Wakeglasses by Geoffrey Duffy from ireland

Background:
The sport of wakeboarding requires high level athletes to perform advanced tricks and acrobatics, all while staying balanced on a board skimming across the surface of water at high speed.

Problem:
When making turns and performing aerial tricks it is essential to always know your position in the air, this enables the boarder to spot their landing and come out of a trick with confidence. To enable this, visibility is paramount importance. However a common issue for wakeboarders is dealing with water spray being deflected off of the board and towards the boarders face. Although this is a problem, wakeboarders do not currently opt to wear any form of eye protection to negate the issue, mainly due to the lack of suitable products on the market. Current eyewear solutions are lacking in three critical areas.
1. A secure fit around the boarder’s head which will be maintained during a fall.
2. The ability to block spray from varying angles.
3. Provide enhanced visibility.

Solution:
The solution to the problem is Wakeglasses. Wakeglasses were designed to enable wakeboarders to perform to their potential in all circumstances.
The first problem solved was providing a secure fit around the users head. This was done in two ways. Firstly the arms of the glasses are made from rubber over moulded onto spring steel which is set in a closed position. When sliding the glasses onto the head, the glasses naturally want to close and further hug the users head. After this the user pulls the two elasticated bands around the back of their head and clips them into place. By separating the elasticated bands it allows the user to put the glasses on while already wearing their helmet. Additionally magnetised clips aid in this locating procedure.
The second problem addressed was the deflection of splashes. Inspiration was drawn from ski goggles, swimming goggles and existing sunglasses. The solution was to use cushioning perforated rubber around the edge of the frame which would sit snugly against the users face to isolate both eyes from peripheral spray.
The final problem was solved by allowing users to confidently wear eyewear which would shield them from splashes. Alternative lens options allow boarders to select the lens best suited for the weather conditions of the day.

In conclusion Wakeglasses enable wakeboarders from beginner to pro, to never compromise a run due to visibility.