Many of us would like to compete for a fun in our favorite water sports.
The problem is that formal events are rare , far away , procedure complex etc.

I propose new format available to implement for any sport at almost any place at minimal cost or even for profit !

For this new racing , adequate for our digital age the following set is needed:

At least 2 boys and remote receiver timer.

Rules: We do setup two buoys , one at start line, next across the wind somewhere.
Competitor is equipped with special new kind of the automatic timer that is
- automatically activated at at proximity to the 1 st starting buoy ( say for example 5 meters) , then register and count signal when passing by second buoys , then counter timer stops when approaching again Starting- Finish buoy.
To complicate a bit we could also setup counter to require to do 2 , 3 or more whole loops around the buoys.
Because RF signal distance is limited to 5 meters, the receiving timer must pass close by buoy emitting signal, then he can also here louder beep sound from the dongle that timer started ( ONE BEEP) , passing buoy was registered (TWO BEEPS) or timer stopped ( THREE BEEPS )


Whole system consist then from at least 2 buoys sending RF signal to receipt timers - receivers dongle worn by competitor.

Single dongle could be passed from one competitor to the next or even multiple dongles used at same time and the best time results compared at the end.

This way in very inexpensive manner we could setup mini competitions at our favorite water spots open for everybody to compete, SUP, windsurfers, Kiters etc.

For willing punters there could be small participation fees say 2 - $5 from each competitor , with balance then passed to the winner or split to the first 1,2 3 gold silver and bronze winner if there are more entrants...


Now what we need is to design, and build inexpensive radio activated water proof timers or there are already there available on eBay maybe ?

I'll have Alpha racing for $500
http://www.intellimass.com/RealSpeed/Alpha%20Racing.htm

Windsurfers are already competing in a very informal way, much less informal than the way you are proposing, via the GPS Teams Challenge. Other water sporters could or may already have similar online challenges.