Being a traditional outdoorsy person, I’ve always been into surfing. So naturally, the concept of an electric surfboard spooked me at first. But in a world that is constantly changing and defined by technology, a modern improved surfboard has always been on the cards. With surfing looking to debut in the 2020 Olympics, great changes and innovation in the field is to be expected. Electric boats take a lot of the uncontrollable factors of surfing out of the equation, making your experience a whole lot easier, especially if you’re just starting out.
Electric motorized boards are battery dependent. This means the engine does all of the heavy lifting while you feel fresh sea water brush up against your feet. While electric boards feel like a recent innovation, they’ve been around since the 1930s in the Oceanic continent. The powerful motors on these babies mean they can move forward on even flat water. You could say these boards basically ride themselves with the amount of innovation that goes into them. Electric surfboards clock in at about 30 to 50 km/h, while you have complete control over the speed via a remote control.
Before going on to a few options, please remember that there are a few types of electric or motorized surfboards out there. Depending on your preferences, feel free to narrow your options to one of these types. Here are the 3 main types of motorized surfboards:
Electric Stand-Up Paddleboard
SUP boards or Stand Up Paddleboards really took off during the 2010s, and the E-SUP or Electric Stand Up Paddles are just a modern variant of that. SUPs are standing boards that can only be propelled by a paddle, and in this case, by a battery operated engine.
Electric Hydrofoil Surfboard
The difference between a regular board and a hydrofoil surfboard is the extra hydrofoil elevating exterior. There’s also an extra propeller attached that lifts the board about a foot from the surface of the water.
Electric Surfboard
The Jetboard or an electric surfboard has a similar look to a standard surfboard. This type of surfboard stands out from the crowd because it has the most power under the hood that gives you maximum speed.
Here are our top 15 picks for the best electric surfboards of 2021:
Radinn Explore Motorized Electric Surfboard
The Radinn Explore eSurfboard is a board designed to be beginner and learner friendly. This is one of the electric boards that wasn’t made to push too many extreme boundaries, but make no mistake it can hold it’s own in every situation. Featuring a built in bumper and an impact deck design, it is very safe and dynamic. The standard model clocks in at about 25 mph while the pro version goes to 35 mph. With the extended range option you get about 45 minutes of ride time & the Explore is also super light weight at about 33 lbs.
Highlights:
- Jetpack G3
- Top speed 25 mph (standard) or 35 mph (pro)
- Body dimensions are 6’4” x 2.7” x 0’6”
- Extended range option gives 45 minutes ride time
- Board weighs in at about 33 lbs (standard) or 26 lbs (pro)
- Sleek, award winning design
- Built in bumper and impact jet design
Who makes the Raddinn Explore Electric Surfboard?
Radinn Jetboards are a well known brand of luxury eSurfboards. The company was awarded gold and silver in two separate categories at the 2018 IDA design awards. They are currently based out of Malmo in Sweden and provide a 12 month warranty on all of their products along with global free shipping.
Awake Ravik S Electric Boards
The Awake Ravik S is the perfect board custom made for riders who are looking for an adrenaline fueled rush type of experience. No matter if you’re hitting the waves for a rough jumping over rough waves session or riding around on your custom made river or lake tracks, the Awake Ravik S should be your go to electric surfboard. Made with extremely low buoyancy compared to it’s competition, a narrow tail and soft edges, the Ravik helps riders push edges into the water; enabling tighter & faster turns. The Ravik S comes with a twin fin system, making it extremely stable without conceding any agility. With a top speed of 30 knots (56 km/hr) you’ll be cutting through the waves like an absolute pro in no time.
Highlights:
- Top speed is 56 km/h or 30 knots
- Battery gives you 20-30 minutes of riding time depending on rider use
- 15hp motor
- Full charging time is 80 minutes
- Exchangeable battery
- Four different power settings
- Board weighs 34kg
- Twin fin system
- Throttle induction charger
- Wireless throttle
Who makes the Awake Ravik S Electric Boards?
