There’s a new addition to Friday Harbour Resort.
Ecosurf boards are eco-friendly, electric surfboards that rely on battery power instead of wind and waves.
As such, Ecosurf boards can travel up to 45 kilometres per hour with the click of the speed clip, which is held in hand and attached to the Bluetooth remote that riders wear as a wristband.
Ecosurf Canada branch owner Jessica Hlibchuk, who's a member of the Port Credit Yacht Club and resident of Mississauga, says she has always loved the water, but it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that she realized that she wanted to be involved in a company that allows her to incorporate her love of the water with her professional endeavours.
So when she discovered Onean Sport, a company in Spain that manufactures electric surfboards, she and her business partners in Quebec knew that they found a product Canadians would enjoy.
Eager to celebrate their grand opening at Friday Harbour later this week on Friday, May 26, Hlibchuk says Innisfil's lakeside community is “really a destination in itself,” with its shopping and other amenities.
Ecosurf boards are available for purchase, but with up to an hour of battery life, the three Ecosurf boards available to rent at Friday Harbour accommodate varying weights. Though experienced surfers may opt to do tricks, even beginners at least 16 years of age have the option to glide across the water.
Hlibchuk explained that the Manta is square-shaped and is similar to a paddle board with two speeds that travels up to eight kilometres per hour. As the biggest Ecosurf board they offer, it can carry up to 300 pounds and is the "perfect" board for an adult to ride with a young child (four years old and up) or furry friend.
Hlibchuk said Ecosurf boards are very quiet, and while some Ecosurf riders jump on the board and go, each rental period that can be split among friends includes a lesson on its operation.
“When I go to Innisfil, it feels like home,” Hlibchuk said. “Being such a huge water fanatic, I love Innisfil as it is located on the shores of Lake Simcoe. Innisfil is a great place for outdoor activities like hiking, boating and fishing. It has all the joys of the great outdoors, but close to a big city.”
Residents and guests of Friday Harbour can book their Ecosurf rental online by clicking here. Ecosurf boards will be available at the Ecosurf trailer that’s located on the beach from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, weather dependent. To learn more about Ecosurf, follow them on Instagram.
