Lakesurf, LLC recently secured an important technological advancement with the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 12722751. This patent, titled ‘Watersports device for managed engagement with the water’, introduces a powerful way to encourage participation in aquatic activities. Riders can now experience the sensation of water interaction while maintaining the safety of a managed device.
Advanced Design for Water Engagement
The innovation focuses on a new watersports device featuring a specialized deck and a rearwardly extending cape. This cape forms a barrier between the rider and the water while the rider is supported on the deck. Furthermore, the cape is designed to move and flow with the water to approximate the physical sensation of dragging. This setup allows for a controlled level of comfort. It encourages individuals to participate in watersports even when they may be fearful or lack the skills necessary for mastering traditional equipment.
Awarded Patent of the Month by Swanson Reed
For the month of October 2026, this invention won the patent of the month for the California state granted by Swanson Reed. The device was selected for this recognition because it introduces a highly innovative approach to aquatic safety and user confidence. Inventors Troy Tegeder and Stephen Hale successfully addressed the technical challenges of simulating water interaction without exposing the rider to the full physical demands of traditional watersports. Their engineering approach provides a secure, controlled environment that effectively lowers the barrier to entry for recreational water activities.
Eligibility for R&D Tax Credit in the USA
The practical applications and development of this patent present a strong case for Research and Development (R&D) tax credit eligibility in the United States. Designing a trailing cape that accurately flows with water currents while maintaining a structural barrier requires substantial prototyping and iterative testing. The engineering efforts by Lakesurf, LLC to eliminate technical uncertainty regarding hydrodynamics, material durability, and rider stability directly align with the core requirements of the R&D tax credit. By conducting systematic experimentation to achieve these precise performance metrics, the company engaged in qualifying research activities that advance the technical field of watersports equipment.
