Article by ONBOARD Magazine
ADRENALINE RUSH
With the help of Andreas Lakeberg we look at the electric surfboard market and discover the best boards available whether you’re an experienced user or a novice
With the quantity of jet boards coming on to the market it is important to understand the difference in the terminology and also to understand the usage of the board. Andreas and his team have tested many of the available boards, testing reliability, robustness and how they fit the needs of the rider in various conditions. There are three mayor categories of electric surfboards called eFoil, Jetboard and Electric SUP.
ELECTRIC SUPS
An E-SUP is a stand-up paddle surfboard with an electric motor, which only allows low speeds of up to 10 km/h. You can get complete electric SUP surfboards with integrated battery and jet engine as well as conversion kits. Such a conversion kit replaces your fin on the existing SUP and transforms it into an E-SUP. Prices range between 1,000 and 3,000 EUR for such boards.
JETBOARDS
Electric jetboards reach speeds up to 60 km/h and are available in multiple sizes. Larger boards make it easier for beginners while smaller boards with less volume make the ride more agile and allow sharper turns. The run time of the jetboards is usually around 20-40 minutes with one battery charge and it takes about 2-3 hours to charge them. Prices range between 8,000 and 30,000 EUR mainly, depending on the power.
EFOILS
Over the past two years the eFoils basically took over the market of electric surfboards. The main reason is the much higher range (up to 90 minutes) which is possible because the electric hydrofoils need much less power once they start flying. The feeling of the ride can be described as snowboarding in powder. While eFoiling is not so much about the speed they can reach up to 45 km/h. The eFoils are certainly an eye-catcher in any marina. They are more silent than jetboards and don’t create waves. This is why some regions face less regulations for eFoils. The prices range between 12,000 and 16,000 EUR.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Compared to petrol powered jetboards, the electric surfboards are not only much more silent they are also basically maintenance free. Just rinse them with fresh water and use some contact spray – that’s it. You can charge the batteries on any 110-240 Volt power outlet.
Some yacht insurances may require fireproof transport and storage boxes for the powerful lithium-ion batteries. Andreas has worked with manufacturers of eSurfboards as well as freight forwarders for dangerous goods to deliver a solution. A combination of aluminum cases with fireproof cushions for each battery type of the different electric surfboard vendors.
RADINN
As a leading electric jetboard company, Radinn embodies the next-generation of water sports: a completely modular jetboard that lets you soar across the water at incredible speeds. The easy-to-use boards are the perfect accessory for every kind of yacht and climate, from Tri-decks navigating the icy fjords of Norway to Sundancers island- hopping the West Indies. Radinn’s innovative design and cutting-edge technology means more fun on the water for the entire family. The jetboards are powered by a handheld remote that controls your acceleration and speed with effortless manoeuvrability. The fully-integrated app connects to the board via bluetooth, so riders can track their excursions and much more. Plus, the jetboards are 100% electric, virtually silent. No more disturbing local wildlife, or your yachting neighbours. With Radinn, the only noise you’ll leave behind is the relaxing sound of waves.
www.radinn.com
JETSURF
The motorised surfboards product line-up is now better than ever before. With the brand-new mechanism of the FCS click on/ click off system. The fully electric powered model has added several safety features to enhance the technical advantage and the wonderful feeling of riding over the waves in complete silence. Riding time is up to 55 minutes and at just 33 kgs in weight including the battery pack, it makes the JetSurf Electric a must have piece for your toy cupboard. Thanks to the new graphics, the boards are looking better than ever before so you don’t have to worry. Your selfies and social media posts will be top notch!
www.jetsurf.com
AWAKE
Since 2017, Swedish electric surfboard manufacturer Awake has been developing, building and delivering their ‘Awake Boards’ all across the world. The Awake Boards are designed and engineered for absolute action, safety, and ease-of-use – always with the environment in mind. Awake offers three different models; RÄVIK ONE, RÄVIK 3, and RÄVIK S. The RÄVIK ONE caters to the leisure riders who are looking for a stable, easy-to-use electric surfboard. The RÄVIK 3 is the perfect adventure board. Perfect for people looking for a great time with family and friends, in various water conditions.
The RÄVIK S is the ultimate race board. Hydro- dynamically designed for aggressive agility, superior carving grip and instant throttle response, the RÄVIK S will never let you lose a race!
www.awakeboards.com
LAKEBERG
e-surfer.com was founded early 2017 by Andreas Lakeberg after months of research about electric surfboards. Since then, Andreas has tested dozens of eSurfboards himself and his blog became the no.1 source of information in the web for these products. His reviews, interviews, comparison tables and general maintenance guidelines are helping e-surfers all around the world. He also became one of the largest resellers for eFoils and Jetboards in Europe. e-surfer.com has a shop and test centre in Berlin, where people can try the boards before they buy. Andreas is however serving customers all over Europe.
www.e-surfer.com
ASAP WATERCRAFT
Brace yourself for some serious fun. The UK engineers at ASAP have developed a new electric jet board you lay on, blasting you through the water and proving super popular with families. As you lay on your Wave Jam board and press the thumb throttles, the feeling of gliding across the sea, water rushing over your body, is an incredible sensation.
You really do see the world from a different perspective as you skim across the water with no effort! Whether hanging off the back (superman style), doing doughnuts, popping under water like a dolphin, or even dragging family members in rings around the boat – the only problem is that it’s also a little addictive! After starting in the rescue market, ASAP have now turned their engineering skills to the leisure market creating an ultimate jet body boarding experience.
www.asapwatercrafts.com
ONE MONACO
Born in 2019 in the Principality of Monaco, the Esurf brand is a true revolution that houses the electrical technology of the Monegasque engine manufacturer COBALT. Powered by 100% electric energy, this motorised surfboard with a 45-minute autonomy has been designed by experienced riders to entertain all surfing enthusiasts, without impacting the environment. The Esurf allows its users, whatever their sporting level, to enjoy surfing sessions anywhere in the world! Bringing together the expertise of Flavien Neyertz – a former Jetsurf champion – this jewel of technology and design expertise has been designed to meet the expectations of a clientele looking to act in an eco-responsible manner.
www.esurf.com
LAMPUGA
These boards combine innovative design and state-of-the-art technology that offer fun and exciting experiences on water with the touch of a button. Lampuga provide the surfing experience to all riders regardless of experience-level, age or physique. The board’s lithium-ion battery allows for a riding time of up to 45 minutes. When exhausted, its handy plug-and-play battery system allows for an effortless re-charge or a quick battery change. The board is accelerated forward by a jet drive to a top speed of 50km/h.
www.lampuga.com
PWR FOIL
Designed and built in France, the efoils can adapt to all user levels and ages with their customisable wing and board sizes. PWR-Foil is a unique brand to offer a 100% efficient safety system: a 1m leash-circuit breaker which disconnects the electrical efoil circuit automatically. The 80 cm mast, specially developed and designed for the efoil PWR-Foil, is made of marine anodized AL6061 aluminum, its main property is the heat transfer capability. The cooling system is naturally installed there. Ergonomically designed for a perfect grip, the remote control is very intuitive, the control screen faces you and the trigger is at the tip of your index finger. Fly for between 60 and 90 minutes. Reach a speed between 35 and 40 km/h. Experience the sensation and thrill of free flight above the waves.
www.pwrfoil.com
