Posted on: Friday, May 20, 2005

AROUND TOWN
New motorized 'XBoard' on display this weekend

Advertiser Staff

Submit upcoming events to: Fax 808-525-5491; totalrec@HonoluluAdvertiser.com. Include a contact phone number

Imagine catching a wave without paddling for it.

That's more or less the concept behind the XBoard, a jet-powered watercraft that is like a surfboard with an engine.

"It goes up to 45 miles per hour, so you don't even need waves, actually," said Orville Garcia, president of XBoard of Hawai'i Inc. "Here in Hawai'i, I think something like this could work in either the flat water or the waves."

Garcia described the XBoard's appearance as "a flat jet ski." There is a handle to control the throttle, which only makes balancing on the board easier.

Tony Oliveira of Maui got to test-ride the XBoard at a product demonstration last month. He described it as "super easy."

"I barely surf, so I was a little afraid at first," said Oliveira, 39. "But I was up and riding on the first time. We only rode it in the (flat) water, but I think it would be fun to try it on a wave."

There are state laws restricting motorized personal watercraft from entering populated surf zones.

"That's one of the issues we need to address," Garcia said. "Right now, there's only certain places you can use this."

However, Oliveira said he expects to see XBoards in Hawaiian waters soon.

"I think it'll be a hit," he said. "It's a really fun way to be on the water."

The XBoard runs on gas, and a full tank will last between one and two hours.

According to Garcia, an XBoard with a carbon fiber board will sell for around $8,000; a fiberglass board will be around $7,500. He said the first boards will begin selling in Hawai'i later this summer.

"If there is a downside, it's the price," Oliveira said. "But if you can afford it, I would recommend it."

The XBoard will be on display at the Hawai'i Boat Show and Ocean Expo, tomorrow and Sunday at the Ko Olina Resort and Marina.

For more information, visit xboardhawaii.com.

High school meet set for bodybuilders

The Mr. High School and Ms. High School bodybuilding and physique championships is scheduled for May 27.

The event, presented by Safe & Drug Free Schools and Olomana School, is at 7 p.m. at Keolu Elementary.

There is no entry fee.

For information, call Daniel Suzuki at 266-7866.