Patrick Gray

University of Nottingham > Engineering > Departments > Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering > PDM Exhibitions > 2025 > BEng students > Patrick Gray

Mayfly is a fly fishing-specific Personal Floatation device which combines the latest technologies of both personal flotation and fishing equipment storage.

My decision to study Product Design came from enjoying Design Technology throughout GCSEs and A Levels. This combined with a love of problem-solving and a history of woodworking meant that Product Design was the most logical course to study at University.

Sustainability has always been at the forefront of my mind and design considerations. Having grown up in the countryside and spending lots of time in the ocean, I have seen first-hand, the effects of single-use plastics on our planet. I believe that designers should be the spearhead of sustainability and lead society in a push for a better world.

Within Product Design, I am interested in idea creation, early-stage product solving and prototyping.

I am interested in pursuing a career focusing on natural materials and sustainability. I have experience in fine woodworking and furniture-making. Alongside this, I possess a strong knowledge of timber and timber processes, ranging from traditional joinery and hand tools to mass manufacturing and large-scale machinery. My ideal job would contain a strong, hands-on element as I like to be able to visualize a product and be involved in the manufacturing process.

Patrick Gray, BEng Product Design and Manufacture with Year in Industry

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Mayfly - A Personal Floatation Device For Fly Fishers

Every year, roughly 140 people die by accident in UK waters and Irish waters, half of those never intended to be in the water. Anglers, particularly fly fishers are at a high risk of endangerment as they spend most of their time standing in rivers with unstable footing and strong currents. The risk of being washed away or injured is an everyday concern. The prioritisation of equipment over safety means that life jackets are left out in mainstream fishing attire.

My proposed solution to this is the Mayfly, a fly fishing-specific Personal Floatation device which combines the latest technologies of both personal flotation and fishing equipment storage.

With a focus on efficiency and space usage, the Mayfly allows the modern-day fly angler to carry all that they require on their person without the need for cumbersome bags. Hidden below the top layer of the jacket is a PVC inflatable inner which is activated by an automatic C02 inflation system from United Moulders. when activated, the inner pushes open the Velcro seal and fully inflates, allowing the user to float on their back with their neck supported. The back of the jacket contains a unique BOA tightening system to achieve simple and effective adjustment with just one hand.