PLX Devices, a company based in Silicon Valley, is launching a truly innovative and unique watersports board whose appeal stems from the fact that it allows water enthusiasts to enjoy three different activities from a single board, allowing them soak up maximum enjoyment without the financial outlay.
The 'XFoil' is a modular watersports board that can be used for up to three watersports, namely stand-up paddle boarding, powered surfboarding and hydro-foiling surfboarding. It is powered by a 6,000-watt motor and can be controlled via a waterproof wireless remote control. It even sports a hydro-foil mechanism that can be obtained in conjunction with fiberglass or carbon fiber wings.
The Standard version of this multifaced watersports board can be obtained for a pledge of $3,799 over on Indiegogo, while those willing to shell out a bit more for the ability to mount the motor underneath the board in order to enjoy an easier and high-performance version of hydro-foiling electric surfboarding can pledge $4,699 for the Sport model.
Image Credit: PLX Devices
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Multipurpose Watersports Boards
- Developing integrated watersports boards that can support multiple activities can reduce the financial outlay for enthusiasts while also creating new opportunities for the sports industry.
- Modular Electric Surfboarding
- The development of modular electric surfboarding systems is a potentially disruptive innovation opportunity as it can provide new sustainable ways to enjoy the sport while improving performance and accessibility.
- Hydro-foil Surfboarding
- Hydro-foil mechanisms in watersports boards can create new and exciting ways to enjoy water-based activities while providing opportunities for manufacturers to develop new high-performance wings and accessories.
Where This Applies
- Watersports
- The watersports industry can leverage the development of multipurpose and modular boards to attract more customers by providing affordable and flexible options that can appeal to different audiences.
- Electric Motors
- Electric motor manufacturers can explore the use of their motors in watersports industry applications for board and boat propulsion, creating a new market opportunity and competitive advantage.
- Composite Materials
- The development of high-performance wings and accessories for hydro-foil surfboarding in watersports can drive the growth of the composites industry as manufacturers look to provide stronger yet lighter materials for better performance.
