Safety information

2.1 General safety precautions

2.1.1 Limitation on who may operate an Awake RÄVIK :

Awake recommends a minimum operator age of 16 years old.
An adult shall always be present and supervise anyone younger than 18.
A boating safety course is strongly encouraged before using the Awake RÄVIK.
Never more than one person riding the RÄVIK at any time

2.1.2 Never use the Awake RÄVIK when:

Under the influence of alcohol.
Under the influence of any drugs, including prescription medication, which may impair your ability to operate machinery.
Under the minimum age required by the local authority to operate a personal water craft (PWC).
Using a pacemaker.
Pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant.
Physically or mentally impaired.
Recovering from the head, neck, or spinal injury.
Under 16 (sixteen) years, without an adult present and with adequate knowledge of the RÄVIK and that also has read this manual first.
Under the treatment of a disease and when you have been diagnosed with a physical or mental disorder.
More than one person is on the board.
When in a narrow canal, pool or in a pond.
If owner is not covered by health insurance.
If rider/owner is unfamiliar with navigational rules and regulations.
In swimming areas or anywhere there is insufficient space for manoeuvring.
In near proximity of other people located in or near the water.
If not equipped with a coast guard approved Life Vest.
Without wearing a full-face helmet.

Even when others operate the Awake RÄVIK the owner is generally responsible for damages or injuries that may occur. The owner of Awake RÄVIK must not allow any third party to operate the Awake RÄVIK without first informing of the correct use according to this manual and risks involved in operating the Awake RÄVIK.

2.1.3 Equipment and Clothing

Always wear a Personal Floatation Device approved for use with personal electric surfboard by your local maritime authority when operating the Awake RÄVIK.

A personal flotation device (PFD; also referred to as a life jacket, life preserver, life belt, Mae West, life vest, life saver, cork jacket, buoyancy aid or flotation suit) is a piece of equipment designed to assist a wearer to keep afloat in water. The wearer may be either conscious or unconscious.

Awake recommends the use of at least class II PFD, which will self-right the rider if unconscious, clearing the airway and thus mitigating the risk of drowning.

It is critical that the PFD fits the user properly.

If you plan on sharing your Awake RÄVIK with your family and friends or rent to customers, it is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that any and all persons riding are equipped with an appropriate and suitable PFD’s and fully informed of proper usage and risk involved. PFD requirements may vary depending on your location.

Always wear a helmet when operating the Awake RÄVIK. Always use helmets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Awake recommends the use of a full-face helmet, which offers additional protection to the user’s face. The use of a helmet may introduce additional safety hazards in some circumstances.

“Bucketing” can occur during a fall as water can be caught in the helmet creating the drag, which may result in a severe neck injury, choking and death. The use of a helmet may also limit peripheral
vision, resulting in reduced situational awareness. The rider should be aware of both the benefits and risks involved with using a helmet and make his or her own assessment.

Wear close-fitting clothing. Any straps or protrusions from the body must be secured, including hair longer than shoulder length. Long hair may be secured by a bathing cap or a hairnet worn underneath the helmet. A hair knot or similar securing method is not adequate as it may come undone. Articles such as items attached to your body may become entangled in the driveline resulting in serious injury, drowning, and death.

Wear protective clothing such as a wetsuit. Water may be forced into body cavities during a high-speed fall or when in close proximity to the jet nozzle, resulting in serious internal injury. High-speed impact with water may also cause injury.

The use of a wetsuit is recommended when riding the Awake RÄVIK. The type and thickness of the wetsuit should be determined by water temperature conditions in your location. A wetsuit will help regulate body temperature in colder conditions and will also offer the rider some protection from cuts, scrapes, and friction burns when riding the board. Footwear, gloves, and goggles are also recommended.

The PKL should always be securely attached to the rider, preferably to the life west, at all times when operating the RÄVIK (see “attaching the PKL” section for more detail). In case of falling off the board the engine will turn off. Note! Speed and weight will cause the board to continue moving, up 30 meters after a power stop when riding.

Be aware that there is a possibility of getting entangled in the PKL.

2.1.4 Riding Safely Underway

Always keep in mind that when no power is being applied via the Flex HC, less directional control is available. To turn the board, both steering and some speed is necessary. Do not release the Flex HC when trying to steer away from objects. You need Flex HC and some speed to steer.

Never ride without the proper use of the PKL and magnet. When the Awake RÄVIK is in use the leash must be fitted securely to the operator at all times. The PKL serves to cut all power and bring the craft to a halt should the operator fall off and should be safely and securely attached to the user’s clothing or life vest before placing the PKL on the board. If the rider is separated from the board while moving at speed, the craft may continue to move forward for up to 30.