Awake Surfboards is the brainchild of Philip Werner who formulated his first windsurf board in 2012. The company was born in 2017, with a purpose to manufacture the most desired and sustainable electric performance jet surf board. Awake currently pushes boundaries of what you can do within electric water sports and are currently leading the industry in the move towards a zero emission lifestyle
SUPjet Electric Stand-Up Paddleboard
The SUPjet Electric Stand-Up Paddleboard is a pioneering board in the electric surfboard industry. The body is made of high quality EPS foam that is covered by a sturdy shell. However, being one of the first models, this powerful motorized surfing board clocks in at only 8 kilometers per hour. This model is a bit hard to find in brand new condition, given that the company only makes limited amounts nowadays. There’s a guard panel that covers the pocket that makes sure there are no unforeseen propeller strikes.
Highlights:
- Top speed of the board is 8 km/h
- Weighs in at about 21.8 kgs or 48 lbs
- Battery lasts over 1.5 hours
- Body dimensions are 3.5 x 0.813 m
- High quality EPS foam and epoxy resin
- Emission free jet drive motor
- Detachable battery packs
- Power button doubles as a strap anchor with unique magnetic shut off
Who makes SUPjet Electric Stand-Up Paddleboard?
SUP JET is one of the pioneers of electronic surfboards. Their SUP Jet Electric SUP is one of the pioneers of electric surfboards. While one of the old guard, their product ensures maximum satisfaction for all of their customers.
Lampuga Air Electric Surfboard
The Lampuga Air eSurfboard is a wonderful board that comes in an easily usable inflatable body. Because it has a top speed of 50km/h, the Lampuga Air Electric Surfboard can absolutely shred through any size wave. With powerful Jet propulsion coming from a 10kWh and a maximum weight capacity of 110 kg, the Lampuga Air surfboard is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to get into the world of electric surfing.
Highlights:
- The top speed of the board is about 50km/h
- Weighs in at about 55 kgs including battery
- Maximum load capacity is 110 kgs
- Body width is 70 cm
- 10 kWh Jet propulsion engine
- Emission free
- Full charges at about 120 minutes
- Full battery allows 45 minutes riding time
- Inflatable
- Various color choices
Who makes the Lampuga Air Electric Surfboard?
Lampuga is an exceptionally brilliant eSurfboard established by Sashay GmbH in Hamburg, Germany in 2011. Because they apply modern technology and innovative solutions, Lampuga aim to push the boundaries of traditional water sports. Recently, they went through an ownership change and have redesigned all of their electric boards to be modern and high tech.
Awake RÄVIK ONE Electric Surfboard
The Awake Ravik One is the premier product in Awake’s electric surfboard portfolio. The RAVIK ONE screams ‘awesome’ through both it’s design and it’s smaller details. The awake app allows you to shift between settings making it ultra easy to use. The wide tail and the sharp edges that accompany the Awake RAVIK ONE makes it a very stable experience. With a top speed of 56 kph or 30 knots, your ride will be devilishly fast if nothing else. The MFC x Awake quad fin system makes sure your ride is very agile and flexible.
Highlights:
- Top speed is 56 kph/ 30 knots
- Battery gives you 20-45 minutes of riding time based on rider use
- 15 hp motor
- Full charging time is 1 hour 20 minutes
- Exchangeable battery
- Four different power settings
- Board weighs 35 kg
- 4 x MFC x Awake fin system
- Throttle induction chrger
- Wireless throttle
- Comes with speed charger and board bag
Who makes the Awake Ravik One Electric Surfboard?
Awake Surfboards is the inspiration of Philip Werner who created his first windsurf board in 2012. Because Awake was formed in 2017 with a purpose of manufacturing the most desired and sustainable electric performance surfboard they definitely push the boundaries of what you can do within electric water sports and are currently leading the industry in the move towards a zero emission lifestyle.
SUPJet Electric SUP – Polycarbonate
The SUPJet Electric SUP’s younger polycarbonate variant is a definite upgrade over it’s older brother. It weighs in at almost 2 kgs lower than the older model and is a lot more compact at a length of 10’6”. It continues upgrading over the original model while keeping the good sides of it intact, namely the 1.5 hour battery life and the power button slash anchor ankle strap. The board body is made from CNC cut EPS core and covered with a Polycarbonate shell making it very resistant to impacts and scratches.
Highlights:
- Top speed of the board is about 8 km/h
- Weighs in at about 19.95 kgs or 44 lbs
- Battery lasts over 1.5 hours
- Body dimensions are 3.2 x 0.863 m
- High quality CNC cut EPS foam and epoxy resin
- Emission free jet drive motor
- Detachable battery packs
- Power button doubles as a strap anchor with unique magnetic shut off
- Charger included
Who makes it?
