Czech Republic: Ride the wave of innovation

Czech company, MSR Engines, is captivating the public with the most accessible motorised water sports experience: a powered surfboard called JetSurf. The inspiration came during a seaside vacation when MSR Engine’s founder faced a week of cancelled windsurfing lessons due to poor weather. Frustrated, he envisioned a surfboard that did not rely on wind.

Soon after, MSR Engines partnered with Hi Tech Racing in the United Kingdom and Sterk Technologies in Slovenia in the Eureka project SURFJET to create a self-propelled sea or lakeside recreational innovation. The project addressed multiple engineering challenges simultaneously: designing an optimal board shape, developing a compact high-performance engine and ensuring full protection of all components, especially electronics, against corrosive saltwater environments.

Participation in the Eureka project empowered all partners to expand their production portfolios, boost sales, grow their teams and pioneer new technologies. The administrative process was smooth and supportive, fostering a highly productive collaboration.

Martin Gregor – Research and Development Manager at MSR Engines

JetSurf’s innovation lies in the seamless integration of three advanced technologies: a high-performance custom internal combustion engine, precision control electronics and a lightweight carbon fibre float. Whilst motorised surfboards existed conceptually, this unique combination enabled the creation of a product with no global equivalent.

The compact watercraft reaches speeds of up to 55 kilometres per hour, weighs only 15 kilograms and measures 1.8 metres in length. Its standout feature is unparalleled portability, allowing effortless transport by car, airplane or walking.

This achievement was the result of systematic and coordinated work by the research team, involving designing and developing single parts, assembling them into one unit and conducting thousands of hours of testing and experimentation. Based on findings, design adjustments were made and the entire process was repeated.

The project united seasoned partners from elite motorsports backgrounds. Whilst prior collaborations existed, Eureka and the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports enabled a formalised partnership that harnessed collective expertise to deliver a world class innovation. Eureka’s financial support was instrumental in accelerating JetSurf’s development. Amidst the 2008 global economic downturn, the pivotal subsidy ensured uninterrupted research and development, enabling the product’s timely launch and market success.

MSR Engines began mass production of JetSurf in 2012 and soon became a global leader in motorised water sports. The Czech company pioneered motor surfing, earned international acclaim and created 70 jobs. Revenue surged from 500,000 to 10 million euro within five years, transforming the company and cementing its reputation as an innovator in water-based recreational technology. The product’s high added value fuelled further research and development initiatives, including multiple Eureka projects and the construction of a new production facility.

JetSurf’s launch gave rise to a new global sports industry with a vibrant community of enthusiasts for motor surfing and even a MotoSurf World Championship series. Ecologically, surfboards represent the most sustainable motorised water sports option, with minimal fuel consumption and emissions.