Exercise extreme caution when riding, there is no way of controlling the board once separated from the rider.

Failure to operate the craft with a safe margin may result in injury, death and/or material damage to property.

While your electric surfboard has the capacity of operating at high speeds, it’s only recommended to do so when conditions are ideal and without exceeding the permitted limit. High speed operation requires a higher skill level and poses an increased risk of severe injuries.

Only ride in sheltered waters. Never ride in strong currents, heavy swell or other conditions that may be beyond your abilities. Never ride in shallow areas or where the underwater terrain is unknown.

The use of this personal electric surfboard may attract predatory wildlife. Be aware of your environment.

Always be aware of the Flex BP and Flex HC’s charge level. Ensure you have enough charge remaining to bring you safely back to shore.

Riders are not afforded any special rights while operating the Awake RÄVIK. All riders are responsible for complying with any and all local legislation concerning the use of the craft: maritime law, wildlife protection acts and more. The relevant local regulations vary depending on the user’s location.

2.1.5 Always ride with precaution and never:

Never ride without the attention of other people. Always make sure that aid is available in case of an emergency
Never ride at night or in low visibility conditions. These conditions increase the risk of collision with other vessels, objects or terrain.
Never attempt to be dragged or tow another person directly behind the jet. Items and debris could be accelerated at high speeds from the jet, potentially causing severe injury or death.
Never ride the board over planning speed (over 10 km/h) when riding closer than 50 meters from the shoreline
Never ride the board at planning speed (over 10 km/h) when being closer than 50 meters from swimmers, divers or other people located in or near the water.
Never ride the boards close to commercial ferries routes or waterways/sea-ways where other boats are travelling.
Never ride your board in areas where there are boats traveling in close proximity.
Never ride the board closer than 100 meters away from a traveling boat.

2.2 Specific Safety Precautions

2.2.1 Board & Driveline Safety

Never place body parts or objects in close vicinity to the driveline while the Flex BP is connected to the board. Never attempt to service the product in the water; only in a dry environment.
Never connect or remove the Flex BP when the board is in the water or when there is water within 10 feet or there is water or moist on the board power-connector or Flex BP connector.
Avoid any and all debris in the water when in operation such as seaweed or rocks. Objects are likely to be sucked into the jet and may cause damage to the system or be ejected at high speed from the rear of the jet, potentially causing damage to property or injuries.
Never remove the front cover when the Flex BP is connected to the board. The cover protects high voltage electrical components, which if damaged or tampered with may present a risk of electric shock and fire.
Never attempt to dislodge debris from the jet when the PKL is attached to the Flex BP.

2.3 Flex BP, Flex Charger, PKL / CPK

2.3.1 Handling of the BP

Never attempt to open the outer Flex BP enclosure.
Tampering with the Flex BP will void all warranties.
Do not drop or induce shock of any kind to the Flex BP.
Never remove Flex BP from the board while in use or in the water.
Never connect or disconnect the Flex BP from the board with the PKL / CPK still connected
Never connect or disconnect the Flex BP from the charger with the PKL / CPK still connected
Never submerge in the water while detached from the board.
Never loosen or remove the ventilation plugs on the exterior of the board, doing so may allow water ingress into the Flex BP and result in damage possibly resulting in injury.
Never short circuit the Flex BP. Always take precautions to ensure that the conductive cable plugs do not come into contact with each other. This may happen through other bodies of conductive material, such as water or metals. A short circuit may cause irreparable damage to the Awake RÄVIK electrical system.
Never submerge the Flex BP when it is disconnected from the board, as this may short circuit the cable plugs. Never short circuit the plugs with your hands or any other body parts, as this may cause serious damage and injury to both the user and the Awake RÄVIK.
Never open the Flex BP housing. Protect the Flex BP against mechanical damages.
Use this Flex BP only for powering an approved product of Awake according to the manual. Do not dispose of this lithium-ion battery. Such batteries must be handed over to specialized facilities for recycling or disposal.
Do not subject to impact, shock or physical damage.
Always charge the Flex BP under the supervision of an adult and on a fire-resistant surface.
Always charge and store the Flex BP in a cool area (under 30°C / 86°F)
Always make sure the Flex BP is placed on a flat surface while charging so that the bottom of the Flex BP will be able to transfer heat from the Flex BP.

