People travel all over the world in search of the perfect wave, and when the ocean’s flat, there’s just nothing that surfers can do. Well, unless you have an electric surfboard.
Of course, an added bonus is that if you live somewhere without waves, an electric surfboard allows you to still enjoy your love for surfing. So if you find yourself desperate to surf but are without waves, investing in a motorized surfboard could be a great idea!
An electric surfboard, also known as a motorized surfboard is essentially a surfboard with a motor.
An electric surfboard takes away the need for perfect waves and surf conditions. Instead, you can take your board out wherever there is water, which opens the sport up completely, allowing you to surf regardless of the tides, swell and wind.
One of the biggest challenges when it comes to surfing is finding the right waves in the right weather conditions.
Unfortunately, nature is the one thing that we can’t control when it comes to surfing and has the most impact on your surfing experience on any given day.
What is an Electric Surfboard?
An electric surfboards is a surfboard, Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or electric foil board, also known as an e-foil with a motor.
The motor is usually a small independent battery-operated motor that powers the board, which allows the surfboard to cruise along the water without the surfer paddling.
Electric surfboards come in a range of shapes, sizes, and functions.
Some are designed to make paddling out easier, some are designed to catch waves smoother, and some are just for riding around when there aren’t any waves at all.
Jet boards allow you to break the mould of traditional surfing. These boards can be loads of fun in different conditions, and can allow you to enjoy an endless season of great surfing!
Who Invented the Electric Surfboard?
Like any modern invention, the electric surfboard has seen many different forms before it became the product that it is today.
The earliest form of the motorized surfboard came about in 1935 – an Australian invention called “the surf scooter”.
This was designed to help lifeguards power through the surf.
As time progressed, so did the form of the motorized surfboard.
Over the years, new designs kept arising, offering a more practical and streamlined approach to the functionalities.
Some of these products included the Skimboat, and an early motorized surfboard invented by Joe Gilpin.
Source: History of Things
The 1960s saw a rise in different forms of the jet board.
This included a board with an outboard motor, as well as a product called the surf jet.
These designs kept developing and improving throughout the decades.
Over the years, designs and production evolved to take us to the electric surfboard that we have today.
These are powerful watercraft products that have been inspired by years of innovation.
Electric surfboards are now available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, suitable for all kinds of water activities.
Electric Surfboard Buying Guide
Buying an electric surfboard involves a number of different considerations.
As these boards have more working parts and complexities compared to regular surfboards, finding the right one can be challenging.
Here are some important things to look into when buying a motorized surfboard.
Electric Surfboard Rider Weight
The weight of the electric surfboard rider is one of the first things to think about when finding the right board.
Basically, the heavier you are, the more power the motor will need. Jet boards that need more power will also need increased battery cells and an enhanced heat management system. Unfortunately, this generally makes them more expensive.
Always consider how much power you will need for the kind of surfing you will want to do. Jet engines or propellers can power these boards. Make sure you know which one will be best for your needs.
Electric Board Type
As mentioned, there are a many types of motorized surfboards to choose from when it comes to shapes and forms.
This can include regular shortboards, longboards, SUPs, foils, and more.
Each board comes with its own unique feel and experience – so be sure to choose the board that works for you.
Electric SUP boards are popular with families or those that want to cruise around slowly enjoying the views. Electric hydrofoil surfboards can reach higher speeds and assist with big sharp turns.
Some boards can even tow a wakeboarder, while others allow for a simple relaxed surf. For this reason, it’s best to understand how you want to use the board before choosing one.
Much like regular surfing, knowing which experience you want to get out of your board can help you find the right one. Taking into consideration your body and how you plan on riding the board will also help here.
Electric Surfboard Material
Electric surfboards can be constructed with many different materials including solid materials such as epoxy and fibreglass; or inflatable boards made of canvas or rubber.
Each of these has its pros and cons.
Solid boards are generally faster, and more suitable towards riding big waves. This is because they don’t have any flex.
On the other hand, inflatable boards are easier to transport, lighter, and simple to store. However, they don’t always perform as well as solid boards.
Electric Surfboard Shape
Motorized surfboards cover a very broad category, and there are loads of various shapes and sizes to choose from. This should be chosen based on your experience, size and weight, and where you plan on surfing.
Some boards are squared off, oval, or classic surfboard shapes. If you plan on using your board on a lake, then go for something flat.
On the other hand, if you want to get out into the waves, then you will want some curves. There are so many options available, so choose one that works for your scenario.
