The connected stand-up paddle is not the first connected object from Hopman. Before that, there were mirrors, ceilings, furniture for the housing sector, transportation or even well-being. Now, with this paddle of another kind, Hopman is tackling the water sports sector.
Musical waves that contribute to well-being
It was by chance that Bernard Fradin, director of the Hopman company, developed this connected paddle. A high-level jazz pianist known as "Bernie Hopman", Bernard Fradin is interested in medicine, and in particular in music therapy, the principle of which is to put tissues back into frequency (and thus to provide well-being) thanks to certain waves. He then developed and patented the Hopman Sound Transfer (HST) technology, which allows the transformation of all types of surfaces and materials into loudspeakers. This technology is based on the transducer with integrated amplifier POP euros which is controlled by Bluetooth. It works in particular with home automation installers, architects and interior designers to integrate this acoustic system into furniture.
"This particular and original technology allows an incomparable acoustic rendering, an enveloping sound, a reduced size and is installed in an invisible way", explains the company in its press release.
The stand-up paddle, an ideal support to diffuse music
But Hopman also equips many boats and sells its equipment through Sea-Up. This is how Bernard Fradin was able to test his "speaker" on a stand-up paddle and realized that the technology worked very well. "The various resins and carbons were excellent vibrational and acoustic conductors, perfectly compatible with the patented Hopman Sound Transfer technology." details the company.
In partnership with Sea-Up, Hopman-ST has integrated this technology and developed a range of 4 connected stand-up paddles, suitable for all types of activities and different levels of practice.
The Hopman Sound Transfer sound system is integrated in a carbon sandwich, a high-end material, which offers an amazing acoustic result. The particularity of this board is to be hollow, to accommodate the technology. Thus, the whole board becomes a loudspeaker to make the paddler benefit from the well-being of musical waves, which are transmitted to the body through the feet.
The 4 paddles in the Hopman range all feature a Hopman POP? amplified speaker that connects via Bluetooth to the sound source. This requires having your smartphone handy to get a playlist and adjust the volume. So for now, you'll have to rely on waterproof covers before the company develops future paddles that will feature a waterproof hatch to store your phone. The system is powered by a battery that has an autonomy of 2 hours.
Listen to music without isolating yourself
The Hopman connected paddle board has several benefits. Firstly, headphones are not without effect on health, and can create problems of deafness. Here, there is no problem because the music is played freely, enveloping the body with its beneficial waves. Secondly, the headphones isolate from the outside environment and hide the noises around us. This is dangerous, especially for water sports. With the connected board, we hear the dangers that can come on the water.
Benefits for the underwater fauna?
If music therapy is good for the human body, what about fish and other underwater species? Because by diffusing the music from the board, the waves will radiate in the water. "I don't think it has any impact on the fish, quite the opposite. The benefits of music therapy and the studies on the transmission of sound waves in water provide a sense of well-being. This technique is more and more used by veterinarians or in farms" explains Françoise Flavian, in charge of communications at Hopman.
A complete range for different activities
Hopman-ST offers a range of 4 paddles to live different experiences of glide and well-being. You will have to wait until April to buy one of these boards, which will be marketed by Sea-Up.
It is the most versatile. Stable and easy to handle, it is adapted for small coastal rides and allows to discover the first sensations of surfing on small waves.
Dimensions : 0'2" x 31" x 45/16 x 162 L euros max load 85 kg euros beginner and advanced - 2 250 euros
- Hopman Sound Paddle 11'5 (Hikes and short rides)
A compact, all-purpose board for hiking and short rides. Some will also find a lot of pleasure in surfing on small waves.
Dimensions: 11'5" x 31" x 43/4 x 215 L euros max load 115 kg. - Beginner and advanced - 2 450 euros
- Hopman Sound Paddle "Admiral" 12'6 (The "flagship" of the range)
Stable board and performances close to the "Race" versions. Its atypical shape and its non-slip teak deck place it in the top of the range category.
Dimensions : 12'6" x 30" x 258 L euros Max. load 115 kg - confirmed and advanced - 3 400 euros
- Hopman Sound Paddle Yoga 11'0
This board was developed for a new mode of practice, the paddle "yoga" and "fitness". It is wider and more stable to practice different exercises and postures. The Hopman Sound Transfer technology reinforces the philosophy of well-being.
The board is equipped with a paddle support for the exercise phases and a receptacle for a small grapple to stabilize the board during the exercises. The large volume of this board makes it accessible to all.
Dimensions : 11' x 36" x 216L - For all levels - 2 450 euros
