Jet Surfboards in Hanoi Cost Up to VND 160 Million
Water sports enthusiasts are riding jet surfboards on Hanoi’s Red River. A dealer says the boards cost about VND 120 million to VND 160 million each, and a local club has about 50 members. Some tourism operators also buy the boards in batches, but the cost and training requirements keep the sport a niche activity.
On Hanoi’s Red River, jet surfboards have attracted a group of water sports enthusiasts. Lương Thành Thiện, an equipment dealer and head of the Capital Surfing Club, said the boards cost about VND 120 million to VND 160 million each, depending on the model. The club currently has about 50 members, most of whom own a board.
The Capital Surfing Club has about 50 water sports enthusiasts.（VietVance）
The surfboard has an engine built into its body and can travel across the water without a towboat, reaching speeds of up to 60 km/h. Its carbon fiber body weighs about 25 kg. Before each training session, riders need to refuel and check the equipment. High speed turns and complex maneuvers also require balance and handling experience, along with protective gear such as a life jacket.
Before training, riders refuel and check their surfboards.（VietVance）
Club member Hà Huy Quỳnh said he spent VND 130 million on a surfboard. After three months of practice, he can operate it independently and trains on the Red River every week. Beyond the board itself, individual riders must also cover the costs of clothing, maintenance and the facilities needed for training.
Lương Thành Thiện said the surfboards he distributes are sold in provinces and cities across Vietnam for tourism operators to offer riding experiences. These operators typically order five to seven boards at a time. Demand from individual buyers rises in summer and during the travel season. The high purchase cost, along with the need for suitable training locations and technical skills, means the sport remains a niche market.
Jet surfboards cost hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong, a substantial expense for individual riders.（VietVance）
Source: VietVance