SUP JET is one of the pioneers of electronic surfboards. Their SUP Jet Electric SUP is one of the pioneers of electric surfboards. While one of the old guard, their product ensures maximum satisfaction for all of their customers.
Radinn G2X Jetboard Wakejet Pro
The Radinn G2X Jetboard Wakejet is a board that is an upgrade over the original Radinn G2X. The engine is emission free and the body is made of quality carbon fiber material. With a top speed of about 55 kilometers per hour and an average run time of about 35 minutes, this board is a luxury board that will shred through anything and everything that stands in it’s way. The sleek lines and look of the G2X have already gotten the board multiple awards. Along with exceptional agility and power, the G2X is safe, reliable and above else, fun
Highlights:
- Weighs in at about 220 lbs
- Speed tops out at about 35 mph
- Has an average run time of about 35 minutes
- 2.8 kWh Lithium ion battery
- Comes with 3.7 kWh XL Power Pack
- Sleek, award winning design
- Quality Carbon fiber body
Who makes Radinn G2X Jetboard Wakejet Pro?
Radinn Jetboards are a well known brand of luxury eSurfboards. The company was awarded gold and silver in two separate categories at the 2018 IDA design awards. They are currently based out of Malmo in Sweden and provide a 12 month warranty on all of their products along with global free shipping.
Lampuga Rescue Electric Surfboard
Initially designed as a coastal rescue board, the Lampuga Rescue Electric Surfboard combines speed and stability to be your ultimate partner in all things water sport related. With seamless handling, it comes with a non slip grip pad center and allows for transportation of equipment. The board’s hull is inflatable, making it very easy to transport.
Highlights:
- Double Layer PVC
- Weighs in at about 50 kg ( 25 kg battery)
- Exchangeable battery
- 3.7 kWh Lithium ion battery with LED battery status
- 10 kWh with 50 kg Jet thrust
- Emission free
- Full charges at about 120 minutes
- Full battery allows 45 minutes riding time
- Inflatable hull
- Bluetooth remote control
Who makes the Lampuga Rescue Electric Surfboard?
Lampuga is a brilliant electric Surfboard manufacturer established by Sashay GmbH in Hamburg, Germany in 2011. By applying modern technology and innovative solutions, they aim to push the boundaries of traditional water sports. Recently they went through an ownership change and have redesigned all of their boards to be modern and high tech.
Radinn Freeride Electric Surfboard
The Radinn Freeride is Radinn’s best selling electric motorized surfboard that was created as a true all round experience. Weighing in at an extremely light 26 lbs for both the standard and pro editions, it clocks in at an awesome 35 mph for the pro edition. This board has excellent customer reviews in all departments from versatility, agility & acceleration to speed. Ultra safe, dynamic and agile, the Radinn Freeride electric surfboard is an excellent choice for surfers of all experience levels
Highlights:
- Jetpack G3
- Standard Powerpack
- Top speed 27 mph (standard) or 35 mph (pro)
- Body dimensions are 6’42’ x 2.6” x 0’6”
- Extended range option has a 45 min ride time
- Goes 0-25mph in 8.9s
- Board weighs in at about 33 lbs ( standard) or 26 lbs (pro)
- Sleek, award winning design
Who makes the Radinn Freeride Electric Surfboard?
Radinn Jetboards are a well known brand of luxury eSurfboards. The company was awarded gold and silver in two separate categories at the 2018 IDA design awards. They are currently based out of Malmo in Sweden and provide a 12 month warranty on all of their products along with global free shipping.
Radinn Carve Electric Surfboard
The Radinn Carve is an electric surfboard that is all about some rail to rail action, giving you the opportunity to fully lean into your turns. The Carve is a board that needs a little getting used to compared to the other boards on this list, but once you get used to it; it is the most playful board. The Carve is ideal for surfers weighing up to 200 lbs & this board goes from 0-25 mph in 9.7 seconds. It is also ultra light at only 20 lbs and gets maximum marks when it comes to agility and speed.
