Noob wants a small boost motor for surfboard

Hi all,

I've seen other threads here about implementing a powerful electric engine on a surfboard. I am not looking install a motor that is the primary means of thrust, I am simply looking to mount a small electric motor with a prop or jet propulsion system to give myself a "boost" when needed while surfing.

My idea is to still use my arms paddling as a primary means of moving around and surfing, but I want a small motor with a push button that will give 15 seconds of boost when I need it. Such a motor would be helpful to padding into position to catch a wave, and whenever a boost is needed while fatigued.

Some thoughts and questions:

1. Is this even a feasible or practical idea? My thought is that the motor would have to be quite small/low profile, as to not cause too much drag (thus reducing surfing performance/fun) and outweigh the benefit of a motorized boost. I am hoping that since I only need a boost and not a primary means of locomotive, the combo of ESC/Motor/Battery could still be low profile and light, and have enough juice for a 2 hour surf session, using a 15 second boost only periodically.

2. Roughly how much would this cost?

3. How would this be implemented and installed? Prop or jet? I have limited experience in the RC/electronics world, I used to race RC cars but would still call myself a beginner/intermediate in terms of skill and experience.

I know these are some broad questions but I am open to any ideas and suggestions. I'm hoping this can be a fun and practical project that will make surfing more fun for this weekend warrior.

Thanks all

Welcome to the forum.

I'm sure You know exactly how much boost you need, in your head. With experience on the board, you can probably just sort of feel how much would be perfect to get you on wave, or to pull you along when the waves are weak. Unfortunately, there's no way for anyone else to translate that to a real world number. It's locked in your head and would be hard to extract.

In order to help, we need metrics. Some way for you to tell us a quantitative amount of thrust that you need, at what speed, and for what duration, before anyone can turn that into any sort of plan for a power board.

You might search around for existing products. Not many motors are designed to be submergible.
Here's one example: http://nextpremium.com/2014/06/electrafin-portable-electric-motor-gives-paddleboarders-juice/
I've seen some setups with folding prop blades that will fold when the motor stops, reducing drag. Even better might be a jet drive that uses a centrifugal pump. This way you could keep the bottom completely clear.

Your arms are probably only good for 150W for any length of time. Less in my case. So something in the 150-350W range would give a great boost.

The wavejet system has been the only system that that I have seen that looks to keep that surfboard snappyness of the surfboard. You do loose some flex of the board depending on board length. Very modular and very pricey. Can be fit tp any board with the minimum thickness. Its intended for exactly your application.

Unfortunately, they seem to have stopped production.
WaveJet Experience: http://youtu.be/DEPuuR9Z7io

WaveJet Surfboards: SWELL'S North Shore Demo: http://youtu.be/EU6vPzYDf8c

WaveJet Propulsion System: http://youtu.be/zl4uKIj2Flk