Titanium Surf Prosthesis

Designed to extend performance.

Developed in 2022 for South African adaptive surfer Caleb Swanepoel, this project focused on redesigning a critical prosthetic joint ahead of the World Surfing Championship in California.

The objective was straightforward: improve mobility in the water. Caleb's existing prosthesis offered very limited articulation, restricting movement while paddling, standing and manoeuvring on the board. The new design introduced controlled flexibility through a custom titanium joint, increasing range of motion while maintaining the strength required for demanding surf conditions.

DESIGN

The project centred on creating a lightweight joint capable of withstanding repeated impact, saltwater exposure and high loading without compromising reliability. Titanium was selected for its exceptional strength, corrosion resistance and weight.

ENGINEERING

Every component was developed specifically for the application, balancing structural integrity with controlled movement. The redesigned joint provided significantly greater articulation than the previous design, allowing the prosthesis to move more naturally with the body.

MANUFACTURING

The components were precision manufactured from titanium and assembled specifically for Caleb's prosthetic system. Every detail was refined to withstand the demands of competitive surfing while remaining as lightweight as possible.

This project demonstrates how thoughtful industrial design and engineering can improve performance by responding directly to the needs of the individual.