When you think of electric watersports, what usually comes to mind are electric surfboards or jetboards. But Awake Boards has gone one step further – unveiling the NAVI, an entirely new type of watercraft that isn’t a board, a jetski, or a boat, but something entirely different.
A New Category: The Foiler
At its core, the NAVI is an electric hydrofoil watercraft designed to glide above the surface of the water. Instead of battling through waves and spray like traditional watercraft, the NAVI uses a submerged foil to lift its hull and dramatically reduce drag. This means smoother, quieter motion with minimal resistance – a ride that feels more like floating than powering through water.
Awake describes the experience as effortless and fluid: once the foil engages, friction drops and the craft essentially “hovers” above the water, propelled by instant electric torque. The result is a ride that’s both efficient and serene – a stark contrast to the noise and vibration of gasoline-powered jetskis.
Design and Functionality
The NAVI was developed in collaboration with the Mannerfelt Design Team, known for elegant engineering and performance design. Its lightweight carbon composite hull prioritises stability while foiling, and a retractable flex mast makes it easier to transport and launch in shallow water.
Control is intuitive: a motorcycle-style twist throttle, built-in display and reverse gear give riders familiarity, while Awake’s own interface aims to keep things simple even for first-timers.
Unlike standard eFoils or boards, the NAVI is designed for versatility. With detachable inflatable tubes, it can carry two riders; remove them and it becomes a solo glider focused more on efficiency and experience than sheer power.
Performance and Specs
The NAVI’s strength lies not in blistering top speeds but in endurance and ride quality. With two of Awake’s high-capacity XR4 batteries installed, the craft can deliver up to three hours of riding time – impressive for hydrofoiling watercraft. With lighter LR4 batteries, expect about 1.5 hours of use.
Load capacity reaches up to 250 kg (about 550 lb) with tubes attached, making two-person operation feasible; without tubes, the solo mode supports around 120 kg.
Availability and Pricing
Awake has priced the NAVI at €39,990 (approximately $46,500) before taxes and shipping. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in August 2026, placing it firmly in the luxury watercraft category rather than the consumer toy segment.
Why the NAVI Matters
The NAVI represents more than just a new product – it signals an evolution in electric watersports. While electric surfboards and eFoils have opened the door to cleaner, quieter water fun, the NAVI pushes that concept into a new direction: a seated, foiling craft that blends comfort, performance and sustainability.
It may not replace jet skis for adrenaline junkies, but for those who value smooth, efficient ride dynamics and cutting-edge technology, the NAVI offers a glimpse of what the next generation of watercraft could look like.
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Some images in this article are generated and used for illustrative purposes only.
