GoodSports: Now Surfboards Have Engines

My surfing ineptitude has been well chronicled around here. Turns out, I really can blame the board. Not at all my impatience, my lack of dedication to getting better at the sport, or my lack of time to learn. No sir, I can blame the board, because now their are boards with jets, and mine wasn't one. 

They're calling it "Wavejet." They've been in development 10 years and are, according to GrindTV.com, demoing in the United Statest this summer. They are also expensive: $4,500 a pop. I bought my first board for $160.

Of course, you'll probably have some surfer dude snobs who will sniff at the idea with upturned noses, but personally, I think it's awesome. Of course I do. I suck. But it's also cool because this way, older dudes or hurt dudes and dudettes will have a means by which to surf long after they could surf the traditional way. One thing I've learned about surfing: Those who love it love it like few people love a sport. 

Wavejet Technologies CEO Mike Railey came up with the idea. "Now it's gotten to the point where I no longer want to ride a non-powered board," Railey told GrindTV. "You kind of become spoiled once you become accustomed to having the propulsion." 

The jets are in a 15-pound unit tucked into the tail section and powered by lithium batteries. The motors make a low humming sound, and essentially operate by sucking and shooting water through narrow jets. Speeds range from 5-12 mph depending on which propulsion system you get. 

The jets are controlled by remote-control wristband and can operate nonstop for 45 minutes. The boards themselves will be made from carbon fiber or epoxy shells. 

The guy in the video is Steven Walden, a 62-year-old Wavejet board designer whose shop in Ventura, Calif., will be the boards' primary outlet facility. 

So what do you think of Wavejet surfboards?

Pic: Steve Walden, via GrindTV.com

[ Wavejet.com ]

[ GrindTV.com ]