Open Source Skateboards and Other Tech Talks at the High Tech Fair

By: Isaac Perry

High Tech Fair is experimenting with a new feature this year called “Tech Talks.” Modeled after the popular TED Talks, Tech Talks give a presenter 10 minutes to present the technology they use on a daily basis in an engaging and innovative way. 

One of the first speakers to sign on for this experiment was Beau Trifiro. Beau is a 26-year-old skateboarder and engineer who created “Open Source Skateboards.” The program started when Beau decided there wasn’t a skateboard deck available that met all of his standards. His solution was to create his own! Open Source Skateboards teaches young people how to make skateboards using STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) principles. 

Coupled with a passion for educating young people, Beau uses Open Source Skateboards to help students see the applications of STEM concepts in their life. “Any STEM field can be used as a tool in our lives to solve problems or make life easier, but this isn’t always evident when it is taught in schools,” said Trifiro. 

Beau Trifiro will speak at the High Tech Fair between 8 and 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 26. The event will be held at the Balboa Park Activity Center at 2145 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101.

To register for the High Tech Fair, visit www.fleetscience.org/high-tech-fair. 

For more information on Open Source Skateboards, visit www.opensourceboards.com.