The Future of Electric Surfing: A Modular Revolution
August 13, 2024, 4:59 am
The world of electric surfing is on the brink of transformation. As the sun sets on traditional designs, a new dawn emerges with modular technology. The journey to create the perfect electric surfboard has been fraught with challenges, but innovation is the wind in our sails.
The last chapter of this saga ended with a bitter taste—import substitution. But necessity is the mother of invention. The idea of a unified power module—jet pump, motor, and controller—became the guiding star. A smaller volume means easier sealing and better repairability. Swap out a component, and the board is back in action.
Modularity is the name of the game. The first prototypes resembled a cat tangled in yarn—pipes and wires everywhere. Cooling systems for both the motor and controller complicated matters. But lessons learned from past failures paved the way for a streamlined approach.
The decision to abandon the development of a proprietary controller was a pivotal moment. The reality is stark: small production runs will never compete with mass-produced alternatives. After sifting through various options, a suitable replacement was found—a proprietary waterproof controller, IP67 rated, perfectly aligned with our needs.
The cooling jacket idea was quickly scrapped. It was a case of too much of a good thing. Direct cooling with seawater emerged as the logical solution.
Then came the eagerly awaited fourth iteration motor, crafted in Russia. Slightly larger than its predecessor, fitting it into the board was a challenge. The struggle to fit the unfit was real. After a year and a half of anticipation, the results were disheartening. With a combined weight of rider and board exceeding 130 kg, the motor overheated after just 20 minutes of full throttle.
Failure is a harsh teacher. Five years and four attempts to build a suitable motor led to this moment. But a Plan B was in the wings—a submerged version of a Chinese motor, initially used in 2019. This design aimed for passive cooling, a concept I was skeptical about. How could submerging half the motor be equivalent to proper cooling? I was wrong.
Testing revealed a different story. A new hull design focused on performance and buoyancy. Initial tests showed the motor's temperature barely rising above 33 degrees Celsius, even with a 90 kg rider. After two weeks of consistent results, a mix of triumph and regret washed over me. Success felt bittersweet, a reminder of the years spent chasing dead ends.
With a working concept in hand, it was time to finalize the module. A sleek, minimalist design emerged. After some adjustments, the boost current was raised to 300A for eight seconds. Whether it was luck or the submerged design, the components held up under pressure. Acceleration improved, though it still lagged behind gas-powered boards.
The new jet pump design pushed the boundaries of the board, forcing compromises. While some might suggest trimming the fins, that’s not an option. In saltwater, uncoated aluminum deteriorates rapidly. Future iterations will see a controller without cooling fins.
Commercial prospects for the module are brighter than for the board itself. It can be integrated into various designs, even a log, and still glide. While board production continues, the focus has shifted toward performance and the B2B sector—more predictable and understandable.
The story is far from over. The electric surfboard revolution is just beginning. Modular designs promise flexibility and adaptability. The future is bright, and the waves are calling.
As we ride this wave of innovation, we must remember the lessons learned. Each failure is a stepping stone. Each success is a testament to perseverance. The electric surfboard is not just a product; it’s a journey.
In the end, it’s about more than just surfing. It’s about pushing boundaries, redefining possibilities, and embracing the spirit of adventure. The ocean awaits, and with it, endless opportunities.
So, gear up. The next chapter in electric surfing is just around the corner. The waves are waiting, and the ride promises to be exhilarating. Let’s make a splash.
The last chapter of this saga ended with a bitter taste—import substitution. But necessity is the mother of invention. The idea of a unified power module—jet pump, motor, and controller—became the guiding star. A smaller volume means easier sealing and better repairability. Swap out a component, and the board is back in action.
Modularity is the name of the game. The first prototypes resembled a cat tangled in yarn—pipes and wires everywhere. Cooling systems for both the motor and controller complicated matters. But lessons learned from past failures paved the way for a streamlined approach.
The decision to abandon the development of a proprietary controller was a pivotal moment. The reality is stark: small production runs will never compete with mass-produced alternatives. After sifting through various options, a suitable replacement was found—a proprietary waterproof controller, IP67 rated, perfectly aligned with our needs.
The cooling jacket idea was quickly scrapped. It was a case of too much of a good thing. Direct cooling with seawater emerged as the logical solution.
Then came the eagerly awaited fourth iteration motor, crafted in Russia. Slightly larger than its predecessor, fitting it into the board was a challenge. The struggle to fit the unfit was real. After a year and a half of anticipation, the results were disheartening. With a combined weight of rider and board exceeding 130 kg, the motor overheated after just 20 minutes of full throttle.
Failure is a harsh teacher. Five years and four attempts to build a suitable motor led to this moment. But a Plan B was in the wings—a submerged version of a Chinese motor, initially used in 2019. This design aimed for passive cooling, a concept I was skeptical about. How could submerging half the motor be equivalent to proper cooling? I was wrong.
Testing revealed a different story. A new hull design focused on performance and buoyancy. Initial tests showed the motor's temperature barely rising above 33 degrees Celsius, even with a 90 kg rider. After two weeks of consistent results, a mix of triumph and regret washed over me. Success felt bittersweet, a reminder of the years spent chasing dead ends.
With a working concept in hand, it was time to finalize the module. A sleek, minimalist design emerged. After some adjustments, the boost current was raised to 300A for eight seconds. Whether it was luck or the submerged design, the components held up under pressure. Acceleration improved, though it still lagged behind gas-powered boards.
The new jet pump design pushed the boundaries of the board, forcing compromises. While some might suggest trimming the fins, that’s not an option. In saltwater, uncoated aluminum deteriorates rapidly. Future iterations will see a controller without cooling fins.
Commercial prospects for the module are brighter than for the board itself. It can be integrated into various designs, even a log, and still glide. While board production continues, the focus has shifted toward performance and the B2B sector—more predictable and understandable.
The story is far from over. The electric surfboard revolution is just beginning. Modular designs promise flexibility and adaptability. The future is bright, and the waves are calling.
As we ride this wave of innovation, we must remember the lessons learned. Each failure is a stepping stone. Each success is a testament to perseverance. The electric surfboard is not just a product; it’s a journey.
In the end, it’s about more than just surfing. It’s about pushing boundaries, redefining possibilities, and embracing the spirit of adventure. The ocean awaits, and with it, endless opportunities.
So, gear up. The next chapter in electric surfing is just around the corner. The waves are waiting, and the ride promises to be exhilarating. Let’s make a splash.