Electric surfboards have transformed water sports, providing an exhilarating and environmentally sustainable method for enjoying the waves. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, mastering the art of MotoSurfing can take your aquatic adventures to new heights. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 essential tips and tricks to help you ride electric surfboards like a pro!
Choose the Right Electric Surfboard
Before hitting the waves, it’s absolutely crucial to select the right electric surfboards for your skill level, budget and preferences. Consider factors such as board size, stability, and speed capabilities. Beginners may benefit from larger, more stable boards, while advanced riders might prefer sleeker, more maneuverable options.
Master the Basics of Electric Surfboarding
Understanding the basics is key to becoming a proficient motosurfer. Practice proper body positioning, weight distribution, and foot placement to maintain balance and control. Beginners may prefer to ride a board without foot pads in order to gauge their sense of balance and how to best shift their weight properly. Spend time getting familiar with the board’s throttle and steering mechanisms to ensure a seamless riding experience. Some boards have very sensitive throttles, while others need a bit more force to get the board moving.
Safety First: Wear Protective Gear
As discussed in previous articles, safety should always be a top priority when riding electric surfboards. Invest in high-quality protective gear, including a helmet (preferably one that covers your entire face), impact or competition vest, and a wet suit. These items not only enhance your safety but also provide protection from the elements, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Additionally, never bring any mobile devices onboard with you while you are riding. Not only can you lose these devices in deep water, but they can also be a source of distraction for both you and other people around you on the water.
Start in Calm Waters
For beginners, it’s advisable to start in calm, flat waters before venturing into more challenging conditions. This ease of conditions allows you to build confidence, refine your skills, and become accustomed to the board’s responsiveness. As you progress, gradually tackle waves of increasing size, frequency and intensity. More advanced riders will find themselves wanting to jump wakes and small waves!
Understand Wave Dynamics
To ride like a pro, it’s essential to understand wave dynamics. Learn to read the waves, anticipate their movements, and position yourself accordingly. Beginner riders might have trouble navigating small waves (known as rollers) at first, but will find that proper weight distribution and throttle control helps cruise over small, short waves with ease. This knowledge will empower you to navigate the surf more efficiently and ride waves with confidence.
Perfect Your Turns
Mastering turns is a hallmark of a seasoned motosurfer. Professional MotoSurf racers can pivot and turn on a dime to carve around buoys along the racetrack. Practice carving turns by shifting your weight both front side and heel side, using subtle movements to guide the board. Using your back foot as a pivot point is a great way to turn sharper and with more ease. Experiment with different turning techniques, such as bottom turns and top turns, to enhance your maneuverability on the water.
Use the Right Stance for Acceleration and Braking
Achieving a proper stance is crucial for effective acceleration and braking. Distribute your weight evenly for acceleration, and shift it to the rear for braking. Practice these maneuvers in controlled environments to develop a sense of balance and control in various situations. Once a rider is ready for foot pads, foot placement is already set and the rider can focus on shifting their weight more aggressively for accelerating and breaking.
Optimize Battery Usage
Electric surfboards rely on large lithium batteries, and optimizing their usage is essential for longer rides on the water. Familiarize yourself with the board’s battery life and charging capabilities. Most jetboard batteries out there last anywhere from 30 min to 1 hour. Plan your sessions accordingly, and consider carrying a spare battery or two for extended adventures. Always keep your battery charger far away from water if you plan on charging one battery while using another battery to ride.
Fine-Tune Your Balance
Balancing on an electric surfboard requires constant adjustment. While a sport like staking has the rider balancing on 4 points of contact under them, surfing has one primary contact point in the center of the board. This makes fine tuning your balance a bit tricky, but satisfyingly achievable with plenty of practice. Strengthen your core muscles through targeted exercises to improve your balance and stability on the board. This will enhance your overall riding experience and make it easier to tackle challenging conditions.
Join a Community and Learn from Others
Connect with the MotoSurf/jet board community to exchange tips, tricks, ride spots and experiences. Attend events such as races and boat shows, join online forums like MotoSurf Nation, and engage with fellow riders. Learning from others can provide valuable insights, foster camaraderie, and accelerate your journey to becoming a pro MotoSurfer!
Conclusion
Mastering the art of riding electric jetboards like a pro demands a blend of skill, knowledge, and dedicated practice. To enhance your motosurfing journey, it’s crucial to select the right equipment, prioritize safety measures, and refine your techniques over time. Embrace the adrenaline rush of conquering the waves, remain committed to continuous improvement, and immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of electric surfboarding! With these invaluable tips and tricks, you’ll soon find yourself effortlessly carving through the water like a seasoned pro.
Source: https://motosurf.medium.com/tips-and-tricks-for-riding-electric-surfboards-like-a-pro-86f981146aab
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