Crowd Surfer

Overview

Crowd Surfer is an app that gives surfers real-time crowd density data at popular surf spots, enabling them to find less crowded locations or avoid busy areas altogether. Using advanced AI technology, Crowd Surfer analyzes footage from beach cameras to track surfer activity and provide accurate crowd information. The goal is to create an intuitive, easy-to-use interface that would deliver accurate, up-to-date data on crowd conditions, wave quality, and surf spot popularity.

Due to the growing popularity of surfing, surf spots around the world have become overcrowded and unenjoyable. Surfers like myself often struggle with crowded surf spots, especially during peak hours or busy seasons. This makes it harder for surfers to enjoy their sessions, leading to frustration, missed waves, and a less enjoyable experience overall.

As someone who’s surfed since I was a kid, I’ve had too many instances where I’ve driven over 40 minutes to go surf, paddle out, and catch no waves for over two hours in the water due to heavy crowds. This makes surfing, a sport thats supposed to be fun and exciting, unenjoyable and time/money wasting.

• Missing waves can be frustrating, whether due to poor positioning, mistiming, or competing with others in the lineup. It’s especially discouraging after waiting for the perfect set, only to watch it go unridden or taken by someone else.

• Overcrowded lineups make it difficult to catch waves, increase the risk of collisions, and take away from the enjoyment of surfing. Competing for waves in a packed spot can turn a relaxing session into a stressful experience.

• Some surf spots are dominated by territorial locals who intimidate outsiders to protect their waves. This hostility can range from verbal warnings to physical altercations, making certain breaks unwelcoming.

• A lack of knowledge or respect for surfing etiquette leads to dangerous situations, such as dropping in on others, snaking waves, or ditching boards. Inexperienced or careless surfers can cause unnecessary tension and accidents in the lineup.

• Many surfers don’t live near the coast, requiring long drives that burn gas and take up valuable time. A surf session can easily consume a large part of the day, making the effort feel wasted if conditions aren’t ideal.

• Between driving, changing, paddling out, surfing, and heading home, a single session can take up hours. If the waves are poor or the lineup is too crowded, the time and energy spent may not feel worthwhile.

• Surfing is inherently risky, with hazards like wipeouts, rip currents, and marine life. Crowded conditions make it even more dangerous, increasing the chances of collisions, board-related injuries, and getting caught in unpredictable waves.

• Surfing takes a toll on equipment, with boards getting dinged, fins breaking, leashes snapping, and wetsuits wearing out. Heavy crowds and rough conditions increase the likelihood of damage, adding to the cost and hassle of the sport.

Problems:

Research

Target Audience:

• Surfers of all levels: Beginner to advanced surfers who want to avoid overcrowded spots and find ideal surf conditions.

• Community-Oriented Surfers: Individuals who value connecting with others, sharing surf experiences, and contributing crowd data.

• Tourist Surfers: Surfers visiting unfamiliar areas who need help navigating local surf spots and avoiding crowds.

WIP