How many lengths of the pool did you do today?
If you had the device invented and developed by Swimmerix Ltd., a London-based startup created by Ukrainian Yaroslav Issakov, you’d be able to say right away – and a lot more besides.
A keen swimmer himself, Issakov, 48, has invented a waterproof, lightweight device that offers accurate measurement of swimming performance and real-time guidance for swimmers of all levels
“The idea arose from a need,” Issakov told the Kyiv Post on Feb. 17. “I was losing count of the distance I was swimming, and spending a lot of time checking my pulse, instead of resting. Moreover, before each workout I was always asking myself what distance I should swim.”
“There’s always a lack of time, and I wanted to make the best of it in the pool,” he said.
The device looks like a cross between a fitness bracelet and a watch, and keeps track of the swimmer’s heartbeat, number of stroke, speed, and length times. All information collected by the device is immediately transmitted to a portable base station via a wireless connection.
The base station, which can be fastened to a wall or simply placed at the edge of the pool, compares the incoming data with a customizable, pre-chosen training mode, and sends feedback to the wristband, which then indicates by flashing colored lights whether a swimmer should accelerate, maintain a steady pace, or stop training.
Additionally, the base station displays large figures on its face, so that a swimmer can monitor the data from afar, without having to stop swimming.
There are six training modes, and the device provides a comprehensive report after each training session. Swimmers can also use a Swimmerix smartphone app, which replicates all of the base station’s functions and can also suggest ways to improve training, customize training modes, and store all of the data gathered in cloud storage.
“Perhaps the most important distinction of Swimmerix (from other similar gadgets) is that, in addition to the conventional statistics, it gives solutions in real time and transmits them in a way that’s understandable even to a schoolchild,” Issakov said.
Swimmerix recently launched a campaign on the U.S. online crowdfunding platform Kickstarter with a £24,000 initial goal. The startup has already attracted 59 backers, who have pledged £6,613 so far. The campaign had other 15 days to last as this article went to press.
The approximate retail price of a Swimmerix kit, consisting of a wristband (red, blue, green), base station, suction cup, and charger, will be $120. The inventor is confident his device will be a success due to its unique features.
“The wristband with the light signal is as colorful as a firefly flying over the water, and it instantly grabbed everyone’s attention when I tested it in the pool,” Issakov said. “Those who were braver came up to me and asked about it, and, understanding the concept of the idea, they immediately asked how much it costs and where to get one.”
Swimmerix currently has a staff of 10 people, including Issakov. The product itself is to be made in Kyiv, despite the fact that the company is registered in the UK.
“I’m proud of my team and the final Swimmerix product,” Issakov said.
Kyiv Post staff writer Denys Krasnikov can be reached at [email protected]. The
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