Unleashing the Power of Itiwit’s Electric Assist for Stand-Up Paddle and Kayak

Transform your board into an electric assist stand-up paddle: it’s possible with the Itiwit electric assist! Made up of a remote control and a motor unit that attaches to the fin box, this electric assist will give you an extra boost of propulsion to travel further or longer. With its three speeds, the Itiwit electric assist is ideal for people with limited mobility who would like to share a SUP outing in a group, for example, or for more experienced paddlers who want support for upwind or current navigation. To learn more, we spoke with Nicolas Habryn, SUP and kayak product manager, and Yannick Delzenne, product engineer for electric assist at Itiwit.

Hello Nicolas and Yannick, we wanted to talk to you about the Itiwit Electric Assist Stand-Up Paddle and Kayak. In your opinion, what is the benefit of electric assistance? Who is this product for?

Hello TotalSUP. Electric assistance allows the general public to go further on the water, paddle with less effort, or safely return to shore. Electric assistance is truly a way to explore new horizons in SUP or KAYAK. This product is really for all levels of experience. The experience with or without electric assistance is quite different.

In the inset, on the left: Yannick Delzenne; on the right: Nicolas Habryn.

Can you use the electric assist, for example, to go upwind or against the current?

That’s definitely one of the major advantages of electric assistance! Whether it’s wind, current, or simply feeling tired while paddling, the assistance will help you move forward more easily.

How does the synchronization with the remote work? Is it possible to paddle with multiple people nearby using electric assistance?

It’s very easy. Simply pair the assist to the remote by pressing both the + and – buttons for a few seconds. This only needs to be done once, and after that, it will be automatic.
It is completely possible to paddle with several people nearby. You can even install two motors on a single board!

Is there a mobile app to manage the settings of the electric assist?

Yes, indeed, there is an app called “motion core” that allows the user to adjust the speed of the 3 available modes (speed 1 to 3). It also shows the remaining battery life in minutes.

What about safety? Is there a way to cut off the motor if you fall?

Yes, indeed. If you fall into the water, the assistance will turn off within a few meters. When out of the water, there is also a safety feature: the motor won’t engage. And if the motor falls into the water, don’t worry—it floats!

How is the connection of the assist to the board made? Is it compatible with all types of fin boxes?

The connection to the board or kayak is made just like a regular fin, without any tools, and fits into fin boxes.
We have prioritized all slide-in fin boxes. Itiwit products or products from other brands with slide-in fin boxes will be compatible.

Finally, in May, we will offer a USBOX adapter: an adapter that will allow you to use electric assists on all US BOX boards!

What is the power/speed of this electric assist? Is it adjustable?

There are 3 different speed modes. The speed will vary depending on the craft, ranging from 5 to 7 km/h.
Simply put, using the electric assist is like having an extra person helping you paddle.

What about the battery? What is its range? And how long does it take to charge?

It’s a 100Wh battery (you can take it on a plane) that will give you a range of 45 to 120 minutes depending on the mode used. The charge time for this battery is 3 hours.

And in case of battery failure, can you still paddle back despite the motor under the board? Or is it better to have a spare fin and switch the assist for a regular fin?

You can completely paddle normally with the electric assist turned off. Use it only when you really need it. No need for a spare fin!

Finally, what are your tips for maintaining your electric assist?

We recommend rinsing your electric assist after each use. Be sure to disconnect the battery when you’re not using it. For more information, you can find many Q&As on the product page of the assist. See you soon on the water.

Thank you very much Yannick and Nicolas for your answers!

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