2.3.2 Storage of the Flex BP

Do not store Flex BP in direct sunlight.
Keep the Flex BP away from fire or glow, the Flex BP may explode if disposed of in fire.
Keep at least 50 cm away from pacemakers
Keep at least 50 cm away from magnetic cards (e.g. credit cards) and other pacemaker sensitive magnetic information media
Do not expose to fire or temperatures above 56°C / 133°F.
Do not leave this Flex BP unattended while charging. In case of inadvertent contact with the electrolyte discharged from the Flex BP (e.g. contact with the skin or eyes). immediately rinse the affected areas with copious amounts of water. Seek medical attention immediately.

2.3.3 In case of incidents – Flex BP

In case of damage to the Flex BP housing: Stop using the Flex BP and stop recharging the Flex BP. Fire hazard!

In case of electrolyte leakage from the damaged Flex BP: avoid contact with the skin and direct inhalation of the gases.
Never short-circuit the Flex BP.
Charge the Flex BP only at ambient temperatures around 22°C / 71.6F
If there are any continuous red lights or any lights other than the usual lights on the Flex BP LEDs - DO NOT CHARGE or use the BP in the board. Place it as soon as possible in a cool and fire-safe area as it may have internal damage and therefore be dangerous and risk starting a fire or smoke. Call +4687777270 and send an e-mail to support@awakeboards.com directly for service support.
If the BP has been dropped or there is any visible damage to the Flex BP - DO NOT CHARGE or use the Flex BP in the board. Place it as soon as possible in a cool and fire-safe area as it may have internal damage and therefore be dangerous and risk starting a fire or smoke. Call +4687777270 and send an e-mail to support@awakeboards.com directly for service support.
Always charge and store the Flex BP in a cool area (under 30°C / 86°F)
Always make sure the Flex BP is placed on a flat surface while charging so that the bottom of the Flex BP will be able to transfer heat away from the Flex BP.
Always make sure you have at least one ABC or BC Dry chemical fire extinguisher between 5 and 15 meters away from the Flex BP any time you store it or charge it to be able to put out any smoke or fire.
Never store or charge the batteries in an area with flammable liquids or other flammable material nearby.
In the unlikely event that your lithium Flex BP catches fire try to position it such that it causes the least possible damage.
Water cannot extinguish a lithium fire - if possible, extinguish the fire withsand.

2.3.4 Charger Safety

Never open the charger.
Never drop or submit charger to other shocks.
Never short circuit charger.
Never store or use the charger in sunlight or other hot environments.
Never attempt any maintenance or repair by yourself.
Never obstruct airflow to the ventilation cover when in use.
Never use if cables and/or connectors are damaged.
Never use it when connectors are wet or dirty.
Allow time to cool off after charging before handling or storage as the charger heats up.
Never use charger for any other purposes than to charge an Awake Flex BP.

2.3.5 PKL AND CPK

The PKL / CPK may affect the operation of pacemakers, therefore keep the PKL / CPK away from pacemakers (at least 50 cm /20 in).
The PKL / CPK may affect electronic and magnetic instruments (e.g. compass).
Keep the Flex HC and the PKL / CPK apart (don’t store/keep in close proximity of each other. The Flex HC has magnetic components that can be compromised by the PKL / CPK.
Be careful with the PKL, as it could get entangled to your body or around your neck, potentially strangling you or someone else, resulting in injury or death.
Make sure that the CPK is properly installed before use and only attempt to lift the BP using the handle when attached to the associated plate.
Be aware of the risks when using the CPK. As it is not attached to the rider, the board system will not automatically deactivate if the rider falls off the board.

2.3.6 Environment and disposal of Flex BPs, Flex Chargers, PKLs etc.

Contact Awake or one of Awake ́s Service Center for instructions on how to dispose of the damaged Flex BP.
The Flex BP must not be disposed of by incineration, landfilling, or mixing with household waste. Improper disposal of the Flex BP may result in the Flex BP heating up, rupturing or igniting which may cause serious personal injury, and will directly result in harming the environment.
The substances contained inside the Flex BP present chemical risks to the environment. The recommended disposal for any RÄVIK at its end-of- life is to dispose of the entire unit at or through an e-waste recycling center, program, or facility.
Local regulations and laws pertaining to the recycling and disposal of lithium ion batteries and/or products containing them will vary according to country, state, and local governments. You must check laws and regulations corresponding to where you live in order to dispose of the Flex BP and/or unit properly. It is the user’s responsibility to dispose of their waste equipment properly in accordance with local regulations and laws.
For additional information about where to drop off your Flex BPs and electrical or electronic waste, please contact your local waste management office or household waste disposal service.

2.4 Critical user procedures