Truly electric- Lampuga hits Asian waters at 55kph!

by Asia Yacht Press on 4 Feb 2016 Standup paddle boards? Nah, way too much hard work. Here's the electric version: the Lampuga is definitely the ‘must-have’ boating toy for next summer! The German-designed-and-built electric surfboard, currently the fastest on the planet, is now available in Asia.

More than a surfboard, the Lampuga is perfect for cruising in coastal areas, speeding through warm and sunny bays, drifting in secluded lagoons or just enjoying the most relaxing and quiet bit of sunbathing ever, far from overcrowded beaches. With a top speed of 55 kph, there are few that can keep pace with this carbon fibre e-surfboard. Powered by a 52-volt lithium-ion battery providing between 20 and 35 minutes of runtime, this easy-to-use water toy has a range of up to 11 nautical miles or 20 km. Designed by Sashay GmbH, the Hamburg-based company’s invention was a big hit at the recent Düsseldorf boat show.

The lightweight carbon fibre/composite construction helps the Lampuga to eke out as much speed as possible when planing across the water, and the rider controls the board with a hardwired twist throttle that also serves to steer the nose. It’s easy! Even beginners can be cruising around the bay in no time at all.

Eric Noyel, CEO of Asia Marine Services Ltd, has tried most water toys on the market, and believes that the Lampuga has a lot to offer. “I have been a long-term enthusiast of wake boarding, water skiing, and surfing. I even own a jetsurf, but found them noisy and more difficult to use. The Lampuga ticks all the boxes, and it is silent thanks to its electrical engine. All my guests think this is the best toy I have ever had on the yacht, and I have yet to find anyone who couldn't use it. It is certainly going to bring a lot joy and lasting memories for yacht owners and their guests, just add water and have fun!”

Safety standards integrated into the Lampuga’s structure ensure that everybody and everything on and in the vicinity of the board are considered. The battery and all motor parts are fitted into a carbon fibre/aluminum composite case. The safety leash around the leg delivers an emergency power kill should the surfer fall off, and (unlike some other electric boards) the Lampuga doesn't have bindings, relying instead on a basic anti-slip mat that is comfortable when you are standing or kneeling on the board. The two grab handles on the board's deck provide grip and steering when knee-boarding.

The Lampuga’s battery charges in two hours with the 30-amp charging station (included), or an hour with the 60-amp ‘supercharger’. After that, the board is designed to be virtually maintenance and hassle free. The motor is integrated into the board's structure and is 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. That’s it.

There are two versions of the Lampuga. The Boost is 2.6m in length and weighs around 39kg (86 lb). Although this is not a board that you can pack in your suitcase, it is the perfect accessory for the sports-minded powerboat owner. If space is a consideration, then the Lampuga Air is the perfect alternative, combining the speed and agility of the Lampuga Boost with the handiness of a piece of luggage. The body of the Air is inflatable - with the engine, battery and electrical control systems fitting into a 100cm x 50cm x 10cm carbon fibre and composite case. The body of the board is easily inflated by a small integrated electric pump, and deflating the Air makes it easily transportable to absolutely anywhere.

“Must have!” This sharp, speedy, personal watercraft is the perfect accessory for any superyacht, boat or beach vacation. No matter whether you prefer standing, kneeling sitting or lying down, just make sure when are you are e-surfing that you do it with a dash of James Bond style!

Just remember to bring your wallet - the Lampuga Boost will put you back HK$125,000 whilst the lightweight Lampuga Air comes in at a mere HK$100,000. I'll take two. Of each.