Electric boards work by using an electric motor and a rechargeable battery to push rider through the water. The drive is a smaller version of an impeller setup in a personal watercraft. Even if there are no waves, a person can still use an electric surfboard in calm surf, lakes and rivers.
One of the most challenging things about surfing is discovering the right kinds of waves to ride. Surfers have been known to travel everywhere, trying to find that perfect wave. With an electric board, you can enjoy the sensation of speed across the water and carving on your board without needing any waves.
Below we’ll discuss how electric boards (E-Boards) work, what defines an electric board, their history, and what to consider when buying the perfect board for you.
How Does an Electric Board Work?
E-boards resemble traditional surfboards in structure and design. However, unlike traditional surfboards, E-boards feature one of two types of propulsion, either through the use of jet thrust, like a jet ski, or a propeller.
The jet or prop are typically powered by batteries that can be recharged. Hence electric boards, or E-boards.
The way a specific electric board works depends on the manufacturer. As far as electric boards are concerned, there are several different manufacturers, and each uses its proprietary technology to power the board.
The basic principle of how these boards work remains the same.
All electric boards are designed to be as lightweight and buoyant as possible, and they all require some type of battery-powered engine to operate.
- Most electric board batteries are comprised of lithium-ion, which means that they use rechargeable batteries.
- Some manufacturers allow for multiple types of batteries to be used with their products.
- These types of boards allow you to exchange different types of batteries when your power gets low.
On the rear end of the board is where you’ll typically find the motor. The motor is typically placed at the end because that location allows the board to gracefully move on top of the water as the jet propulsion pushes the board forward towards its destination.
You can typically accelerate your E-board by utilizing a wireless remote control, which you always keep in your hand .
One Specific Example: How the Radinn Boards Work
To better describe how E-boards work, we’ll discuss one example of a very popular brand, Radinn Freeride from Electric Board Company and describe how this specific example works.
While all E-boards don’t necessarily utilize the same process, most of them operate in a very similar way. The Radinn Freeride operates using simple technology. None of the technology used to power the Lampuga Boost is particularly fancy.
Although the technology used to power the Radinn Freeride isn’t complicated, the way this specificboard has been designed demonstrates the brand’s innovation. The board is comprised of carbon fiber, making it extremely lightweight but also very robust. It has a built-in compact electric motor.
The Freeride’s motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery that is both rechargeable and removable.
- That lithium-ion battery is then placed into a holder that’s found on the board. The battery then gives the installed engine its power
- Then that power moves the board’s jet propulsion.
As we described earlier, this E-board then accelerates through the water based on the remote control that’s attached at the board’s front using an optional front leash.
That tether also gives the user something to hold onto, which is something else that most traditional surf or paddlboards don’t offer. Everything on the Radinn Freeride then combines to give you a thrust that can propel you at speeds as fast as 25-32 mph (source). However, keep in mind that different boards can travel at different speeds.
Different boards offer different driving styles and speeds. Still, most electric boards will operate for about forty-five minutes until they need to be recharged, or you’ll need to install a replacement battery.
So, the removable battery system on these boards allows you to replace your empty battery with a full one. RIding at such high rates of speed presents most users with a very intense and enjoyable experience that’s exhilirating and a bit exhausting.
You work your core pretty hard to maintain balance and take turns. If you are new to the hobby, you’ll probably need a break after about 15 minutes.
Interesting Facts about Electric Boards
Most E-boards weigh somewhere between 60-80 lbs, including the battery. While this weight zone sounds heavy, as soon as you place yourboard in the water, you won’t notice the it’s weight as long as you have sufficient power. Most E-boards can last anywhere in between twenty and sixty minutes depending on
- The brand of your electric surfboard
- The rider’s weight
- The rider’s riding style
If you already have experience in water sports, then you shouldn’t have any issues adapting to an E-board. Water sports experience that should help you adapt quickly includes such activities like:
- Kite-surfing
- Traditional surfing
- Wakeboarding
Having experience with any one of the above activities means you should adapt in a matter of minutes. That’s because you steer just like you’d steer a traditional surfboard.
If you are considering an electric board that offers a traditional surfing feel, then you may want to opt for the Waterwolf brand.
Many manufacturers add a rope on the top of the board that helps the user adjust the direction. Other manufacturers also connect the remote control to this rope, allowing the user to keep one hand free.
However, if you opt for the Waterwolf, you’d still have both hands free as you would in traditional surfing because the Waterwolf doesn’t come with remote control.
