In 1929, Belgian artist René Magritte created the surrealist painting "La Trahison des Images" ("The Treachery of Images") depicting a simple yet realistic image of a pipe, accompanied by the caption, "Ceci n'est pas une pipe" ("This is not a pipe").
Magritte's legendary artwork ignited a worldwide debate on the viewer's perception and assumptions.
His point was that the painting is not a pipe itself but merely a representation of a pipe - a picture.
You cannot fill it with tobacco or smoke it; it is simply an image.
René explored the difference between objects and their representations and the always-interesting world of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, and communication.
The thing is, words and images are not the same as the things they represent.
Fast forward nearly 100 years, and LIND is giving a new artful meaning to the original concept of surfboards as we know it.
The company, co-founded in 2021 by Alex Lind and Anders Dellson, is rooted in California and Sweden.
They started working on a product that would enable people to experience "surfing without waves."
Electric surfboards have always been controversial in the surfing world.
Critics and purists argue that they undermine the original essence of wave-riding, which implies nonmotor power and arm paddling-only skills.
However, LIND believes their outcome is not just a surfboard. And it is definitely more than an electric surfboard.
The brand's market segment is luxurious electric surfboards; they're unique water sports equipment that can only be afforded by fortunate individuals.
But we'll talk about the price later. Inspired by Magritte, let's first dissect what we see and what we don't see.
Design and Craftsmanship
LIND boards combine traditional surfboard craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
They are crafted from EPS foam, glassed in epoxy resin, and feature fine details like oak wood tail blocks and stringers.
According to LIND, these high-tech boards integrating state-of-the-art drivetrain technology are inspired by iconic surfboard designs.
At just 15 pounds (7 kilograms), the board alone is easy to carry under one arm, embodying simplicity and portability.
The American-Swedish company is producing two models:
- Shortboard: 6'3" x 20 4/5” x 5 7/10”. Volume: 66 liters;
- Mid-Length: 6'9" x 23 1⁄2” x 5 7/10”. Volume: 88 liters;
The shortboard offers sharp, agile turns and a highly responsive ride, while the mid-length focuses on balance and control and is ideal for calm cruising or wide, fluid turns.
Nevertheless, LIND allows customers to personalize their boards with unique colors, materials, and bespoke designs.
Performance
There's a lot to see inside what you can't see.
The high-powered drivetrain produces 20 kW (27 hp), allowing speeds of up to 37 miles per hour (60 kilometers per hour).
The dual motors spin at 30,000 RPM, twice the speed of a Formula 1 racecar.
Each LIND surfboard boasts an energy density twice that of a Tesla Model S, and its waterjet can empty a standard bathtub in under two seconds.
When it comes to the fundamental autonomy feature, the board offers around 45 minutes of ride time.
The construction aims to respond naturally to the rider's movements, offering a balanced surfing experience without waves.
The wireless remote allows smooth acceleration so surfers can gradually reach their preferred speed.
Battery and Jet Technology
The 192 lithium-ion cells are optimized for weight, energy efficiency, and longevity.
The battery is cooled by an aluminum plate that transfers heat to the water, preventing overheating and maximizing cell life.
It fully charges in one hour with a 230V outlet or two hours with a 120V outlet, which is a plus compared with many other electric water sports equipment.
The jet propulsion system is compact and lightweight, weighing just 22 pounds (10 kilograms), and it achieves a 97 percent energy conversion efficiency.
LIND's battery also includes 48 temperature sensors, four layers of electrical fusing, and automated overheating controls for extra safety.
The jet impeller operates only when submerged to reduce the risk of accidents.
Safety and Durability
When you're speeding at 37 miles per hour (60 kilometers per hour), safety is really a key variable.
Therefore, the board only operates when face-down in water.
The wireless remote control features a radio-based kill switch for added safety.
Real-time individual cell voltage monitoring ensures balance and prevents issues, and multiple levels of protective fusing ensure the battery disconnects safely if overheating occurs.
Its connectors are nickel- and gold-coated for corrosion resistance and watertight sealing.
Modular and Tool-Less Design
The LIND board, battery, and jet are independent components, assembled in just ten seconds without tools.
The overall modular design reduces weight and simplifies maintenance, and the drivetrain fits into a custom backpack for easy transport.
The idea is to allow seamless transitions from storage to water in less than a minute.
You can ride a LIND electric surfboard with or without straps.
Price and Availability
As we've seen above, LIND is not a surfboard. It's a unique water-riding crossover between technology, art, and luxury.
The first models will see the light of day and the feel of water from April 2025.
The starting price is $24,950, excluding VAT.
"Our approach to product design has been to start from the outside in, starting with a surfboard - something organic, natural, and that we all truly respect - and to find a way to seamlessly integrate the boundary-pushing technology required," explains Alex Lind, co-founder of LIND.
Can the arty American-Swedish disruptor find a place in the electric surfboard niche?
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com
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