SurfTag - Ownership & Rigging App for Windsurfers & Kitesurfers

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Dmitry Shibaev

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

9

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

SurfTag is a blockchain-based NFC tagging app that provides personalized rigging instructions enables windsurfers and kitesurfers to securely track, share, and authenticate their gear.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

The following elements of the deliverable will be open sourced in a github repo:

• The metadata standard for registering the Windsurf and Kitesurf gear on the blockchain
• The React Native code that reads the QR code and queries the blockchain for the gear characteristics
• The Gear Advisor code in Javascript

[METADATA] Horizons

Manufacturing

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Our proposal aims to modernize ownership tracking and rigging guidance for windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment by leveraging the Cardano blockchain. By registering each piece of gear - such as boards, sails, masts, and harnesses - on the blockchain with a structured metadata system, we ensure that the unique characteristics of each component are securely and transparently recorded.

This makes it easier to track ownership and provide personalized rigging instructions, increasing both trust and ease within the community.

The integration of NFC tags allows users to scan their gear and access an app that reads the blockchain-stored metadata. By entering real-time conditions such as wind speed and the rider's weight, the app provides personalized rigging recommendations, optimizing the performance for the current conditions.

This simplifies the setup process but also enhances the user's overall experience by offering precise advice tailored to their equipment.

The users will be able to store their contact details on the app, ensuring that lost or stolen gear can be easily returned. This added layer of security fosters greater trust among the windsurfing and kitesurfing community, while the personalized rigging instructions provide a seamless and enjoyable experience.

The Key Components of a Windsurfing Kit

The essential components that make up the rig are the board, sail and the fin (under the board). The correct pairing of the board with the sail and fin is crucial for optimal performance because each part affects how the windsurfing rig interacts with wind and water

Examples below show how SurfTag can be attached to each of these for tracking and rigging. The NFC tag is scannable with a an Android or Apple device running the SurfTag app

Board

The board is typically made from lightweight materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber, designed to float on water and provide stability for the rider. It has a non-slip surface where the windsurfer stands, and it often includes foot straps for better control at high speeds. Pairing the board with the appropriate sail and fin helps maintain control, speed, and stability in various wind and water conditions, making for a more enjoyable windsurfing session.

Sail

The size and type of sail determine how much wind you can harness. A larger sail provides more power but is harder to control in high winds, while a smaller sail is better suited for strong wind conditions. Matching the sail size to the board’s volume and width ensures balance and control.

Fin

The fin, located under the board, helps with steering and stability. A larger fin provides more lift and allows better upwind performance, while a smaller fin makes the board more agile and better suited for maneuvers. The right fin size is essential to balance the forces generated by the sail. If the fin is too small for a large sail, the board may lose stability or “spin out” (lose grip in the water).

App

Example of an app to Write and Read NFC tags. These then will recorded on a blockchain and fed into an app to suggest the best rigging combination of Board / Sail / Fin

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

By registering windsurfing and kitesurfing equipment on the Cardano blockchain, this proposal introduces a novel real-world use case, driving adoption and increasing transaction volume. Each piece of gear, from windsurf boards to kites, will be linked to unique metadata stored on the blockchain, allowing users to securely track ownership and equipment characteristics. This adds a new dimension to the Cardano ecosystem by extending its utility beyond financial transactions to sports and outdoor activities, which attracts a broader user base.

The integration of NFC tags with blockchain metadata brings convenience and personalization to the user experience. Every time a user registers their gear it generates a transaction. This continuous engagement increases transaction volume on the network, encouraging users to interact with Cardano frequently. As windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts begin to realize the value of tracking and optimizing their gear through the blockchain, Cardano gains visibility among niche sporting communities, accelerating the rate of adoption.

By positioning Cardano as a blockchain supporting innovative, non-financial use cases, it creates a competitive edge in the broader blockchain space. This unique offering makes Cardano more appealing to developers, businesses, and users looking for robust, decentralized solutions to solve real-world problems, driving further growth and adoption.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

100% success rate in delivering on previously funded Catalyst proposal

The team has successfully delivered 3 previously funded Catalyst projects, and currently working on delivering 2 more proposals from Fund 11

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Attaching NFC tags

• Place NFC tags on Windsurfing gear (Board, Sail and Fin)
• Test different locations on the gear where to place the NFC tags
• Test sturdiness of NFC tags in the water
• Design the metadata layout to contain the characteristics of different types of gear

Deliverable: Tested best location to place the NFC tags on different gear and metadata layout designed

Develop Mobile App

The app will scan NFC tags and read the gear characteristics from the blockchain

• Register the windsurf gear as a transaction with metadata on the Cardano testnet
• Write a mobile app in React Native that scans the NFC tag then reads the gear characteristics from the blockchain and shows on the screen
• Connect the mobile app to a blockchain indexer API such as Koios, Maestro or Blockfrost to read this info from the blockchain

Deliverable: A mobile app that can scan NFC tags placed on the windsurf gear and show its characteristics and owner info

