Boost Fin | The World’s First Electric Surfboard Fin
When it comes to catching waves, do boosters really matter? For as long as we can remember, purists have shut down all technologies such as e-foils and propellers that take out the very core of surfing. But now that there’s a new innovation in the market known as the electric surfboard fin, will these kinds of products finally fit in the exclusive world of surfing? In October 2020, the world’s first electric surfboard fin — ‘Boost Fin’ — was launched globally after starting their Kickstarter campaign that received over USD 240,000 pledges from their USD 50,000 goal in 2019. As we speak, this start-up company has already over 11,500 pre-orders on its website. But as good as this product may seem, a lot of people scoffed at the mere idea of an electric motorized fin. Upon its release, it gathered lots of attention and received mixed reviews from enthusiasts worldwide. Initially, it didn’t receive a lot of support from surfers as well. The Boost Fin even got featured on a famous Instagram surfing page, ‘Kook of the Day’. On this website, however, we try to play fair the best we can. Instead of poking fun, we’re going to discuss how the Boost Fin can possibly create an impact and help some of our surfer companions, including what we really think about this revolutionary invention. How The Boost Fin Started Boost Fin was created by two surfer amateurs — Dmitri Kozhevnikov and Alexei Ostanin, both of whom had their own share of struggles in keeping up with other surfers and getting up into the lineups of famous surf spots like Huntington Beach. The idea started when Alexei had a shoulder injury from rally sport racing and found it hard to paddle for longer periods. He then discussed his predicament and resolve with his friend and business partner Dmitri, who then proposed mounting a motorized fin at the bottom of the surfboard so they can easily propel into the waves while paddling less. In the next few years, the two of them worked hard in researching and designing a fin that doesn’t drag and keeps stable in the water. They’ve also optimized its tracking while keeping its surfing dynamics intact. In 2018, Dmitri and Alexei created their first prototype, had their third prototype tested by 2019, and finally — sold their product to the public by 2020. Boost Fin also collaborated in a sponsorship deal with pro surfers Bobby Hasbrook (2018 West Coast Champion) and Erryk Jennings (WSA Tour Champ, 2nd Place) in testing this electric fin’s capabilities in the water. After trying it out, Bobby commented, “I wasn’t expecting it to have that much boost, that much power. I had no issue catching up. I was like catching ripples.” What is an Electric Surfboard Fin? Let’s cut to the chase. An electric surf fin will neither turn your surfboard into an e-foil nor make it as fast as that. On the contrary, it will only be mounted at the bottom of your surfboard to give it a similar feel to a powered and motorized board. It’s designed to catch waves faster and help make your life easy when riding against strong currents. It’s not created for pro surfers and purists (because heaven forbid if we say it’s made for them). Rather, this e-Fin is for surfer amateurs, the injured, and old folks who need a little boost with catching waves because they find it difficult to paddle with their arms. With this, they’ll be able to ride the waves faster than their regular pace at a duration that’s longer than they usually can. Aside from those things, an electric surfboard fin will also help in getting to the lineup of powerful swells easily, as well as getting back to the breaking point when you get dragged by a wipeout. If you’re a beginner, you’d also appreciate the long boosts it gives when you’re trying to catch and ride a wave. In summary, the main purpose of the Boost Fin is to help you make the most out of your surfing sessions. 80% of surfing consists of paddling, so the fin helps you by cutting that percentage in half. With it, you’ll be able to relax for a short while as you wait for your turn in the lineup, but at the same time, it doesn’t take away all the work because it still gives you the freedom to paddle on your own. Simply put, this product gives you an edge over other surfers. Now, on to its specs! Dimension and Weight Weighing 2.7 lbs or 1,200 gms, the Boost Fin isn’t very lightweight at all. It adds a substantial amount of weight load to your board, not to mention its fairly large size of 10.5 by 9 by 3.5 inches. So the winning question is, will that affect the tracking and drag of your surfboard? Yes. This motorized fin is also bulkier and bigger in size when compared to regular fins. But while it may somehow affect your performance when riding a wave, the good thing is this won’t ruin the nature of your surfboard as it’s easy to install and remove. Materials This electric surfboard fin is made from non-corrosive materials such as ABS plastic and fiberglass-reinforced polymer to protect the motor inside the fin. Aside from saltwater, the Boost Fin is also compatible with freshwater use. The materials used are also shock-resistant, therefore it can take on some gnarly wipeouts and axing. Design The Boost Fin is easy to mount on any kind of surfboard, and unlike e-foils, this electric fin is compatible with any rider’s weight, age, and size. What we appreciate is the sleek and modern design of this e-Fin that will look nice on any kind of surfboard. The Boost Fin also looks like any other regular surfboard fin, the only difference is the attached propeller at the back of it. This product comes in two colors — white and black. Aside from surfboards, they can … Read more