Nov 07, 2024

The Patented Technology Behind Hyperlock

Hydrocinch Technology is a groundbreaking innovation in harness design, created to solve persistent issues of fit and stability in kiteboarding. Developed by Corey Gerhart and Greg Marquardt, Hydrocinch introduces a ratchet-based system for precision fit and reliable hold, setting a new benchmark in harness performance. With Corey’s deep background in action sports and Greg’s engineering expertise from automotive design, the two founders applied a scientific approach to refining this system through numerous prototypes and rigorous testing. Now featured in Ride Engine’s Hyperlock harnesses, Hydrocinch offers unparalleled adjustability and security for riders in demanding conditions. In this interview, Corey and Greg share insights into the design process, their collaboration with Ride Engine, and their vision for advancing rider performance on the water.

1. Starting Out: Corey and Greg, could you share how long you’ve each been kiteboarding, and where do you consider your home base or local spot for kiteboarding?

COREY:
Greg and I both started kiteboarding back in 2012, just a day apart, and met shortly after. We went through the whole learning process together, which was a blast. We're based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and we’re lucky to have access to multiple kite spots within a short drive—like Metro Beach, Grand Haven, and Tawas State Park. Having those local spots nearby keeps each session fresh and makes it easy to get out on the water regularly.

2. Inspiration Behind Hydrocinch: What initially inspired you both to start developing a ratchet design for a wind sport harness? Was there a specific moment or experience that led to what would become Hydrocinch Technology?

COREY:

When we were learning to kite and making all the typical rookie mistakes, one of the biggest frustrations was the spreader bar constantly riding up. It was uncomfortable—and sometimes downright painful the next day—which led us to ask, ‘There’s got to be a better way.’ Luckily, I owned a board-sports shop in town and had easy access to spare snowboard parts, so we started experimenting. Right out of the gate, we knew we were on to something, and that’s how Hydrocinch LLC was born!

3. Development Journey: How many prototypes did you go through, and over how many years did you refine Hydrocinch Technology before its release?

GREG:

Great question, Gary! Funny enough, our very first harness, built back in 2015, worked pretty well out of the gate, but it didn’t quite eliminate all the slop in the system. This led to a huge ‘aha’ moment for us, leading to the decision to attach everything directly on the bar at multiple points—it changed everything. From there, we put our focus on refining the spreader bar’s shape, size, and setup. Easily a dozen different spreader bars later, we’d learned a ton about what worked and what didn’t until we finally felt we’d nailed it.
At the same time, it became clear that the standard snowboard ratchets and ladder straps needed to be much tougher for kiteboarding. We modified countless prototypes just to get ratchets and straps that hit our performance and safety standards. Altogether, it was a long journey, but each prototype taught us something new until Hydrocinch was exactly where we wanted it to be.

4. Challenges Along the Way: What were some of the most unexpected challenges in the design and engineering process? How did these shape the final product?

COREY:

As a small operation, we had to handle nearly every part of the process ourselves. When things got more serious, we struggled to find prototype shops willing to take on such a small-scale project, so we ended up doing much of the prototyping on our own. It turned out to be a mixed blessing—we brought fresh eyes to each iteration, critiquing every detail of the design, but it was a challenge to navigate without traditional resources. In the end, that hands-on approach really shaped Hydrocinch, letting us refine every part of it in a way that larger teams might overlook.

5. Collaboration with Ride Engine: What made Ride Engine the right fit for integrating Hydrocinch into the Hyperlock system, and how will this partnership influenced the technology’s reach and impact?

COREY:

From the start, we were looking for partners known for innovation and a willingness to push the boundaries of traditional design. As a two-man team, our ability to demo products, promote the technology, and reach a broad market was limited. Ride Engine, with its reputation for pioneering designs, was a natural fit—they shared the same ethos and drive to elevate the sport. Working with them has expanded Hydrocinch’s reach and impact, allowing us to bring this technology to more riders than we could have on our own.

6. Delayed Market Entry: Why do you think it’s taken until now for a ratchet system with Hydrocinch Technology to make it to the market in kiteboarding

GREG:

Moving away from traditional designs and stereotypes can sometimes face resistance, and being a small, lesser-known company like Hydrocinch didn’t make it any easier. Convincing potential partners to invest their time and resources in our idea was a challenge. However, once we showcased what we’ve created, it became clear that there are key features that set us apart. The strategic placement of attachments on the bar and the addition of one or more ladder straps significantly enhances our system's performance. Plus, advancements in plastics over the last decade have made the hardware stronger, more effective and safer to use, which has been crucial for our success. Ultimately, we had to ensure we got the design just right, and that process required time and thorough testing.

7. Future Potential of Hydrocinch: Do you envision any further innovations in Hydrocinch Technology, or do you feel this design has reached its peak performance?

GREG:

With any product, the design keeps evolving, and we’re stoked about that! We’re always looking for ways to improve, and we can’t wait to hear what riders think so we know what to tackle next. There’s always room to innovate, and we’re all in on pushing Hydrocinch Technology to new heights!

8. User Feedback: What has the feedback been from the kiteboarding community? Have any comments or experiences stood out to you?

COREY:

It’s been awesome hearing such positive feedback from so many pro riders! The first question we usually get is, ‘Where can I get mine?’ and then it’s quickly followed by, ‘When can I get it?’ That kind of enthusiasm from the community really drives us and makes it all worthwhile.

9. Personal Impact: How has developing this technology changed your own kiteboarding experiences or approach to the sport?

GREG:

Creating something that changes the game for riders has been both empowering and humbling for me. I was stuck using a seat harness because waist harnesses just wouldn’t stay put. I thought I’d never switch back. But once we had a working prototype, everything changed—I finally had a waist harness that didn’t ride up and was super adjustable and gave me the freedom of movement that I was looking for. It took away all the discomfort and let me focus on the ride. That was a total game changer and the motivation that kept us pushing forward!

11. Advice for Innovators: What advice would you give to others in the industry who are looking to bring new ideas and technology into wind sports?

GREG:

It’s a marathon and not a sprint.
Protect your intellectual property.
Having a working prototype or proof of concept it extremely important to communicate your intentions and to get people to listen.

COREY:

Have patience
Have the ability to pivot
Be open minded and critical of your own product.
Seek an expert opinion
Seek entrepreneurial programs or services to enhance your process and give you advise.

COREY & GREG: