUM OF DESIGN
PRIME CLUBS
SITEMAP
RESOURCE

RANKINGS
DESIGNER RANKINGS
WORLD DESIGN RANKINGS
DESIGN CLASSIFICATIONS
POPULAR DESIGNERS

CORPORATE
GET INVOLVED
SPONSOR AN AWARD
BENEFITS FOR SPONSORS
IMPRESSUM IMPRINT

PRESS
DOWNLOADS
PRESS-KITS
PRESS PORTAL
LIST OF WINNERS
PUBLICATIONS
RANKINGS
CALL FOR ENTRIES
RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT

CONTACT US
CONTACT US
GET SUPPORT

Good design deserves great recognition.
A' Design Award & Competition.