A new company
Following the launch of Lampuga in 2011 and the launch of the initial model in 2014/2015, the German company is facing major financial difficulties. Despite a crowfunding and a major investment of several million euros, Lampuga goes bankrupt in 2016. The fault lies with faulty electronic components. Following liquidation and a tender process, the company is bought out in summer 2017 and makes its big public comeback at Boot Düsseldorf 2018. This is the occasion to present its new range, consisting of three models: Lampuga Air, Lampuga Boost and Lampuga Rescue.
These three "novelties" are rather improvements since the spirit of the electric surfboard remains the same and the construction is still made in Germany. " Originally the range consisted of 4 models, we have kept the design, revised the electrical system, the batteries, the autonomy and now offer two models for pleasure boating and a professional model for the coastguard" explains Romina Ruoß, the brand's press officer.
Learn more about the acquisition of Lampuga
Performance or practicality
In the leisure range, Lampuga offers two models, the Lampuga Air The 2.21 m, approx. 38 kg inflatable electric surfboard is easy to transport and quick to inflate. To operate, it uses a "Powerbox" that slides into the centre of the inflatable board. Easy to install, it integrates the electric motor, the cooling system, the electronics and the lithium-ion battery, and the jet propulsion. "The battery's standard on all models, so you can have multiple boards and multiple batteries and switch them around." details Romina.
To move around, the board is controlled by a manual throttle and connected to the board by a belt. The autonomy is 45 minutes and the battery recharges in 2 hours. The maximum speed of the Lampuga Air is 50 km/h, quite fast! The board is transported in a dedicated travel bag with a pump. Additional equipment completes the package such as a magnetic leash or control via Bluetooth.
Also available in this inflatable range is the Lampuga "Rescue" an electric board reserved for professionals in sea rescue.
The other model is the Lampuga Boost A 2.56 m carbon fibre board (for 40 kg) that works with the same powerbox system. Here, only the battery is installed, unlike the inflatable model, which contains the entire electrical package.
"The difference with the Lampuga Air is that we have better stability on the water, the carbon glides better and above all it's faster with a speed of 60km/h." details Romina.
The selling price is also as a result, doubling from single to double for the carbon model. The Lampuga Air is sold for 12,990 euros (incl. VAT) against 24,990 euros (incl. VAT) for the Lampuga Boost. So, will you let yourself be tempted?