The Best Electric Surfboard: Our Top 11
Are you interested in finding the ultimate electric surfboard? These toys are seriously fun and will be sure to get you addicted straight away! Here are 11 of the best options available right now.
1. eFoilFly NeptuneX
The eFoilFly NeptuneX is arguably the preeminent force in the electric surfboard industry. Designed by a team of airplane engineers, this board is superior for the simple fact that it is an electric hydrofoil surfboard.
As a hydrofoil board, it hovers above the water thanks to the planing action of the foil beneath.
The EfoilFly NeptuneX hydrofoil electric surfboard will give you the sensation of flying above the water. It can reach speeds of up to 45km per hour and has an incredible battery life of up to 90 mins, which sets it ahead of other electric surfboards on the market. The lithium ion battery comes with a fast recharge option enabling it to be recharged in just 2 hours!
The NeptuneX is controlled by a wireless remote shows temperature, speed, and the battery life of the board. The accelerate button is sensitive and easy to use. The paring button grants you to more advance settings such as speed limit and implementing cruise control. Most importantly the remote is water proof.
2. Onean Carver X Electric Surfboard
- Uses two jets
- Two batteries
- Suitable for riders over 90kgs
- 10kW of power
The Carver X by Onean is one of the speediest boards out there. This motorized surfboard utilises a double jet propulsion system with two batteries. The power behind this design makes the board suitable for riders above 90kg to enjoy full planning. However, if you are a bit bigger and still want to glide smoothly over the water’s surface, then this is the board to get.
One of the biggest drawcards for this board is that it produces 10kW of power. This means that it has double the power of the brand’s standard Carver model. So when it comes to speed, the Carver X by Onean comes highly recommended.
In terms of usability, the Carver X is controlled using a wireless remote controller. This allows you to choose between five different power levels while also controlling the pressure settings. There are plenty of different options here that can suit different riders and places.
The board is powered by two batteries, with a lifespan of 40 minutes when riding at mixed speeds. If you are looking for a really fun experience, then the Carver X truly delivers.
3. Awake Ravik S Motorized Surfboard
- 56 kph top speed
- Four different power settings
- Low buoyancy design
- Exchangeable battery
You couldn’t ask for much more from a board than this one by Awake. Imagine cruising around lakes and oceans at high speeds, carving deeply or making jumps. This is what the Ravik S allows for. This is the brand’s most premium motorized surfboard, and it is perfectly designed for an optimal experience.
The board features a narrow tail and soft edges. With this design, look forward to making tighter, harder and faster curves by pushing the edges into the water with ease. The board is also 30% lower in buoyancy than the Awake Ravik – allowing you to play around a bit more when out on the water.
Speed is another big feature of this futuristic surfboard. It can reach a high speed of 56kph! With its stable twin fin design, you will still remain firmly planted while cruising around at top speed. With this board, you have the choice between four different power settings and rider styles, depending on where you will be taking it.
Carving, speed, agility and stability are all achieved at the highest possible level with the Awake Ravik S. This is an expertly designed board for a premium electric propulsion experience.
4. Radinn Electric Surfboard
- Special modular design
- Uses powerful jetpack engines
- Boards are fully customisable
- Award-winning design
Radinn is a leading name when it comes to electric surfboards. Thanks to the outstanding quality of their jet boards, you can really see why.
One of the big bonuses of getting a Radinn electric surfboard is that they are all fully modular and customisable. You can choose between their different components, all of which fit and work together. As a result, you can create the ideal board based on your interests.
Radinn electric jet boards consist of three main parts: the board type, jetpack, and battery. These range from entry-level to advanced designs. There are intermediate and pro jetpacks to choose from, as well as standard and long-range batteries.
These boards combine high speed and acceleration with long riding times. If you want to go out exploring on the water, then this jet board would be a good choice. These boards are also suitable for a wide range of different conditions and riders. With great levels of stability and flexibility on the water, any surfer would love taking these boards out for a spin!
5. Lift eFoil
- A motorized hydrofoil
- Available in 4 different sizes
- Uses a powerful propellor
- Bluetooth remote control
Electric surfboards have been taken to new heights with this amazing eFoil. Lift is the original creator of the eFoil – a hydrofoil surfboard with its own propulsion system. This particular board is an innovative leader in this category.
The board features a long-lasting lithium-ion battery to power the silent motor. This will last for rides that are over an hour-long, at speeds of up to 25mph. Sure, this may not zoom around as quickly as the jet boards, but it allows for a way longer experience.
The major attraction of this electric surfboard is the hydrofoil element. Unlike standard surfboards, this design lifts right out of the water. Cruising around in the air is a sensation like no other – especially if you get to control the board’s independent motor. Being lifted up like this allows you to make deeper turns and really channel the energy of the water.
