A surfboard, with lights

Behold, the future.

A startling new advancement in the surf industry could be upon us: Surfboard headlights.

The "Night Stalker" is designed by Bill Stewart of San Clemente-based Stewart Surfboards and will be auctioned Saturday during Billabong's Art of Shaping charity event, held at the San Diego Convention Center. Proceeds from the auction go to benefit the 2010 SIMA Humanitarian Fund. The board (a 5 fin, it's worth noting) features two rechargeable battery powered adjustable headlights and a plexi-glass nose panel. The side fins house LEDs, too.
 
Now, before we all write off surfboard headlights as a fad or gimmick with little use - other than maybe attracting our sharp-toothed friends - it's important to keep in mind that thrusters, the fish, quad fins, SUPs, heck, even surfing itself, were all at one time thought to be little more than passing trends.
 
No word yet on what the opening bid is.