Malmo-based product creation agency Frankly Development launches SurfEars 2.0, an ear plug for surfers that protects ears in the water without impeding hearing. The design of the plugs is adjustable based on individual needs, and fixation wings allow SurfEars to stay on even during the most extreme activities. Measuring close to zero acoustic loss, SurfEars is so far one of the best products in the market when it comes to ear plugs. SurfEars 2.0 is a new, improved version of the SurfEars.
SurfEars stared as a project driven by both passion and need. Back in 2011 one of the inventors caught a serious ear infection during a surf trip. Going through the discomfort of temporary hearing loss on one ear, it was decided then that there is a need of a better product.
“We needed the product to protect our ears without affecting important senses like hearing or balance, since they are crucial for surfers and other water athletes. We wanted a product that allowed you to hear what’s going on around you, embracing the full experience of surfing,” shared on the company’s website.
SurfEars project became a passion project within Frankly Development, eventually becoming a spin-off company. In 2014, SurfEars launched a successful Kickstarter campaign and raised over 26,000$ (over 220 000 SEK), far beyond the initial goal of 17.000$ (over 145 000 SEK).
Currently SurfEars are sold in over 55 countries and have impressive endorsements from celebrities in the world of surfing. Just recently a surfing legend and 2x world champion Tom Carroll has joined SurfEars as global ambassador.
“Kicking off the project in 2011, we’ve spent over 8000 hours to get to where we are today. They say it takes 10 000 hours to really understand what you’re doing, so I guess we’re getting close to being pretty good at designing ear plugs,” shared on the company’s website.
But it is not only the design of ear plugs that Frankly Development is really good at. Founded in 2011 by a small team of specialists within concept development, mechanical design and manufacturing, all from Nokia Smartphones in Copenhagen and San Diego, the team has implemented a few other cool projects that were also supported on Kickstarter and recognized by the Red Dot Design Award.