This board is available in a range of four different sizes – suitable for various riders and surf situations. The hydrofoil has a complete carbon fibre design – making for a lightweight and durable product.
If you are after an electric hydrofoil surfboard that will provide a completely unique experience, then this propelled foil board is the answer.
6. Jetsurf Sport Motorized Surfboard
- 2 stroke 90cc fuel engine
- Available in 2 different hull shapes
- Comes with ergonomic foot straps
- Can add a tube for more stabilised riding
Jetsurf has created the ideal motorized surfboard for beginners with their sport board. A 2 stroke 90cc fuel engine powers this watercraft. Compared to battery-operated boards, this assists with much longer rides. The engine should give you over an hour of continuous riding, using only 2.8 liters of fuel.
What makes this board such a fun, all-round choice is its stability and ease of use. If you are a real beginner, you can add the tube lining around the board’s edges to create a sturdier and stabilised platform. Both hull shapes which the board comes in offer great traction, stability and fast turning.
There are also convenient foot straps that come with this board. These can be configured into the position that is most suitable for you. You can also opt for a footstrap free option, which allows you to make use of the comfortable rubber grip pad.
This motorized surfboard can take a weight of 100kg with a top speed of 48km/h. It is the perfect gadget for lakes and calm ocean bays, where everyone can enjoy speeding around the water. This is definitely one of the easier boards to use, and is a smart choice for those that just want to have some fun.
7. Lampuga Electric Surfboard
- A fully inflatable board
- Up to 50km/h
- 14 horsepower moto
- Double layer PVC construction
Lampuga has taken electric surfboards to a whole new level of convenience with their handy inflatable design. Using double layer PVC construction, this board is tough and durable, while still easily folding up and packing away. This makes storing it on a boat or in the garage simple.
Although the board is inflatable, its performance doesn’t seem to be compromised at all. This board can reach high speeds of 50km/h with its 14 horsepower motor. This is controlled using a handle attached to the nose. This also makes the board way easier to manoeuvre, and is a great addition for balance.
The surfboard is powered by a rechargeable battery, which lasts for up to 45 minutes of continual use. This is a fun board that is suitable for all riders and experience levels. Its inflatable design also makes it a good choice for learning on.
The Lampuga electric surfboard is easy to pack away, store, and assemble. It is available in a variety of colours, has a powerful motor, and is completely user friendly in how it operates. If you are interested in getting into eSurfing, or just wanting to find a new watersport to enjoy, then the inflatable Lampuga board is a smart choice.
8. Waterblade Stingray
- An inflatable waterblading board
- Powered by a lithium battery
- Includes an emergency paddle
- 5 speed forward, 3-speed reverse
This is not your typical electric surfboard. In fact, the Waterblade Stingray doesn’t really resemble a surfboard at all. Instead, the experience would be more comparable to a motorized SUP board. This watercraft still follows the same idea behind a motorized surfboard though, and it is certainly one of the most enjoyable ways of cruising around the water’s surface.
The basic inflatable design features enough room for you to comfortably stand up while being moved around by the battery-powered engine. Waterblading offers a great introduction to eSurfing. These little boards are easy to use and are suitable for the whole family. Staying upright on these boards will, however, require a small bit of strength and coordination from your part. Luckily, this makes it a fantastic outdoor activity.
These waterblades use a 12 volt 62 thrust motor with an adjustable head controller. This motor has a 5-speed selection when going forward, and 3 reverse speeds. The inflatable design also includes a waterproof cellphone bag, a propellor safety cage, emergency paddle, and a raincover for the speed controller. Unfortunately, this product does not come with an included battery.
Don’t expect this waterblade to zoom around an ocean bay, allowing you to make big turns, airs, and deep carves. However, if you are after a fun and family-friendly activity for calm waters, then these little boards are a great idea!
9. Torque Jetboard
- 5 different jet boards available
- They use a control rope attached to the board’s nose
- Inflatable and solid boards
- Suitable for a variety of uses
Torque is a leading manufacturer of jetboards. Through constant innovation and dedication to this watersport, they have been able to come up with some of the best board designs out there.
Torque has five different jet boards available. Each one of these is best suited to a specific kind of rider and scenario. This includes an inflatable board for kids, two jet-propelled fishing SUPS, and two different high-performance jetboards. These products all use high powered jet propulsion engines for an optimal experience.