Most boards also feature a security leash, and that helps protect the board after a crash. With the security leash, theboard won’t be able to wander after a crash and hit something that might damage it.
A Bluetooth remote will help you turn off the motor, too, as long as the board is less than 6 feet away. Some of the newer electric boards can
- Go as fast as 35 to 40 mph
- They are so powerful that they can tow a wakeboarder
What Defines an Electric Board?
E-boards nowadays offer many choices. If you’re looking to buy, you’ll be able to review several different:
- Sizes
- Functions
- Shapes
Although all options vary slightly from each other based on the manufacturer and type of board, they all share one basic principle. That basic principle is the fact they all use a battery-operated motor. The use of this battery-operated motor allows E-boards to cruise on waters without waves with ease.
Electric boards are made to
- Assist the user with paddling out
- Help the user ride smoother waves with ease
- Allow the user to ride around on the water when there aren’t any waves
With an E-board, an individual can break out of the requirements placed on him or her by traditional surfing. That means the user can enjoy endless hours of surfing and not have to be dependent on the waves or the climate.
A History Behind Electric Surfboards
Like most modern inventions that we see nowadays, electric boards have since their introduction. The world’s first motorized surfboard came along surprisingly early in 1935. That first electric surfboard was titled “the surf scooter.” It was developed to help lifeguards get through the surf when they needed to save or help individuals in the water.
Progress and time both affected the evolution of the electric surfboard over the next few decades. Several innovative designs appeared on the market as the years passed, and electric surfboards become more streamlined, practical, and functional.
One of these electric surfboards was the Skimboat, which was an early form of a motorized surfboard that was created by Joe Gilpin.
Throughout the 1960s, as surfing became more and more popular as a sport, the popularity of electric surfboards grew. More forms of motorized surfboards appeared on the market.
One of these electric surfboards introduced the first board that featured an outboard motor, which was called a surf jet. As the decades passed, the designs of the electric surfboard kept evolving with the introduction of new and improved technology.
Eventually, the designs of these E-boards evolved to what we see on the market today. Nowadays, E-boards are a powerful form of personal watercraft that has decades of development and innovation baked in.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing an Electric Surfboard
You’ll need to consider a few factors before you can purchase an electric board. Buying these requires a substantial investment, you’ll want to assess a few things about them, so you know exactly what you want and can afford.
Different E-boards are designed for various uses, you’ll want to consider a few factors before you purchase your electric surfboard, so you purchase the one that is best for your specific use. Consider the following:
- Weight of the rider
- Weight of the board
- Type of electric power
- Inflatable or Solid Boards
- Shape and Price
- Warranties
- Size and shape of deck
- Speed
- Fins
- Battery Life
We’ll cover each one of these factors in more detail below.
Weight of the Rider
The weight of theboard’s rider is one essential factor to consider when you are trying to find the correct board for yourself. Keep in mind that the heavier you are, the more power you’ll need. This requires larger batteries and a good heat management system.
Because both items are necessary for heavier riders, These features, unfortunately, cost more. So, the bottom line is that the heavier the rider is, the more power you’ll need, and the greater the expense.
Therefore, you’ll need to assess the level of power you’ll need for the type of surfing or riding you plan on doing.
Weight of the board
Along with the weight of the rider, one must also consider the weight of the board itself. Since different companies use a wide range of materials, it would be incorrect to assume that the larger the size, the heavier the board. Board weight is also dependent on materials.
Some riders feel that a heavier board allows for easier balance and stability. But remember, you’ll be lifting and carrying the board to and from the water. Learning to use a lighter board has its benefits.
The weight of one’s board can vary from 25-50 lbs. The length of board affects weight. Taller riders will need longer boards, with the opposite true for shorter riders.
Before you buy a board, want to make sure you can properly balance on it. Getting a longer board allows taller people to have the wide stance they need to surf.
Types of Electric Boards
There are many different electric board types to choose from. Different types offer different rides and feel, so you’ll need to assess the board that will work best for you.
Some people enjoy electric SUP boards, especially families. These types of boards are best for individuals that enjoy cruising and seeing the various sights along the water.
Electric Foils, or E-Foils, provide the fastest speeds and lift the rider out of the water. They can be a blast to ride. If you want to tow a wakeboarder around, then you’ll need to purchase a heavier board that can accomplish this.
To help you find the right board, first realize what type of experience you want out of your board. Then consider purchasing one of the types of board categories listed below.
