Marine

Waterwolf electric surfboard speeds over lakes and rivers

Waterwolf electric surfboard speeds over lakes and rivers
The Waterwolf MXP-3 at the Dusseldorf boat show
The Waterwolf MXP-3 at the Dusseldorf boat show
View 11 Images
The MXP-3 at the 2014 Boot Dusseldorf show
1/11
The MXP-3 at the 2014 Boot Dusseldorf show
A new way to enjoy the water
2/11
A new way to enjoy the water
Waterwolf plans to begin deliveries in May
3/11
Waterwolf plans to begin deliveries in May
The MXP-3 is powered by a rear-mounted propeller system
4/11
The MXP-3 is powered by a rear-mounted propeller system
The LCD shows battery and speed information
5/11
The LCD shows battery and speed information
The surfer uses a wireless controller
6/11
The surfer uses a wireless controller
The Waterwolf MXP-3 at the Dusseldorf boat show
7/11
The Waterwolf MXP-3 at the Dusseldorf boat show
The leash connects to a kill switch
8/11
The leash connects to a kill switch
The Waterwolf MXP-3 out on the water
9/11
The Waterwolf MXP-3 out on the water
Surfers can ride the MXP-3 on their stomachs or feet
10/11
Surfers can ride the MXP-3 on their stomachs or feet
Waterwolf claims the MXP-3 is nimble on the water
11/11
Waterwolf claims the MXP-3 is nimble on the water
View gallery - 11 images

Not every surfer is lucky enough to live near a world-class break. In fact, many would-be surfers live hundreds of miles from the nearest piece of coast. For them, the new MXP-3 from Germany's Waterwolf represents the chance to transform the local lazy lake or river into a riveting surfer's playground. Part surfboard, part personal watercraft, the MXP-3 zips clean across flat water at speeds up to 21 mph (35 km/h).

Unlike the WaveJet, the Waterwolf MXP-3 isn't an e-power-assisted wave surfboard; it's not really designed for waves at all. Instead, the board untethers you from wave and wind conditions and lets you "make your own wave." It's a sport that's best described as electric moto-surfing.

The MXP-3 is powered by a 5 kW, water-cooled motor driving a propeller in back. The 20 Ah lithium-ion battery, which is housed in a watertight case, provides enough run time for about 20 to 25 minutes of water play or 8 km (5 mi) of range before requiring a three-hour charge. Waterwolf says that its propeller drive is fine-tuned for quick, sure turning and maneuvering, and the board's shape and construction are also optimized for performance under driven power.

Waterwolf claims the MXP-3 is nimble on the water
Waterwolf claims the MXP-3 is nimble on the water

The moto-surfer controls the MXP-3's output and speed via a Bluetooth handheld throttle, referring to the top-mounted LCD screen for speed and battery information. As a safety precaution, the board has a magnetic emergency kill switch that's activated at the pull of the wrist leash. Should the rider fall off, the tug of the strap pulls the magnetic connector out, cutting power immediately.

Compared to other powered surfboards like the PowerSki JetBoard, the MXP-3 has a simple, electric design and comparatively light 53 lb (24 kg) weight. Based on the video below, it looks like an absolute blast, even if it doesn't boast the speeds of gas-powered competitors.

Much like an electric car, the MXP-3 does suffer from limited range syndrome. We can't imagine that many folks will get this thing in the water and not want to play with it for more than 20 minutes at a time. They might find themselves yearning for a gas engine once the power bar pulls a quick vanishing act, though Waterwolf mentions that the battery is exchangeable, so we assume it will sell back-up batteries for extending water time.

Waterwolf showed the MXP-3 at the recent Dusseldorf boat show and plans to launch it this May. The board will be available in 94- and 96-in (240- and 245-cm) lengths for €6,990 (US$9,560), which includes VAT. For those that want to try before they buy, Waterwolf plans to host a demo center at its Oberammergau, Germany headquarters.

Source: Waterwolf

Das neue elektrisch betriebene Surfboard -electric surfboard- Waterwolf MPX-3

View gallery - 11 images
9 comments
9 comments
Dax Wagner
Uh, let's see... half the runtime of the WaveJet and I get to pay double the price for that privelege? What am I missing here? This product is dead on arrival!
Actually, both these products are obsolete when compared to this: http://www.gizmag.com/surfango-jetbuster-jetrider-xl-power-kayak-air-suspension/17720/
Mihai Pruna
Problem is, the mechanics of riding over flat water are totally different from riding down the face of a wave.
hungrygiraffe
Sadly, i think a lot of cool things don't sell and become hits for that exact same reason Dax.
They overprice it, and therefore no one will buy it really besides mitt romney's children for example ( not to be partisan just the closest example).
More McCormack
Reminds me of an article I read in Popular Mechanics on a DIY motorized surfboard back in 1974! http://www.rqriley.com/surfsail.htm
f8lee
Ah, but if they downsize the board and sell them in pairs, one could "walk on water" and become a religious icon!
Heikki Kääriäinen
Enjoyment for one on the expense of dozens of beach goers!
PaleDale
Over priced and to be honest look very boring, it doesn't look like it's very agile.
Riding waves is quite fun and taking that way is a big mistake.
This http://www.gizmag.com/wavejet-motorized-tow-in-surfboard/22055/ is a far better idea and the pricing is much better.
The Skud
If they could get the price down and the range up, how about 2 in a cateraman design with a kayak size seat between? You could take bigger batteries with you that way.
BigGoofyGuy
I think that is neat. It is more than I want to pay but still cool.