One particularly cool item to debut at this year’s show, and which is certain to make a wave in Phuket – figuratively and literally – is the Lampuga, a battery-powered electrical surfboard.
Available in two models, an 8' 5" rigid model: the Lampuga Boost; and a 6' 6" inflatable/stowable model: the Lampuga Air.
According to the product description, “The Lampuga Boost is powered by an emission-free electrical jet engine which delivers 15 horsepower directly to the water, transforming the output into pure forward thrust. Riding the Lampuga Boost is fairly simple: the power is varied employing the thrust control which is attached to the bow via the steering belt, providing a safe stance and full control over the board.
Whereas, “The Lampuga Air combines the speed and agility of the Lampuga Boost with the handiness of an item of luggage. The body of the board is inflatable. Engine, battery and the complex electricity controlling system fits into a 100cm x 50cm x 10cm carbon-fibre composite case, the body of the board can be easily inflated by a small integrated engine. This enables everyone to transport and use the Lampuga Air at every imaginable place.”
Phuket and the Phang Nga Bay, with all its beaches, islands and coastal cliffs and caves is a budding surf and sea destination waiting to be explored and enjoyed by aspiring adventurists dying to get out on the water more often. Such a fact is evident by the sustained and rising popularity of kayaking, dinghy sailing and stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding.
Bringing water leisure and exploration to the next level, the Lampuga will make exploration more accessible for those of us not quite fit enough yet to paddle out in the unforgiving sun for hours, covering only a few miles an hour. With the assistance of an electric motor, one’s speed and thus range increases by 10-20 times this (see specs).
But unlike the notorious jet-skis, the Lampuga does not produce air or noise pollution, and doesn’t require a special trailer to tow, nevermind a captain’s license to operate for that matter.
The Lampuga allows for wave cruising in coastal areas, speeding through warm and sunny bays, drifting in cozy lagoons or just enjoying the most relaxing and quiet sunbath ever – far away from massively crowded beaches.
Its 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 marine creature which shares its name – the dolphinfish, one of the fastest fish in the world.
Both the Lampuga Boost and the Lampuga Air models are available through Asia Marine (Thailand), who is the exclusive dealer appointed by Asia Marine Yacht Services, its Hong Kong-based partner and regional distributor. Be sure to visit Asia Marine’s booth at PIMEX, and for enquiries, enail: vincent@asia-marine.net or call Mob +66 81 827 60 7. For more info, visit http://lampuga.de
Lampuga Air
• Length: 2.00 m (6' 6")
• Width: 0.7 m (2' 3")
• Height: 0.15 m (5")
• Weight: 32.0 kg (66.1 lb)
• Battery type: Lithium 51.8 V capacity 52.8 Ah
• Speed*: up to 47 kmh (29.2 mph)
• Engine power: 15 hp
• Battery duration*: up to 40 minutes
• Range*: up to 20 km (12 miles)
• Charging time: 120 minutes with standard charging device / 60 minutes with high power charger **
• Price ex factory: from €9,900 + Tax + Shipping
Lampuga Boost
• Length: 2.56 m (8' 5")
• Width: 0.8 m (2' 7")
• Height: 0.16 m (6")
• Weight: 37.0 kg (81.0 lb)
• Battery type: Lithium 51.8 V capacity 58.8 Ah
• Speed*: up to 54 kmh (34 mph)
• Engine power: 15 hp
• Battery duration*: up to 40 minutes
• Range*: up to 20 km (12 miles)
• Charging time: 120 minutes with standard charging device / 60 minutes with high power charger **
• Price ex factory: from €12,900 + Tax + Shipping