Surfing has traditionally required two things: a buff body and waves. Well, not any more. Thanks to the wonder of technology, a new generation of electric surfboards are set to allow lazy adrenaline junkies to catch a barrel wave – without having to catch their breath.

Simply squeeze the handheld trigger and manoeuvre your electric surfboard into position. You can then catch a wave, outrun a shark*, and glide back to shore without breaking a sweat. Not keen on saltwater? Why not skim down a river, or up a creek (without a paddle, obvs). 

The first ever Electric Surfboard Festival, featuring e-surfing races, recently kicked off in Spain, and even though the sport’s barely been invented, corporate sponsors such as E.ON  – who also sponsor Formula E  – are already throwing money at e-surfing’s rising stars.

Sadly, electric surfboards are insanely-expensive, with prices starting around £4,000. But activity centres here in the UK, who already offer the option to rent petrol-powered surfboards, are planning to rent out the electric models as soon as they can get hold of them.

Can’t wait to cross cutting-edge tech with surfing? Here are three game-changing electric surfboards due to hit the beach this Summer…

Awake Rävik Electric Surfboard

This electric surfboard is designed for speed. It’s capable of leaving other electric surfboards in its wake thanks to a direct driver powertrain that propels it to an impressive 35mph (in just four seconds). Given that you’re essentially balanced on a carbon fibre tea tray, that should be more than enough to get your adrenaline pumping. The other game-changing aspect is the battery, which can be swapped out. Each one offers 40 minutes run time and takes just 80 minutes to recharge. It’s pricey, though. For £20K, you could buy an ordinary surfboard, a Mini Cooper, and a tow rope…

£20,000 (Pre-order now for delivery Sept 2018)

Onean Carver X Electric Surfboard

Onean sells a range of three electric surfboards, including the super-stable Matra for long trips (surfing up the Amazon is set to be one of 2019’s hottest adventure travel trends). But if it’s thrills you’re after, opt for the zippy Carver X, which has a top speed of 19mph. It’s one of the few electric surfboards designed to take those of us who are carrying a bit of timber (up to 100kg). You can adjust the thrust to suit your skill level, while the removable battery lasts 40 mins and takes 2.5 hours to charge. Here’s the impressive bit: it costs a mere £7,600. That’s considered ‘affordable’ for one of these cutting-edge beauties.

£7,600 (Limited number on sale Sept 2018)

Lampuga Air Electric Surfboard

The coolest thing about this German-designed electric surfboard? It’s inflatable. That means you won’t have to buy a roof rack or a VW Camper in order to transport it around . Simply blow it up when you arrive at the water’s edge, then break it down when the sun sinks. Top speed is an impressive 31mph, while the battery lasts 45 minutes per charge. There’s even a banana yellow model aimed at lifeguards who want to do the whole Baywatch thing. Lampuga is currently showcasing its 2018 model on a European tour, but you’ll be able to place your order any day now.

£9,900

*Do not try to outrun a shark on an electric surfboard. Please. Thank you.

Watch the video below to find out more about the rise of e-surfing and why it’s set to become the next big extreme sport. Or, if flying’s more your thing, check out this amazing hoverboard.