Watch: Kai Lenny Takes Flight On "World's Best" Electric Surfboard
Kai Lenny’s multitude of talents on any and all ocean-going craft have been well documented. The consummate innovator, from the tow boards he rides at giant Pe’ahi, to record-setting channel crossing on his foil board, to sailboards, stand-up paddling and more, he can ride—and rip—on all of it.
Lenny’s most recent experimentation comes in the form of the ESurf, what he’s calling the best electric surfboard in the world. Going as far back as the 1960s, jet-propelled surfboards that don’t require a wave to ride have long been a pipe dream, but when the team from ESurf recently landed in Maui and let Lenny have a spin on their new boards, it appears a new era has arrived.
“I tried to find its limits and there was so much more I discovered it could do that I couldn't have imagined,’ Lenny explains. “It’s not the most traditional surfboard shape, but is designed to makes waves where there are none. A super cool experience and I'm stoked to gain another perspective on the water.”
As far as tech specs go, the board can reach a mind-blowing 40mph, which is crazy. At full throttle, Lenny was able to get 45 minutes of riding time from the battery. After that, it takes about two and half hours to charge.
The ESurf board weighs in at just under 20 pounds, while the the battery weights 33 pounds. The model Lenny is riding is 5’5” tall and 23.6” wide. Designed in Monaco, the setup will set you back a cool $25,000 ... but just think how much money you'll save on gas not driving around trying to find waves.
