When I started choosing my jetboard over two years ago there was almost no info to help me out. Now it’s probably too much info and it’s really hard to pick the board. What’s even more messy is that most boards you will find are probably “ideas” or “prototypes” not a commercial product that you can order and receive next month.
Here are my personal tips on picking the right jet board. This is just my opinion. Of course I strongly suggest everyone get Wayne’s Jetboard limited “try all boards” package to be able to try all boards yourself before you buy! These tips do not include the propulsion systems or e-foils as they are different category.
Beginner Boards
Best fit:
People with no prior watersports experience
Overweight or out of shape person (over 85kg)
Kids under 12 and whole family
Rentals
Requirements
Such board must be big and wide with a good flotation. The beginner has no balance and no riding skills. If the board is not big enough, the beginner will be flipping over and get frustrated
Long riding time. Probably 1 hour or more. The whole family will try to get on board
Safety. The board must be soft, no sharp edges and have good flotation so it can be used as a rescue device.
Limited speed. (Not more than 30km/h) It must be fast enough to lift an overweight person but slow enough so your 6 year old daughter does not get 60km / h speed because she is too lightweight.
Weight. The board will be very big and heavy. There is no way around it. Get a trolley and carry it with your buddies.
Best choice: Lampuga air. A big, soft board, very powerful and has a lot of handles.
Also good choice: Easysurf (Chinese board), Onean Carver - easy to stand up.
Intermediate Boards
Best fit:
People with basic balancing skills and beginner watersports experience
People who want little more speed without extra risk
Overweight or out of shape former sportsmen.
Requirements
Such boards must have enough power and speed to move 85kg person with at least 30-35km/hour
Smaller shape so the person can enjoy faster rides
Big enough so it has just enough flotation for gliding
40kg or less weight as it will be used most likely by 1 rider, not a family and nobody will help to carry it. Again the trolley is needed.
Best choice: Radinn GX2, Waterwolf, Curf
Warning: I do not recommend using these boards in the real waves. Due to their size and weight they can be a danger to yourself and people around you. Moreover they are very fragile. If you get in a strong wipeout, your board may not survive it. I tested a Carver in real waves and it was fun, but I would not do it on a regular basis, it is too risky. Best use: Lakes and Rivers, Flat Ocean.
Advanced Boards
Best fit:
Adrenaline junkie
Watersports advanced users and experts
People with a solid watersports experience
People planning to use the board in the real waves or fast races
People in good fitness shape (under 85kg)
Requirements
The board must be 21kg or less. The heavy board is unusable in the waves or fast races
The board must be easy to transport on the airplane as the experts tend to travel a lot.
Running time does not matter much but should be over 25-30 min. Most likely you will be tired faster than the board runs out of gas or battery and get back to the shore to refill and rest.
Best choice: Jetsurf Race, Mako Slingshot
Board comparison
We have prepared for you the full comparison of all boards here