Highlights:
- Jetpack G3
- Standard Powerpack
- The board weighs in at 20lbs
- Board dimensions are 5’10 x 2′ x 0.5′
- Acceleration is 2.577 mps for the standard and 1.25 mps for the pro edition
- 45 minutes ride time for the extended range option
- Top speed is 26 mph for standard edition and 32 mph for the pro edition.
Who makes it?
Radinn Jetboards are a well known brand of luxury electric surfboards. The company was awarded gold and silver in two separate categories at the 2018 IDA design awards. They are currently based out of Malmo in Sweden and provide a 12 month warranty on all of their products along with global free shipping.
YuJet Jet Powered Electric Surfboard
The YuJet Jet Powered Electric Surfboard is an elegant electric surfboard that is powered by a lithium interchangeable battery. The board walks the fine line between being ergonomically friendly, extremely sleek and fresh in it’s looks. The YuJet comes with a plush high quality eva grip that gives the body excellent stability at high speeds. A safety catch comes with the YuJet, this accessory will release if you fall off and cut the board’s power.
Highlights:
- 36 mAh Lithium ion battery that is waterproof
- 24mph top speed
- Range is 16 miles
- Maximum time range is 40 minutes
- 4 on board handles
- Two different rider modes
- 4 quick release fins
- Carbon construction with machine foam core
- 4 High quality Eva grips
- Comes with Wireless remote control, safety magnet and leash
Who makes it?
YuJet is a revolutionary brand in the market of electronically powered water sports products. As a result YuJet is making innovative products that is a culmination of experience from pro surfers, designers and engineers. They offer high quality products and accessories at a very affordable price range.
JetSurf Sport
One of the bestselling products on the market, the JetSurf Sport has been made specially for beginners to go through the tough learning curve. This wonder of a jet surfboard is not exactly electric; bringing with it a 90cc engine. It comes with a lithium ion battery with an accumulator that provides 4 hours of charge once fully charged for 45 minutes. It’s also accompanied by a kill switch that activates when the wrist magnet gets disconnected.
Highlights:
- Weighs in at 18.5 kg
- Body dimensions are 180 cm x 60 cm
- Top speed of the board is about 50 kilometers per hour
- Incredible battery life of 240 minutes
- Footpads made of memory foam
- Powerful electric plus 2.8L engine
- Sleek design
- Electronic kill switch
- 4 straps
- Carbon fiber axial flow pump
- Maximum load is 120 kg or 264 lbs
- DC motor starter
Who makes it?
Being part of the Motosurf world cup since 2012, Jetsurf aims to help customers become the best surfers they can be. If the Jetsurf Electric’s wonderful customer review and bestselling status wasn’t good enough for you, their factory made competition ready line of production should sell you on them. You simply cannot go wrong with JetSurf.
Waterblade Stingray
The Waterblade Stingray is peculiar, to say the least. With a stingray inspired design, it operates better in calm waters like lakes and rivers. The board also comes with backup paddles that help you get out of sticky situations if your battery runs out. This one is extremely sturdy, given that it is made with drop stitch material. It is also inflatable and made for absolute beginners, given that you won’t be breaking any speed barriers at a top speed of 8 kilometers per hour.
Highlights:
- The buoyancy capacity for the board is 200 lbs
- Water resistant box
- Comes with 3 paddles, propeller safety cage, ankle leash and air pump
- 3 speed reverse
- Top speed of 8 km/hour
- Body dimensions are 170 cm x 147 cm
- Has a battery life span of about 60 minutes
Who makes it?
Waterblade makes quality products that are great for every surfer. The Stingray is a wonderful product that comes endorsed from the very top. With high quality but affordable products, Waterblade is a great choice.
Hison Jet Surf Motorized Surfboard
The Hison JetSurf is made from high quality fiberglass material and has a four stroke engine that works on gasoline. Given that it is produced by one of the leading jetski producers in the world, it is no surprise that the Hison Jet Surf somewhat resembles a jetski. With a top speed of 40 kilos per hour, it is an absolute beast for a mid range powered surfboard.
Highlights:
- Board weight is about 120 kg
- Top speed of the board is 40 km/hour
- Board dimensions are 247 cm x 70 cm
- Completely gasoline powered
- Maximum load capacity is 120 kgs
- Comes with waterproof storage
- Powerful four stroke engine
- Quality fiberglass material
- Attractive color variants
- Jetski like design
Who makes it?
