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Surf on down to 㽶Ƶֱelectric㽶Ƶֱ avenue in the Okanagan

Ryan Fisher launches his electric surfing company

A dream of surfing in the Okanagan has come true for one Kelowna man.

Three years ago, Ryan Fisher purchased an electric surfboard with the goal of skimming along the waters of Okanagan Lake.

After many crashes and splashes, Fisher finally conquered the surf and considered himself proficient at the electric board.

㽶ƵֱGrowing up in the Okanagan surfing, surf culture was always something I thought was the coolest thing on earth. But not being able to do that, that was a market that needed to be started,㽶Ƶֱ said Fisher.

This past summer, Fisher started OK E-Surf and is teaching those who are curious how to ride the waters of the Okanagan. The electric surfboard is run on a lithium-ion battery, the same as a Tesla, and runs through jet propulsion like a sea-doo or a jet ski.

㽶ƵֱIt㽶Ƶֱs very much like surfing or snowboarding, where you are right on the water or snow. But unlike surfing there isn㽶Ƶֱt a sense of urgency to get up to catch a wave㽶Ƶֱbasically the way I teach it is you ride it like an electric boogie board and then get up at your own pace,㽶Ƶֱ explained Fisher.

Depending on weight and speed, the board lasts for about an hour. The board propels forward with a remote button and the rider is leashed to the device.

Derek Sloos, an avid surfer who has ridden waves at home and abroad, is also one of Fisher㽶Ƶֱs new students.

㽶ƵֱThis is a unique experience that I have only come across here in the Okanagan,㽶Ƶֱ said Sloos.

While he said the one-and-a-half-hour lesson was fun, it was a bit challenging and tiring by the end just due to 㽶Ƶֱtrying something new.㽶Ƶֱ

However, it is easy breezy compared to surfing, according to Sloos.

㽶ƵֱWith surfing, there is a wave approaching and there is timing involved and force of nature. But, with this it gives you more time and opportunity to get up at your own pace,㽶Ƶֱ said Sloos.

Fisher is offering lessons all year long, saying he has surfed every month in the Okanagan except November.

㽶ƵֱI like to just explore now, it㽶Ƶֱs about exploring new places㽶Ƶֱexplore the world on the board,㽶Ƶֱ he said.

Learn more at okesurf.ca.

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Ryan Fisher on an electric surfboard. (Contributed)


Jen Zielinski

About the Author: Jen Zielinski

I am a broadcast journalism graduate from BCIT and hold a bachelor of arts degree in political science and sociology from Thompson Rivers University. I enjoy volunteering with local organizations, such as the Okanagan Humane Society.
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