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.
害羞草研究所淕rowing 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,害羞草研究所� 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.
害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 very much like surfing or snowboarding, where you are right on the water or snow. But unlike surfing there isn害羞草研究所檛 a sense of urgency to get up to catch a wave害羞草研究所asically the way I teach it is you ride it like an electric boogie board and then get up at your own pace,害羞草研究所� 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害羞草研究所檚 new students.
害羞草研究所淭his is a unique experience that I have only come across here in the Okanagan,害羞草研究所� 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 害羞草研究所渢rying something new.害羞草研究所�
However, it is easy breezy compared to surfing, according to Sloos.
害羞草研究所淲ith 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,害羞草研究所� said Sloos.
Fisher is offering lessons all year long, saying he has surfed every month in the Okanagan except November.
害羞草研究所淚 like to just explore now, it害羞草研究所檚 about exploring new places害羞草研究所xplore the world on the board,害羞草研究所� he said.
Learn more at okesurf.ca.
