1. SIO 87: Physics of Surfing Spring 2008
Experiment 16 May 3, 2008
SIO 87: Physics of Surfing
Spring 2008

2. Participants
From left to right: Adam Zona, Daniel Yee, Dave ?, Paul Gomez, and David Sandwell
*not pictured: Wendy Muraoka

3. Abstract
To measure the forces acting on a surfboard while paddling and surfing.
Two accelerometers were used, #25 on the nose of the surfboard, and #26 on the back. These were used to measure the acceleration at different points on the surfboard.
A GPS unit was also attached to the board. This was used to measure the velocity.

4. Equipment Two three channel accelerometers: Two surfboards
Channel 25 at the front
Channel 26 at the back
Two surfboards
9 ft longboard
6’5 ft shortboard
Assorted materials: duct tape, water tight bags

5. GPS Unit
Accelerometer

6. Play movie here

7. Data: Accelerometer 25

8. Data: Accelerometer 26

9. Data: Figure 4

10. Data: Figure 5

11. Data: Figure 6

12. Conclusions