Kai Lenny’s Honest Take on the FLITElab AMP Jet Board

Intuitive Power, Seamless Foiling, and a Glimpse Into the Future

When Kai Lenny steps onto a new piece of foiling equipment for the first time, the feedback matters. As one of the most influential watermen of his generation, Kai’s opinions carry weight—not just because of his skill level, but because of his ability to immediately sense whether a piece of gear genuinely expands what’s possible on the water.

In a recent first-ride session, Kai put the FLITElab AMP Jet board through its paces, offering candid, real-time impressions that revealed why this platform represents a meaningful evolution in powered foiling.

First Impressions: Simple, Smart, and Immediately Comfortable

One of the strongest themes from Kai’s first ride was how natural the AMP Jet board felt right out of the gate. Despite being a powered system, the learning curve was minimal.

Rather than feeling like a complex machine that required constant management, the board delivered an intuitive experience that allowed Kai to focus on foiling—not on controlling technology. He noted that he never felt distracted or concerned about safety, which speaks volumes considering how cautious elite riders are with unfamiliar equipment.

Key first impressions included:

• An intuitive, confidence-inspiring feel
• No sense of danger or awkward handling
• A design that encourages riding, not overthinking

This immediate comfort is critical, especially for riders who want performance without sacrificing flow.

Smart Power Delivery That Disappears on Foil

What stood out most during the session was how intelligently the AMP Jet system manages power. Once Kai rose onto foil, the motor automatically disengaged, allowing the board to behave like a standard foil setup.

This detail fundamentally changes the experience. Instead of feeling like a powered craft throughout the ride, the AMP Jet transitions seamlessly into pure foiling once lift is achieved.

Kai described it as feeling like a normal board once up and flying—an important distinction that separates this system from earlier electric or assisted concepts.

Why this matters:

• The rider stays connected to natural wave energy
• Power assists only when needed
• The foil experience remains clean and surf-like

Weight, Balance, and Swing Feel: Thoughtfully Engineered

While acknowledging that the board does carry additional weight due to the battery system, Kai was quick to point out that it never felt awkward or top-heavy. The weight distribution is carefully positioned over the center of lift, minimizing unwanted swing weight and maintaining balance once on foil.

Rather than feeling like the board was pulling or swaying beneath him, Kai found that the added mass simply felt like riding a slightly heavier board—something his body adapted to quickly.

This balance becomes especially important in carving scenarios, where uneven weight can dramatically affect responsiveness.

Boost Capability: More Than Anyone Could Need

During the session, Kai actively tested the AMP Jet’s boost function, pushing it to the limit to see how much assistance it could provide.

The result was clear: there is far more boost available than a typical session would ever require.

He pointed out that even accessing 40 boosted wave starts in a session would already qualify as an exceptional day. Double that number, and the rider is well beyond what most conditions—or bodies—could realistically handle.

This surplus of power isn’t about excess for its own sake. Instead, it ensures:

• Reliability when conditions are marginal
• Confidence when positioning for bigger or wider peaks
• The ability to extend sessions significantly

Tool for Shallow Water, Big Waves, and New Line Choices

The session took place in relatively shallow conditions, yet even there, Kai could clearly see the potential. The AMP Jet board opens the door to wave selection that would otherwise be inaccessible.

By allowing riders to position themselves wider, earlier, and with precision, the system changes how waves can be approached—especially in reef or down-the-line setups.

Kai specifically referenced the possibility of sitting far outside on large Hawaiian reefs, waiting patiently for waves that would normally be unreachable without a tow or perfect paddle timing.

This isn’t about replacing traditional foiling—it’s about expanding the map.

Foil Feel and Carving Performance

Beyond the power system itself, Kai also commented on the foil’s carving characteristics. The setup felt smooth, fluid, and highly maneuverable, aligning closely with the flowing style seen in his snowboarding and surf-foil footage.

The board encouraged drawn-out arcs and committed turns rather than abrupt, mechanical movements. That kind of feedback is essential for high-level riders who demand precision and expression.

Opening New Realms for Foiling

At its core, Kai’s takeaway was simple but powerful: the FLITElab AMP Jet board isn’t just a gadget—it’s a gateway.

By removing barriers such as positioning, wave-count limitations, and marginal conditions, the board creates opportunities to foil in places and scenarios that were previously off-limits. That philosophy aligns perfectly with the broader evolution of foiling as a sport: constant exploration, efficiency, and creativity.

Key Takeaways

• The AMP Jet board delivers an intuitive, confidence-inspiring first ride
• Smart power management allows the board to feel completely natural once on foil
• Weight is balanced effectively, minimizing swing and preserving carve performance
• Boost capacity far exceeds typical session demands
• The platform enables wider positioning, more waves, and access to new terrain
• High-level foil feel remains intact, even with powered assistance

Final Thoughts

When a rider of Kai Lenny’s caliber steps off a board genuinely impressed after a first session, it’s worth paying attention. The FLITElab AMP Jet board doesn’t aim to replace traditional foiling—it enhances it, extending what’s possible without compromising feel or flow.

As Kai hinted, the real story will unfold when this board sees serious waves in Hawaii. But even from this initial session, one thing is clear: assisted foiling is no longer about novelty. It’s about unlocking new lines, new sessions, and entirely new ways to ride.