Swedish electric surfboard manufacturer Awake Boards is aiming to pioneer an entirely new category of watercraft with the introduction of the Awake NAVI. Described as an “electric foiler,” the NAVI bridges the gap between a jet ski, an eFoil, and an inflatable catamaran.
Unlike traditional personal watercraft that fight surface drag and chop, the NAVI utilizes a submerged hydrofoil wing assembly that generates lift as it gains speed. Once engaged, the entire carbon composite hull rises completely out of the water, dramatically eliminating friction and wave slap. The result is a near-silent, vibration-free “hovering” sensation that mimics a low-altitude flight across the water.
Designed in collaboration with the renowned Mannerfelt Design Team, the NAVI addresses the steep learning curve traditionally associated with stand-up eFoils by offering a highly approachable, seated design with motorcycle-style ergonomics. To enhance versatility and ease of use, it features a modular hull configuration with detachable inflatable pontoons. Beginners or couples can ride with maximum stability, and as skills progress, the tubes can be stripped away for a leaner, more agile solo experience.
Key Technical Specs & Features
- The “Foiler” Classification: An entirely new category of watercraft that is neither a boat, a traditional jet ski, nor a stand-up surfboard. It uses electric propulsion combined with a submerged foil to lift the hull entirely clear of the water.
- Premium Construction: The hull and body are engineered using lightweight, highly rigid carbon fiber-reinforced composites to ensure optimal hydrofoils-up stability and efficiency.
- Modular Riding Modes:
- Adventure Mode: Features detachable, inflatable pontoon tubes on the sides for maximum stability and buoyancy, allowing for a passenger.
- Sport Mode: Pontoons are removed to strip the craft down to an agile, nimble, solo-riding profile.
- Ergonomics & Controls: Utilizes a familiar handlebar system equipped with a motorcycle-style twist throttle, a built-in digital display running Awake’s proprietary user interface, a reverse gear, and a magnetic safety kill switch.
- Propulsion System: Driven by a shielded Linear Jet System and electric motor that delivers instant torque while remaining completely safe around swimmers. It cruises at a speed of around 35 km/h.
- Weight Capacity: Supports up to 250 kg (approx. 550 lbs) in dual-rider Adventure Mode, and up to 120 kg (approx. 265 lbs) in solo Sport Mode.
- Battery & Range: Fully integrated into Awake’s existing ecosystem, utilizing dual slots for the Flex Battery XR4 packs (compatible with their RÄVIK and VINGA series). It offers an impressive ride time of up to 3 hours with XR4 batteries (or 1.5 hours with lighter LR4 packs).
- Portability: Features a retractable “flex mast” making shallow-water handling and launching much safer. The modular craft is designed to break down into separate components so it can be transported in the trunk of a large car.
- Pricing & Availability: Aimed squarely at the luxury watercraft and superyacht market, the NAVI is priced at €39,990 (approx. $46,500 USD) excluding VAT and shipping. Pre-orders are active, with official customer deliveries slated to begin in August 2026.
The industry reception highlights the Awake NAVI as a much-needed bridge for a broader luxury market. While Awake’s existing lineup of high-end electric surfboards and stand-up eFoils cater to seasoned thrill-seekers, they demand steep learning curves—often requiring several hours of physical frustration before a rider can successfully balance and sustain flight.
The NAVI completely sidesteps this barrier. By adapting the tech into a seated, motorcycle-inspired configuration, Awake has democratized the therapeutic, frictionless sensation of hydrofoiling. It allows casual luxury watercraft users, superyacht guests, and couples to experience effortless flight across the water right from their very first try.
Industry analysis emphasizes that the NAVI isn’t competing with the raw speed or aggressive agility of gas-powered jet skis. Instead, it positions itself as a mature, eco-conscious alternative that prioritizes supreme comfort, zero emissions, and near-silent operation over brute force. This makes it an ideal fit for modern yacht owners who prefer serene, conversational coasting over choppy wave slamming, or those operating in regions with strict noise and pollution restrictions.
- Overcoming the “Tippy” Learning Curve: Traditional stand-up eFoils have a reputation for being unstable and difficult to master. The NAVI’s seated design removes the risk of constant tipping, offering a stable entry point into the sport of foiling.
- The “Magic Carpet” Feel: Reviewers and early testers note that once the hull lifts out of the water, the lack of drag produces an incredibly smooth, fluid ride. It removes the standard wave-slamming vibrations of a jet ski, replacing it with a therapeutic “hovering” sensation.
- Expanding Market Appeal: By offering side-by-side or tandem capabilities via the inflatable tubes, it transitions from a niche solo action-sports toy into a shared lifestyle vehicle. It is explicitly targeting a more mature luxury buyer rather than just adrenaline-focused surf communities.
- Quiet Luxury for Superyachts: Its shielded Linear Jet propulsion operates quietly, fitting into the “quiet luxury” trend. It lets riders glide past beaches, shorelines, or anchored yachts without creating noise pollution or disruptive wakes.
- Mature Tech Ecosystem: Because the NAVI natively utilizes Awake’s established Flex Battery XR4 system, existing Awake owners can hot-swap packs seamlessly across their gear ecosystem. This adds immediate practical value and reduces additional hardware bloat.
- Trade-off of Agility for Endurance: While it trades some of the tight, aggressive carving maneuvers of a stand-up eFoil board, it compensates with a staggering three-hour battery runtime—an impressive feat of endurance for a watercraft carrying up to two passengers.
Visit Awake Boards website for more information
