Marine

TKO 001 jet-propelled surf board offers a new Kinetic Option

TKO 001 jet-propelled surf board offers a new Kinetic Option
The Kinetic Option's TKO 001 jet surf board will set you back about US$12,773
The Kinetic Option's TKO 001 jet surf board will set you back about US$12,773
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The Kinetic Option's TKO 001 jet surf board will set you back about US$12,773
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The Kinetic Option's TKO 001 jet surf board will set you back about US$12,773
If the user manages to fall off the TKO 001, an included body-worn power leash will cut power to the board's motor, keeping it close at hand
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If the user manages to fall off the TKO 001, an included body-worn power leash will cut power to the board's motor, keeping it close at hand
The TKO 001 shows off its not-so-traditional foot bindings
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The TKO 001 shows off its not-so-traditional foot bindings
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While there are now a number of jet-propelled electric surf boards, a few new arrivals on the scene still do stand out. The TKO 001 is such a beast, sporting carbon fiber construction, a 45-minute runtime, and a top speed of 55 km/h (34 mph).

Designed and manufactured by Singaporean startup The Kinetic Option, the TKO 001 is intended for use in both fresh and salt water – on rivers, lakes or out on the open sea – with or without waves present.

It generates up to 12 kilowatts of power, measures 180 cm (5.9 ft) in length, and reportedly tips the scales at 18 kg (39.7 lb) without its removable plug-and-play custom lithium battery – the latter figure admittedly doesn't mean much, as the board is only ever going to be used with its battery installed.

The TKO 001 shows off its not-so-traditional foot bindings
The TKO 001 shows off its not-so-traditional foot bindings

Riders control the speed via an included waterproof handheld remote, which features a screen that displays data such as current speed and battery charge level. As mentioned, that battery is claimed to provide up to 45 minutes of runtime per charge, although the average runtime is more around 40 minutes.

Unlike most powered surfboards, the TKO 001 incorporates snowboard-like foot bindings instead of the traditional open deck. If the user still manages to fall off, an included body-worn leash will cut power to the board's motor, keeping it close at hand.

The TKO 001 is priced at SGD $18,000 (about US$12,773), and can be preordered now – at 10% off – for an estimated late-2022 delivery. Prospective buyers can also place a deposit to secure a 2023 build spot.

It can be seen in action, in the video below.

Introducing - The Kinetic Option

Source: The Kinetic Option

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4 comments
4 comments
paul314
Does the remote have a, um, dead-man switch? Because otherwise if you fall and your feet stay stuck to the board, it will drag you through the water.
TpPa
12 grand, a hard pass
Marco McClean
I just did a quick calculation: My childhood skateboard, bows and arrows, bicycles, the minibike I mowed lawns for two years to buy, then two motorcycles, first four cars and every guitar and piece of musical equipment, and all the clothes and shoes I ever had all put together cost about $12,000 (in 2022 dollars). It looks fun, though.
Drjohnf
Looks like a HEAP of fun! But it looks like a 40 min ride is simply not worth the time and trouble. Much better to get a jet board with a gas tank that you can use all day long after a 2 min refill. The battery on this makes it heavy and only able to be used by 1 person for 40 min once a day. Not a good ROI - even if you don't mind the cost. This is reflective of the disadvantaged of EV's vs ICE vehicles. The latter just works better and the infrastructure supports it.