The silent revolution:
E-mobility conquers the water
E-mobility in sport
E-mobility has long since reached the world of sport. Whether e-bikes, e-scooters, electric longboards or surfboards, wherever movement and technology come together, the electric drive opens up new possibilities. Athletes benefit from additional range, less strain and the chance to tackle terrain or routes that were previously almost inaccessible. At the same time, the sporty character is retained, as the electric assistance can be individually adjusted. E-mobility thus combines performance, sustainability and experience and opens up completely new dimensions in the sport. According to a survey conducted by NDR, this trend is constantly on the rise and is becoming particularly popular in Germany.
Support on the water
The most well-known e-mobility sports equipment is probably the e-bike and the e-scooter. However, for a long time es was no e-alternative for the water that did not eliminate the sports aspect. However, electric motors for SUP boards and kayaks solve this problem. You attach them under the board or kayak and they support you while paddling, similar to the support on an e-bike. Here, only the pedal strokes are replaced by paddle strokes. According to a report by the Growth Market Report, the expansion of this is rapid and increasing.
What is a SUP motor and how does it work?
SUP motors es available in many variants, but they all work according to the same principle. First, the motor is attached under the board and the remote control is attached either to the paddle or to the wrist. When you start paddling, the remote control detects the movement via a gyroscope. The motor then switches on and assists for the duration of the paddle stroke. In addition, most motors also have an automatic mode in which you can travel at around 4-8 km/h without paddling.
What added value does a motor like this offer?
- Longer range - a motor allows you to cover a much greater range with your board or kayak.
- More safety - if you lose your strength, you can be sure that you will always make es back to shore. However, always follow the general safety tips.
- Regardless of the conditions - wind or currents are less of a problem and you can tackle more difficult tours even in less than ideal conditions.
- Constant speed - which is ideal for longer tours. This means you can estimate the duration of your tour perfectly.
- New explorers - people who are no longer able to get on the board at all or only to a limited extent due to physical limitations now have the opportunity to change this.
- Family helper - es offers support for mom and dad when the little ones are not yet riding on their own and are sitting on the board with them.
- Versatile use - the motor is not only suitable for sport, but also as a small boat or dinghy replacement. Perfect for fishing trips or for mooring in otherwise inaccessible areas.
- Easy to transport - take your board + motor with you in the car or even on your bike.
- Fun factor - the motor gives you freedom on the water, only flying can be more beautiful.
Photo by JanGogh on Pexels
What are the differences between the various motors?
Es are three main types of SUP motors.
The first and most widespread is the torpedo-style drive. The torpedo/bottle shape is relatively easy to manufacture and is therefore built by many manufacturers, especially Chinese ones. It is attached to your board instead of the main fin. The disadvantage of this is the loss of stability on the board, as the shape of a torpedo is not as optimal as a fin.
The second variant is an E-SUP. es is a SUP with an integrated motor. The advantage of this is that you don't have to get any accessories and you can get started straight away. However, this also eliminates the need to use the motor on other boards or kayaks, and they are more expensive and more vulnerable than external motors.
Finally, the e-Fin combines the advantages of both products. You have the same stability as on a conventional board, but with the extra power of the motor. Just like the Torpedo, it is attached to the main fin.
What should I get?
If you have a smaller budget or already have a SUP, you should take a look at the e-Fin or the Torpedo.
If you don't have a SUP yet but don't want to spend thousands of euros on an E-SUP, you can take a look at the bundles offered by some manufacturers. There you can get a SUP + motor for a lower price than some E-SUPs.
But if you simply want a SUP that is ready to go, you can take a look at the E-SUPs. Here you can get a SUP with a motor without having to build anything onto it.
Care and maintenance of your SUP drives
To ensure that you can enjoy your e-Fin, torpedo drive or e-SUP for a long time, you should follow a few simple care tips:
e-Fin
- Rinse with fresh water after each use to remove salt and sand residues.
- Check contacts regularly and store in a dry place.
- Always charge the battery dry and store it in a cool, dry place.
- Wrap in the protective bag or in a cloth for transportation.
Torpedo drive
- Clean the engine thoroughly with fresh water after trips in the sea.
- Check the paddle wheel/propeller regularly for foreign objects (seaweed, plastic).
- Tighten adapters and fastenings to avoid loose screw connections.
- Remove the battery and only charge it with the original charger.
- If the battery is not used for a longer period of time, store it in a cool place at approx. 50% charge.
All-in-one board (E-SUP)
- Rinse the entire board after each use to prevent sand and salt from clogging the jet.
- In particular, clean the intake opening and the outlet regularly.
- Only remove or charge the battery when it is dry.
- Never roll up the board when damp or leave it in the sun - material protection!
- For longer storage: Remove the battery and keep the board slightly inflated in a cool place.
For a more detailed explanation es here is another article on cleaning e-fins.
Outro
E-mobility has long since reached the world of water and modern SUP motors are opening up a new chapter for sport, leisure and adventure. Whether for relaxed tours, sporting challenges or simply for the fun of riding, the combination of muscle power and electric support opens up a whole new dimension of freedom on the water. Similar to the e-bike and the e-scooter, a motorized revolution is breaking out on the water.
