I was emailed this link about a pretty amazing water repellent that uses "nano"-technology called Ultra-Ever Dry. The "SUPER Hyrdophobic" properties appear to be pretty amazing. The UWA has quite a few members, many of whom are highly educated engineers or highly self declared engineers... I'm going to try and put that pool to use with a UWA experiment here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ord6dTARWfo&feature=player_embedded
http://www.spillcontainment.com/everdry
I started thinking about the applications on windsurf sails, boards, straps, wetsuits, Kites, kite lines... etc...
There will be a pretty cool SWAG prize or maybe cash, for the first person to submit proof of some viable testing with this on their gear. Preferably an entertaining video demonstrating the debunking of, or propping up of this Ultra-Ever Dry for the above mentioned applications. Scientific method preferred.
Disclaimer: I/We have NOT researched the safety of this compound in any way... I nor the UWA is not responsible for any damage you do to your gear or health... Or for any money you make by marketing this for keeping gear light and dry! Unless you make it big and would like to finance the permanent fix to keeping Rush Lake full and deep on a permanent basis! (You are soley responsible for researching environmental questions that are inherent with this application). I, nor anybody I know of has a financial interest in this company. We probably should!
Cheers!