Beyond the amazing boards, Torque also offers an exclusive app to its customers to help manage their products. The surfboards are easily controlled with a handheld remote and are all made using only the best possible materials. If you are serious about jetboarding, and would like to get involved with one of the sports leading brands, then Torque is always a smart option to consider.
10. Fliteboard Electric Hydrofoil Surfboard
- Electric hydrofoil surfboard
- Controlled using a handheld remote
- Uses a powerful eFoil propulsion system
- Choose between three different board models
Anyone interested in the exciting world of eFoiling should certainly consider investing in a Fliteboard. These are high-end, perfectly designed products that provide the most flawless efoiling experience possible. You will feel as though you are flying when riding one of these boards over the water.
You can choose between three different board shapes when getting a Fliteboard. These shapes include a Fliteboard PRO, Fliteboard AIR, and a standard foil shape. These Fliteboards use a powerful hydrofoil propulsion system to keep them gliding along smoothly. Users can expect up to 90 minutes of water fun thanks to these boards’ engines.
One of the best things about getting a Fliteboard is that they are fully customisable. Between choosing the right battery, board shape, hydrofoil wings, and finishes, you will have complete control over the outcome of your board. In fact, there are 56 different combinations available. This makes it easier to find the absolute perfect electric hydrofoil surfboard for your needs.
Using a Fliteboard comes down to its smart handheld remote. This shows the GPS speed, remaining battery power, energy used per mile, and the different riding modes available. Fliteboards are not only high-performance products, but they are so incredibly well thought out. Every design element comes together to create a board that provides a truly one-of-a-kind foiling experience.
11. Blea Motorized Surfboard
- 8hp motorized surfboard
- Hand throttle remote
- 30 mph top speed
- 1.5 hour battery life
Blea is an innovative brand that has recently seen their electric surfboard reach its funding and manufacturing goals. Their product is one of the most affordable, yet powerful motorized surfboards out there.
This board has a 8hp engine that reaches top speeds of 30mph. Unlike many other battery-operated surfboards, this one has a seriously long lifespan. Riders can enjoy sessions of up to 1.5 hours on this board.
This Blea motorized surfboard is also a bit more lightweight than comparable models – weighing in at only 15kg. This makes it easy to carry around. Furthermore, the battery is easily swappable, and the board requires practically no maintenance.
Even though you still get a surfboard that is super speedy and agile in the water, this is also a pretty simple product. It can be enjoyed by beginners just as much as experienced riders. The board is convenient, easy to travel with, and loads of fun in all kinds of scenarios. If you are interested in starting out with this watersport, then the Blea electric surfboard is a great place to begin.
Electric Surfboard Motor
If you’ve got the board and simply want to add some power to it then why buy an electric surfboard motor. HiSun make a really nifty little motor which can reach speeds of up to 30 kph. This electric surfboard fin easily attached to any surfboard fin box and motor sits on top of your board.
Where can you buy an Electric Surfboard
Electric surfing is still a developing and fairly uncharted sport. This means that these boards are still very much specialised products, and can’t just be found at your local surf shop.
Electric surfboards use pretty complex designs and consist of many parts. This means that they are often custom ordered, and built for each rider’s specific needs. Due to this, it is often best to buy motorized surfboards directly through the manufacturers. The best products and brands mentioned above all have their boards available online.
If you’re worried about accessing your local surfboard shop, take comfort in knowing that the use of these boards are totally global. One of the best things about surfing this way is that it can be done absolutely anywhere in the world – not just in the ocean. This means that you should be able to access and find the right product for you regardless of your location.
Conclusion
Electric surfboards open up a whole new world of watersports. These amazing products allow you to surf absolutely anywhere, anytime – as long as there is water. Sure, the sensation is not quite the same as traditional surfing, but you do get the opportunity to push the boundaries a little bit further.
These boards can be seriously fast and agile. So whether you buy them for racing, making big airs, or for taking on a gentle fishing cruise, electric surfboards can appeal to just about anyone. Just be careful, because once you try this watersport, you will be addicted immediately!
FAQ’s
How does an electric surfboard work?
These boards are like traditional surfboards, but they have their own independent power source. This is either in the form of a propeller or a jetstream. These are usually powered by rechargeable batteries, but can also be used with fuel engines.
Is a motorized surfboard difficult to ride?
Riding an motorized surfboard is surprisingly easy. These watercraft are similar to jet skis and wakeboarding. This means that they do require some balance, but are generally pretty stable. You also have full control over them.
Are electric surfboards expensive?
Yes. As these products are very specialised, and require many different parts, electric surfboards are significantly more expensive than traditional ones. However, they should be thought of more like a small jetski than a regular surfboard.