Teacher Michael Parker is in a battle with two of his students in a competition to take their business ideas to the next level.
The 58-year-old, who teaches engineering and design at New Plymouth Boys’ High School, has created an ”e-bike for surfers” after struggling to learn the sport 10 years ago.
Parker has been named as one of five finalists in Venture Taranaki’s PowerUp Kickstart, a business capability building programme and ideas competition, with one idea ultimately winning the grand prize of $10,000 to spend on developing their enterprise.
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Parker is head of engineering and design at New Plymouth Boys High School.
Two of Parker’s students, Jayden Clark and Ashkan Azarkish, are also finalists with their all-in-one digital plant monitor, called Sprout, which enables people to keep track of a pot plant’s moisture, sunlight, temperature and humidity requirements via a phone app.
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“It’s a bit dodgy now, I don’t want to give them tips or help with anything,” Parker laughed.
The board that Parker has created, under business name Hiko Surf, is paddle-assisted and works via a small pump in the back that sucks up water and pumps it out, meaning the rider does not need to paddle as hard.
The board has two modes: one to help paddle out past the breaking waves and the other to help paddle on to a wave and catch it.
“I really struggled with surfing for about three or four years,” Parker said.
“I found it really frustrating and if I wasn’t such a persistent character I would have given up in the first month.”
Parker estimates the board will retail for $4500 to $5000, similar to an e-bike.
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Jayden Clark and Ashkan Azarkish are Parker’s students and are also finalists in the competition.
He entered the PowerUp Kickstart competition last year as well but was unsuccessful.
“I don’t think my video was very good, and I didn’t explain it very well.
“I didn’t have a prototype then, but now I have a prototype built and tested.”
Parker has been building the prototype for the last four years, pottering around with it in his free time.
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Parker estimates the board will retail for $4500 to $5000.
He had spotted one similar product on the market a few years ago, which worked as a fin that bolted to any surfboard.
He ordered one out of curiosity but is yet to receive it.
“It’s a bit different to mine, though, as it’s a fin that bolts on to any board whereas mine is a specifically designed board.”
Each finalist is paired with a mentor to refine their business before giving a final pitch on June 29.
Parker has been paired with mentor Timothy Allan who was involved with UBCO, an electric farm bike company that has gone worldwide.
Parker said Allan has been a huge help in the marketing and business side of things.
“I’m really good at making stuff but not selling it.”