World's fastest surfboard

Here’s what you get when you strap a 15hp electric engine to a lightweight carbon-fibre surfboard. The German-made Lampuga, named after the high-flying dolphin fish or mahi mahi, reportedly hits 32mph or almost 55km/h top speed.

Adding to the existing offerings in the electric ride-on watercraft and surfboard market, the Lampuga was unveiled at the recent 2015 Dusseldorf Boat Show, which is described as “the world’s biggest water sports trade fair.”

GERMAN TREND SPORTS
In the 'Trend Sport' category at Dusseldorf Boat Show, the Lampuga apparently attracted a lot of attention for its claimed top speed and agility as shown on the video below.

According to the company, Lampuga is ideal for wave cruising in coastal areas, speeding through warm and sunny bays, drifting in cosy lagoons or just enjoying the most relaxing and quiet sunbath ever.

The company says the lightweight carbon-fibre composite construction and powerful full-electric jet drive enable it to reach high velocities, making the Lampuga as fast, agile and smooth as the dolphinfish which shares its name.

GREEN CREDENTIALS
The manufacturers also claim the quiet and environmentally friendly electric jet propulsion system disturbs neither animals nor people.

Due to its light weight, transportation is simple and easy, especially aboard motoryachts and larger cruising yachts with garages, while a rechargeable Lithium battery eliminates any dangers inherent to liquid-based fuels.

Underway, the Lampuga is controlled by a steering belt, which also carries the accelerator throttle. It is attached to the bow of the board, providing a secure connection and claimed full control.

SAFETY
Lampuga says one of its key design priorities was safety. The battery and all motor parts are fitted into a carbon-fibre-aluminium composite case. An automated emergency stop mechanism ensures that the power to the engine is shut off when you fall.

As reported by online geek mag Gizmag, there appear to be two main handbrakes to the popularisation of the Lampuga and other powered ride-on surfboards: price and running time.

PRICE
The ride-on surfboard is available through distributors in Europe and America for an asking price of about AUS$22,000 with charger. Run time is 20-35 minutes, range is as much as 20km, but recharging takes up to two hours.

But if you want all the latest toys I’m sure your European boatbuilder of choice could mount the charger and a few Lampugas in the garage of your yacht. Registration might be another thing to consider, especially if you plan to run any distance to shore with a waterproof backpack and shopping list for more vintage German sparkling.

Specifications
Length: 2.56 m (8’ 5”)
Width: 0.8 m (2’ 7”)
Height: 0.16 m (6”)
Weight: 39kg
Battery type: Lithium 51.8 V capacity 58.8 Ah
Speed*: Up to 52km/h (32mph)
Engine power: 15hp
Battery duration: 20-35 minutes
Range: Up to 20km (12 miles)
Charging time: 120 minutes with standard charging device/60 minutes with high power charger
Price: €15,400 (AUS$22,000 at time of writing, less shipping)
Details: http://lampuga.de