Once the domain of a select few products like the Powerski Jetboard, the powered surfboard market has really grown over the past year. During that time, we've seen the underwhelming Waterwolf, the promising, multi-personality Aquila, and the Radinn surfboards. The German-designed Lampuga joins the crowd, bringing with it speeds up to 34 mph (55 km/h) and claims of being the world's fastest e-surfboard.
Electric surfboards tend to be a big deal at the Düsseldorf boat show, with multiple models on display across several halls. The Lampuga was the segment highlight this year, with large banners proclaiming it the "world's fastest electric surfboard." With a claimed top speed of 34 mph, it is faster than those other electric surfboards, with the exception of the 44-mph (71 km/h) Aquila Carver. The Carver is still in development, though, so we reckon that the on-sale-now Lampuga can claim its speed supreme over the Carver ... for now.
The Lampuga uses the familiar e-surfboard format of electric drive shooting water-spewing thrust out at the board's tail. The 15-hp drive uses a brushless synchronous motor powered by a 52-volt lithium-ion battery that provides 20 to 35 minutes of runtime and up to 12 miles (20 km) of range. The board's lightweight carbon fiber/composite construction helps it eke out as much speed as possible when planing across the water.
The rider controls the board via a hardwired twist throttle that also serves to steer the nose. A leash around the leg delivers an emergency power kill should the surfer fall off. Unlike some other electric boards, the Lampuga doesn't have bindings, relying instead on a basic anti-slip mat. The two grab handles that you see on the board's deck provide grip and steering for electric kneeboarding. The board measures 8 ft 5 in (2.6 m) in length and weighs 86 lb (39 kg).
The Lampuga's battery charges in two hours with the included 30-amp charging station or an hour with the available 60-amp version. Outside of that, the board is designed to be virtually maintenance- and hassle-free. The motor is integrated into the board's structure and not designed to be owner serviced. A bolt-on access panel on the tail lets you inside to check and change the jet drive seal should the board start taking on water.
Unfortunately, Lampuga didn't offer us a test ride in Boot Düsseldorf's big pool, but watching a video at its booth was enough to convince us that the board is a sharp, speedy personal watercraft for a day on the beach, no matter if you prefer standing, kneeling sitting or lying down.
It does suffer from two of the chronic ailments that affect electric surfboards in general: extremely short runtime and exorbitant pricing. For €15,400 (US$17,400), we'd have a lot of trouble buying this over a faster, more affordable PWC like the Sea-Doo Spark. Manufacturers really need to get prices down and runtimes up if they want to make electric surfboards something more than a trade show novelty.
Lampuga has set up a dealership network in various European countries and the United States. The €15,400 price includes the 30-amp charger, a carry bag for the board, an accessory bag and a maintenance kit.
Watch the Lampuga make its mark on the water in the video below.
Source: Lampuga
