Aquatic Body Board

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved aquatic body surfing board for use by a rider in prone position. The nose of the board has a substantially semi-circular or semi-elliptical outline that defines the maximum width of the board. The under surface of the board is provided with one or more longitudinal channels extending from the forward midsection of the board to the trailing end, wherein such channels provide stability and maneuverability to the board in the waves. The upper surface of the board optionally comprises a shallow concave depression sized to accommodate the width of the body of a user.

1 . An aquatic body board comprising: an elongate board having a substantially planar top surface, an under surface, a frontal section, a midsection, a rear section, a rear edge and two side edges; wherein the frontal section is configured to describe a generally semi-circular or semi-elliptical outline that defines the maximum board width and wherein the minimum width of the midsection defines the minimum board width and wherein the maximum board width is at least 1.2 times greater than the minimum board width; and wherein the under surface comprises one or more elongate channels disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate board wherein the channels extend from a closed proximal end disposed within the frontal section or midsection of the board to an open distal end extending through the rear edge of the board. 
     
     
         2 . The aquatic body board of  claim 1  further comprising a recessed cavity in the top surface dimensioned to accommodate the body of user lying a the prone position. 
     
     
         3 . The aquatic body board of  claim 1  wherein the one or more channels vary in depth from a minimum depth at the proximal end to maximum depth at or near the distal end. 
     
     
         4 . The aquatic body board of  claim 1  wherein the maximum board width is 1.2 to 1.8 times greater than the minimum board width. 
     
     
         5 . The aquatic body board of  claim 1  wherein the board is configured to define one or more openings extending through the thickness of the board wherein the openings are suitably disposed such that handles, leashes or other such accessories can be removedly attached to extend from the top surface body board. 
     
     
         6 . The aquatic body board of  claim 5  wherein at least one of the one or more openings is suitable disposed in the rear section of the board such that fins or skegs can be attached to and extend from the under surface board. 
     
     
         7 . The aquatic body board of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more fins or skegs extending from and essentially perpendicular to the bottom surface in the rear section of the board. 
     
     
         8 . The aquatic body board of  claim 1  wherein two elongate parallel channels are disposed in mirror image fashion on each side of the longitudinal-axis such that inner edges of each channel are facing and wherein the distance between the inner edges of the channels is equal to or greater than 10% of the minimum width of the board. 
     
     
         9 . The aquatic body board of  claim 1  wherein the under surface of the board at the frontal section is gently sloped or tapered toward the top surface and wherein the board is configured such that the proximal ends of the one or more channels do not extend into the sloped or tapered area of the frontal section. 
     
     
         10 . The aquatic body board of  claim 1  wherein the a rear edge and two side edges are contoured to provide a gently curved transition between the top surface, the under surface such that the board lacks any discernible sharp edges. 
     
     
         11 . The aquatic body board of  claim 1  wherein the elongate board comprises a foamed or cellular core material covered with smooth layers of a composite polymer material. 
     
     
         12 . The aquatic body board of  claim 11  wherein the foamed or cellular core material comprises a polyurethane and the composite polymer materials comprises fiberglass and polyester. 
     
     
         13 . The aquatic body board of  claim 11  wherein the foamed or cellular core material comprises a polyurethane and the composite polymer material comprises fiberglass and an epoxy resin.