Gear Advisor Algorithm

• Design an algorithms that suggest optimal combinations of gear for given wind and rider conditions
• Test the app on the windsurfing equipment by scanning the NFC tags and checking the suggested combinations
• The user can scan different gear in their bag and the app will suggest the best combination given rider's 

Deliverable: Gear advisor app on the mobile that gives best gear combinations for wind conditions and rider weight

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Project Lead: Dmitry Shibaev

Dmitry Shibaev is an experienced Project Lead and Senior Developer with a proven track record in both big tech and financial markets. His expertise spans 5 years in delivering large-scale SAP projects for energy companies in southern Europe and 15 years in financial markets, where he successfully led significant projects at a prominent investment bank across London, Singapore, and Amsterdam.

Open-Source Contributions:

Dmitry has actively contributed to the open-source community, showcasing his skills in building tools and fostering collaboration:

• Developed a wallet connector for DApps and Wallets, utilized by the Cardano Beam Web App. The GitHub repository has garnered 100+ stars and has been forked by IOHK.
• GitHub Repo
• App Demo 1
• App Demo 2
• Contributed to the Cardano Developer Portal with a quick start guide on connecting Web Apps to different Cardano web-wallets.
• Created a Public GraphQL endpoint with a web client, enabling users to query the Cardano blockchain conveniently.
• GitHub Repo
• App
• Developed a Staking Reward Calculator synced to the blockchain, providing insights into expected payouts from different pools.
• App
• Contributed Cardano Wallet Functions for integration into React Native apps.
• GitHub Repo

Full Stack Expertise:

Dmitry is proficient in both Web2 and Web3 technologies, showcasing his skills in building the full stack behind Dynamic Strategies (https://dynamicstrategies.io) and Cardano Beam (https://cardanobeam.app).

Plutus Pioneers Cohort:

Dmitry was part of the inaugural cohort of Plutus Pioneers and received recognition for building community tools at Adafolio (https://adafolio.com/portfolio/8f7da192-0257-11eb-9684-a45e60be653b).

Stake Pool Operation:

He is an integral part of a team operating the Cardano Stake Pool with the ticker DSIO, registered in 2020. The pool has received multiple delegations from the Cardano Foundation in acknowledgment of outstanding contributions to the community.

• Pool Details

Community Engagement:

Dmitry actively participates in the Cardano forum and Cardano Stack Exchange, contributing to community discussions and sharing knowledge.

• Cardano Forum
• Cardano Stack Exchange

Project Delivery and Recognition:

The team has successfully delivered two out of three previously funded Catalyst projects, with the completion report submitted for the last proposal. Dynamic Strategies was selected for the Midnight Dev Net and has a track record of delivering solutions in risk management and AI for the traditional banking sector (e.g. https://riskview.app).

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Milestone 1: Testing the NFC tags on windsurfing gear

• One Senior Developer 40h per week for 4 weeks @ $60/h
• One Hardware tester 10h per week for 4 weeks @ $40/h

Total $11,200 

Milestone 2: Scan NFC tag and read the gear characteristics from the blockchain

• One Senior Developer 40h per week for 6 weeks @ $60/h

Total $14,400 

Milestone 3: Gear advisor app

• One Senior Developer 40h per week for 8 weeks @ $60/h

Total $19,200

The total budget is 44,800 USD

At a price of 0.35 ADA per USD

Total in ADA: 128,000

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

This project delivers strong value for Cardano by introducing a unique real-world use case in the windsurfing and kitesurfing markets, demonstrating the blockchain’s ability to manage the metadata of windsurf and kitesurf equipment. By enabling NFC-tagged equipment registration it increases network activity through ongoing transactions and drives wider adoption.

Innovation - By registering windsurfing and kitesurfing gear on the Cardano blockchain, the project introduces a new, non-financial use case that extends Cardano's infrastructure into the sporting and outdoor gear markets. This real-world application demonstrates the blockchain's versatility broadening Cardano's appeal. As more users register their equipment and interact with the system, Cardano's transaction volume will grow, reinforcing its utility and driving wider adoption.

More Network Activity - The project will lead to ongoing transactions on the Cardano network. Each time users scan the NFC tags, register new equipment, or update metadata, it will generate transactions on the blockchain. This translates into more activity and engagement with Cardano, which, over time, increases network utilization. A growing base of windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts interacting with the blockchain will also drive interest from other industries, increasing Cardano's exposure and transaction count.

Expansion to other industries - NFC tag testing, mobile app development, and the gear advisor app—the Cardano ecosystem will benefit from a practical, user-focused application that can be expanded or replicated for other industries.

Beyond DeFi Use Cases - This use case shows that Cardano's technology is not limited to finance or NFTs but can effectively manage decentralized, verifiable information across different sectors. As this gear registration and advisory system grows, it highlights Cardano’s ability to serve diverse industries, giving it a competitive edge in attracting developers and businesses.