The Hison Jetsurf comes from the house of Hison, the leading manufacturer of top of the line marine recreation jet products operating out of China. Hison is a trusted brand for Marine Recreational and sports products all around the world, so it is no surprise that the Hison jet Surf is somewhat shaped like a jetski. If you’re looking for a brand that is trusted worldwide for a wide variety of products, Hison is the way to go.
Xtream Jetboard by Torque
The Xtream Jetboard by Torque is a board that looks huge at first glance. The weirdest bit about this intro is that the Xtream Jetboard is extremely light, weighing in at about 31 kgs. It is an effectively attractive board, coming in different color variants. Don’t let it’s sleek looks fool you. This monstrous beast shoots through any wave at 50 km/hour.
Highlights:
- Board dimensions are 210 cm x 70 cm x 14.8 cm
- Board weight is about 31 kgs with battery
- Speedy beast goes to 47 km/hour
- Battery life span of about 45 minutes
- Easy to ride
- Additional battery with it in fireproof case
- Sleek design
- Highly buoyant and stable
- Available in 4 colors
Who makes it?
The Xtream Jet Board comes from the warehouses of Torque Jet boards. Their jet tracks are used to optimize buoyancy and add competitive buoyancy to the sport. Torque Jetboards offer machines that aim to make your trips out on the waves a fun and adrenaline fueled experience.
Things to Consider When Looking for The Best Motorized Electric Surfboard
The concept of an electric surfboard might be a new one to a lot of people. While jumping into the market to explore your options might seem like the way to go, most of us don’t have that kind of cash to splash around. But above all else, if you’re spending on an electric surfboard, you want to know that you’ve picked the right one so that you don’t regret it later. If you don’t know where to focus your search for a perfect wave wingman, here are a few criteria to look out for.
Design and shape:
Given that electric surfboards are significantly more expensive than normal wooden ones, they look pretty sleek from the get go. You want a board that resonates your personality above anything else and there should be no compromises about that. While the matte painted ones might seem like a set option to go for, consider going for something more colorful too; to bring out your fun side.
Weight:
To put it in extremely blunt terms, the heavier you are; the more powerful motor you need to propel you forward. However, this extra engine power also means that there are more battery cells and a better heat management system, upping the price by some margin. So it is important to figure out the optimal engine power and models corresponding to that power to optimize your surfing experience at an affordable type.
Board types:
Remember, while all boards might look the same to you, different board types serve different functions. So it is best for you to choose the right board type for you. For example, Electric SUPs are more popular with people who just want to take a slow paddle around while an electric foil will help you shred through waves at high speeds
Inflatable or Solid:
Inflatable boards are easy to transport. While solid boards usually have much better durability and better build, giving you confidence to gain higher speeds. Ultimately, the choice is up to you.
FAQs:
Why buy an electric surfboard?
Don’t take us in the wrong way, traditional surfing is pretty fun as it is. However, one of the few faults of mother nature is that the perfect conditions is often pretty hard to come by. With electric surfboards, you can beat these restrictions by gaining speed even when there are no perfect seas waiting for you. But on a more sporty level, electric boards offer more versatility in use compared to regular surfboards.
What is an optimal budget for a board?
A good budget for a jet powered surfboard is whatever lets you feel comfortable with. If you’re breaking your bank, you’ll never feel free to take risks, and cheaper boards tend to last for shorter periods of time. So, it is important to optimize your budget and make a few tough financial decisions.
Can you surf without waves?
One of the many advantages of an electric jet surfboard is that you can remotely control the speed of your board with a hand held remote. So even when the swell is less than stellar, there’s nothing stopping you from being an absolute knockout on the seas.
Why are electric surfboards or jetboards so expensive?
The simple answer to that question is the high price that goes into production and research of creating a jet board. Usually, the development and design of newer models of jetboards take anywhere from 2 months to a year. This means to make up for the cost of RnD and components, manufacturers have to up the price.
Final thoughts:
The seas are one of mother nature’s greatest gifts. And it should be enjoyed no matter where you are and how the waves look. Electric powered surfboards are absolutely wonderful investments given the amount of utility you can gain out of each board. With great floatation, easier riding and safety devices that keep you safe in the roughest of conditions, electric surfboards are a great choice for changing times. Your electric surfboard could be your perfect partner for a day out at the beach. Cease the moment my friend!