How should beginners choose a jet surfboard?

Many beginners face several common questions when getting started: How should a novice choose a jet surfboard? Which brand should they select? Should they opt for an electric or a fuel-powered model? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these two types, and what are the long-term usage costs? I believe that after reading this article, you will find the answers you’re looking for.

Before surfboarding gained its current popularity, there were far fewer motorized surfboards available on the market. People had limited brand choices, and prices were relatively high, which often deterred many from taking the plunge. However, with the gradual development of the industry, more and more brands have entered this field, offering consumers a wider range of options. Today, we will use our BluePenguin products as an example to explain.

First, let’s start with the conclusion. For beginners, I personally recommend electric surfboards. Their core advantages lie in being easy to maintain, simple to operate, and more suitable for first-time users. Of course, if you have some prior experience and are interested in mechanics, a fuel-powered surfboard might be a better choice for you. 

1.Ease of Use

Electric (Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆) – As mentioned earlier, electric surfboards are undoubtedly easier for beginners to get started with. They provide smoother power delivery and are gentler compared to fuel-powered boards, making throttle control more manageable.

Fuel-powered (Difficulty: ★★★☆☆) – Fuel-powered surfboards generally offer stronger power and higher top speeds. While they deliver superior performance, they also require a higher level of skill compared to electric surfboards. This is why fuel-powered boards are commonly used in competitive events. For experienced riders, fuel-powered surfboards can be more satisfying to handle.

2.Endurance Performance

Endurance performance has always been a common pain point for various electric products. The battery life of electric surfboards typically falls within the range of 30 to 60 minutes, while fuel-powered surfboards eliminate range anxiety (for instance, the BPS 110cc fuel-injection powered surfboard can run for 90 minutes on a full tank). However, charging is also a significant drawback for electric surfboards. Firstly, battery charging itself requires a relatively long time. Additionally, carrying two batteries increases weight considerably, and the batteries themselves are not inexpensive. In contrast, fuel-powered surfboards only require refueling to extend their range, eliminating concerns about endurance and making them suitable for long-distance travel.

3.Portability

Portability is undoubtedly another key factor people consider. Gasoline-powered surfboards typically weigh between 19-25 kg, which allows most adult men and even women to carry them alone. In contrast, the battery of an electric surfboard alone can weigh up to 20 kg, with the total weight reaching around 45 kg. For solo riders, this often means carrying the board and the battery separately.

4.Applicable Scenarios

When it comes to usage in water bodies, electric surfboards undoubtedly offer a wider range of application scenarios. This is largely thanks to their innate advantages: zero emissions and no pollution, making them suitable for all water bodies. In contrast, gasoline-powered surfboards may be prohibited in certain areas. Before taking your motorized surfboard out on the water, it is essential to research local regulations based on actual conditions to avoid violating any rules.

5.Maintenance Cost

The maintenance cost of electric surfboards is similar to that of electric vehicles. After daily use, all they typically require is cleaning and charging (though battery replacement will be necessary in the long run). While gasoline-powered surfboards are also relatively simple to maintain, compared to electric surfboards, they require lubrication of key components like the engine, and the spark plug needs to be replaced after about 40 hours of use. It is important to note that for any mechanical product, proper maintenance significantly impacts its lifespan. A surfboard that is used extensively without regular maintenance is prone to minor issues. However, with proper and regular upkeep, the lifespan of a gasoline-powered jet surfboard can be very long—even exceeding the battery life of electric surfboards.