Brush machine keeps surfers dry

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Surfers drop in on the brushboard action

A budding entrepreneur is hoping to clean up with his new invention which allows surfers to practise without getting wet.

Australian-born Kyle Dent came up with the Brush Ramp three years ago in Topsham, Devon.

It is a wave-shaped ramp with electric-powered brushes which users ride on as if they were surfing.

Now he is hoping to find a backer to put his idea into practice in sports halls around the country.

'Amazing rush'

The rider is taken up the ramp by putting an edge of the board into the brushes, and skims downward when the edge is taken out.

Father of two Mr Dent said: "I was watching people surfing while having a drink in a bar with colleagues.

"It was at that point that I realised the gap in the market and the need for a cross between all the board sports. It has taken three and half years of research and development with seven prototypes to get to this stage."

He hopes local authorities will buy the machine as a "high energy aerobics machine".

According to brush boarders falling off does not hurt. Surfer Sam Turner, 16, said: "It puts a big strain on your muscles, but you get used to it. It's an amazing rush."