A BUSINESSMAN from Topsham who has invented a new extreme activity said the recent Winter Olympics has led to a flood of interest in his company. After four years in research and development, Kyle Dent, founder of Extreme Sports Zone, based at Topsham Bus

A BUSINESSMAN from Topsham who has invented a new extreme activity said the recent Winter Olympics has led to a flood of interest in his company.

After four years in research and development, Kyle Dent, founder of Extreme Sports Zone, based at Topsham Business Park, invented an activity called brush boarding, which simulates the experience of snow boarding or surfing on dry land.

Mr Dent, who started the company after moving to Exmouth from Australia, said the Olympics had been great exposure for the business.

Because brush boarding was a unique activity, he said the games have had a positive effect with people looking to try out new sports.

"It's been great for us as exposure. We're having enquiries through our website and that kind of thing."

A moving surface of soft brushes pushes the rider up the ramp where they skim down on boards that range in size.

The product has also been attracting interest from indoor sport centres, caravan parks and retail stores.

Mr Dent, speaking about his inspiration for inventing the patented product, said he was watching people surfing while he was having a drink in a bar.

"I realised there was a gap in the market and the need for a cross between all board sports. We attended quite a few events in 2009 testing our product.

"One of them was the British Ski Snowboard show where I got to meet Zoe Gillings who was a British medal hopeful for this year's Vancouver games. She has been very supportive of our product and what we are trying to do."

The brush ramp is safe and environmentally friendly. It enhances key skills and fitness for all board sport, building core strength and fitness while improving balance and coordination.

"We started a case study with Exeter University yesterday where we had the health and sports science department bringing ten people to the facility for an intense six week training programme.

"They already pre-tested their fitness levels prior to coming down. At the end of the six weeks, they go to do some lab studies.

"The university will then document and publish a white paper to show that the health benefits of riding our ramp is of this level."

If you are interested in trying out brush boarding, call Extreme Sports Zone on (01392) 877079.