Foiling: Hydrofoil boards built for speed
Hydrofoil boards feature an underwater tower with angled hydrofoil on the end. This elevates the board above water once you hit certain speeds. E-foils usually travel at faster speeds in the water and are best for individuals that have some experience riding boards or surfing.
Electric Surfboards: Best for Variety
Electric surfboards resemble traditional surfboards in looks. These types of boards can be quite powerful and speedy, but some of them are also smaller and slower. Depending on exactly what you want to do on the water, whether it’s cruise and sight-see or move quickly, you should be able to find an electric surfboard that works for you.
Electric Stand-Up Paddleboards: A More Traditional Feeling
For those of you that a larger and more stable E-board, you may want to consider an electric stand-up paddleboard. These paddleboards are also known as SUP or iSUPs. Most are designed so that the center fin is removable. Companies, like Connelly, have developed small electric motors and propellers that are inserted into the center fin slot. This turns the board into an E-SUP or E-iSUP.
Should You Purchase an Inflatable or Solid E-board?
- Solid boards tend to be faster and better for riding larger waves. There isn’t much flex, making them quite rugged.
- Inflatable boards tend to be more lightweight, so they are easier for both transport and store. However, as far as performance is concerned, they don’t perform as well as a solid board.
If you don’t plan on using your E-board all that often, and you are short on storage space on your boat or your home, then you may want to consider an inflatable version.
However, if you are more concerned about getting top performance, then opting for a solid board would be the better option.
Shape and Price of the Electric Surfboard
Before your purchase, you’ll need to consider different board shapes. Rectangular and oval are the 2 most common forms.
The different shapes affect board performance, ease of use, difficulty in balancing, and even transport and storage.
These boards are not cheap, many reach well above $10k price level with extra features and spare batteries. But prices are trending down, just like with any new technology. Recent inflation didn’t help, but as more companies enter the space, competition usually results in price drops.
More expensive boards tend to have a better performance, stronger batteries, and more durable materials.
If you need to be the fastest on the water or don’t want the extras features, you can purchase a more affordable board and still reap the benefits. You can have plenty of fun on boards costing less than $5k. Or you can consider buying used.
Some buyers will regret their purchases, especially if they don’t get to use the board as much as they thought. There can be some nice lightly used options with lower price tags. Maybe even a stiff discount if the owner is moving or starting a family after buying an expensive toy.
Warranties
Another factor you’ll want to consider when it comes to purchasing an E-board is the warranty. You should look into the different warranties offered by the various brands.
You’ll want to buy a board that has a decent warranty, and preferably sold and serviced in your country of residence. Shipping these around the world would be expensive, so factor that into your decision tree.
Board Decks
Another essential factor to keep in mind is the board’s deck. Size, width and materials used all factor into comfort and performance. It’s best if you can see and feel the material in person rather than from ads or YouTube videos.
A rougher deck will give you a more comfortable grip. However, standing for an extended period will become harder on your feet. So, there are pros and cons behind both smooth and rough electric surfboard decks.
Speed
These watercraft can travel at a wide variety of different speeds depending on the weight, battery size, rider weight and board design.
Typically newer top-end boards are topping 30 mph now, with less pricey models in the 20-30 mph range. Keep in mind the faster you go, the faster you’ll drain the battery. Factor in the cost of an extra battery if you plan on full throttle riding all the time.
Fins
Purchasing an electric surfboard that offers decent fins can help boost your speed while you are on the water. Furthermore, better fins allow you to have more balance and control.
Like everything else on the list, better costs more. So, again, deciding on the type of fins you want on your board depends on your budget.
Battery Life
Speed determines battery life. Rider faster, and the battery drains quicker. Most of the higher-end electric surfboards can last up to 45 minutes and sometimes over an hour in the middle of their speed range. Higher speeds lower that riding time.
The cheaper boards typically come with weaker batteries and only last about twenty minutes. Range, like speed, costs money. Decide what you can live with while staying in your budget.
Final thoughts
The E-board market is rapidly growing and changing, with new manufacturers entering the market regularly. Riding an electric board is fun, but also a little bit challenging. You’ll get a bit of a core workout while enjoying a fast jaunt across the water.
These boards can be incredibly agile and quick. Or you can opt for a motor on a stand up paddleboard for a nice cruise around at 5 mph. Remember that speed costs you battery life and money.
Budget for how you want to ride and what you can afford, and then ride as often as you can.
