Interview: Sebastjan Sitar, Founder of SipaBoards with Ivo Boscarol.

In just a decade, SipaBoards has rocketed from a bold family startup to a globally recognized innovator in electric paddleboarding. With groundbreaking technology, a pioneering spirit, and a loyal community behind it, the company has redefined how people move on water. In this conversation, we sit down with founder Sebastjan Sitar to reflect on the journey so far—and to look ahead. He’s joined by visionary entrepreneur, investor, and co-owner Ivo Boscarol, who shares his perspective on the future of water mobility and innovation at scale.

Sebastjan Sitar & Ivo Boscarol

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P2S: To start things off, what is SipaBoards? Can you give us a quick backstory on how it all began?

Sebastjan Sitar:
SipaBoards is the world’s first electric, self-inflating stand-up paddleboard—born out of a paddling experience gone wrong and built with a mission to make paddling easier, safer, and more accessible. We launched the idea in 2015, as a family of outdoor enthusiasts who were frustrated by how difficult it was to paddle against the wind or current, and how cumbersome traditional boards were to carry and inflate. However, what started as a passion project quickly evolved into a pioneering company, combining our proud Slovenian innovation with global ambition.

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P2S: What inspired the idea of an electric stand-up paddleboard?

Sebastjan Sitar:
It was a mix of personal frustration and creative engineering. I remember struggling with my wife and daughters on the boards—fighting the wind, exhausted. That’s when it hit me: if e-bikes can help people ride farther, why not create something similar for water? The concept grew from that moment. We didn’t want to replace paddling, just enhance it—give people confidence to explore further, stay out longer, and enjoy the ride.

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P2S: You launched the product back in the mid-2010s – what were some of the biggest hurdles you faced early on?

Sebastjan Sitar:
It definitely took time. Back then, people were skeptical—”Why would you need a motor on a paddleboard?” But we kept at it, educating the market, showing how the motor isn’t a gimmick—it’s a tool. From technical challenges—like waterproofing electronics and optimizing motor placement—to convincing investors and first-time users, every step was a first. But we had belief—and a strong family team around us. That kept us going.

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P2S: What do you believe sets SipaBoards apart from other stand-up paddleboards on the market—electric or otherwise?

Sebastjan Sitar:
Above all, it’s the team and the technical expertise. SipaBoards are not just toys with a battery—they’re engineered solutions, born from a real need, and perfected over years. Each board features a built-in electric motor that offers speeds of up to 7 km/h, a fully integrated compressor that inflates the board in around 5 minutes, and a powerful LED safety light for visibility in low light conditions. Even more impressively, everything is controlled wirelessly via the paddle—allowing the rider to manage speed and direction intuitively.

We are financially strong and integrate aviation-grade expertise into our electric propulsion systems—knowledge developed over 30 years at Pipistrel by Ivo Boscarol, a pioneer of electric aviation. From the outset, he has been both a mentor and a passionate supporter of our mission. After certifying the world’s first electric aircraft for commercial passenger transport and selling the majority stake in Pipistrel, he joined our team. With his expertise, experience, and capital, he has given us a decisive edge over the competition.

We believe that, much like Pipistrel, SipaBoards has the potential to grow from a family-run business into a multi-hundred-million-dollar global company within just a few years. I’m proud to say that we have Ivo here with the team—not only as a visionary, but also as an investor and co-owner of SipaBoards. And with that, I’ll let him answer this question himself.

Ivo Boscarol:
Just like in aviation, my motto for paddleboards remains the same: “Anyone can be second, but there’s only one first.” That’s why SipaBoards deliberately and uncompromisingly produces only technically advanced SUP boards. Our commitment to innovation, quality, and safety is evident from the very first glance. And the deeper you dive into the technology, the clearer it becomes why these boards lead in range, speed, autonomy, and ease of use. Nothing else comes close.

This is also thanks to Sebastjan, who has built a strong team at SipaBoards around traditional values—respect for employees, loyalty, responsibility, honesty, and solidarity. These qualities may be rare in today’s industry, but they are essential for long-term success.

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P2S: Some people might initially dismiss e-SUPs as unnecessary. Was your intention always to offer assistance, rather than replacing the paddleboarding experience?

Sebastjan Sitar:
Absolutely. We’ve never seen ourselves as trying to replace anything. This is still paddleboarding—it’s just better. You still paddle, still balance, still explore. But when you need help—wind picks up, your kid is on board, or you want to reach a hidden cove—the motor’s there for you. We’re building confidence and access, not shortcuts.

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“In everyday life, it’s like having an e-bike: no need to be an athlete. You want to decompress after work, paddle with your dog, go further with less worry—SipaBoards electric SUPs make that possible.”
— Sebastjan Sitar, SipaBoards

P2S: Who are your main users? Is it just tech-savvy adventurers, or are you seeing interest from other groups?

Sebastjan Sitar:
That’s the beauty of it—our users are incredibly diverse. Rentals are clearly an important use case. We have adventurers and yacht owners, but also families, seniors, and adaptive paddlers. We’ve seen people with limited mobility use SipaBoards to get back on the water. That’s deeply meaningful. We like to say: if you love the water, SipaBoards are for you.

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P2S: You just mentioned rentals—why is this such an important segment for SipaBoards?

Sebastjan Sitar:
Rentals are one of our fastest-growing segments—and with good reason. With SipaBoards, rental operators can extend their daily rental window significantly. The motor assistance allows even inexperienced paddlers to go farther and stay out longer, which means higher satisfaction and more return customers.

We’ve equipped our boards with integrated GPS tracking, onboard software, and remote diagnostics. This means rental stations can monitor usage in real-time, track each board’s location, and access detailed data on ride time, battery levels, and motor usage. It also helps prevent loss or theft—boards can be disabled remotely if needed. For operators, that translates into more control, better customer safety, easier fleet management, and ultimately, higher profitability. It’s plug-and-play innovation, built for business.

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P2S: Are there different motor or power configurations available depending on user needs?

Sebastjan Sitar:
We’ve developed a range of models tailored to everyone from first-time paddlers to experienced explorers. The motor output can be consistent across models, but each board differs in shape, energy efficiency, and handling.

• Neo is designed for easy cruising
• Allrounder for balanced performance
• Tourer for longer and faster rides
• Alpha One Electric is our most versatile allrounder yet—combining stability, power, and compact design, suitable for everyone from first-time paddlers to seasoned explorers.

And of course, we keep refining the technology—our latest propeller is the most efficient we’ve ever made.

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P2S: SipaBoards are often seen on yachts. How do you see your product being used by everyday paddlers?

Sebastjan Sitar:
Yachts are just one part of our story. We also work with rental stations, resorts, and outdoor schools—anywhere people want to get on the water with ease. We have developed an ecosystem of tools and gear for professional fleet operators. From charging stations to rental software—like with the boards, we try to create an experience for business partners, too.

In everyday life, it’s like having an e-bike: no need to be an athlete. You want to decompress after work, paddle with your dog, go further with less worry—SipaBoards electric SUPs make that possible.

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P2S: Are there plans to expand into other watercraft categories?

Ivo Boscarol:
Today, entrepreneurship in a globally competitive environment is much like being at war—if you stop, you’re finished. That’s why, alongside growing our sales, we are significantly expanding our R&D department. We’re developing specialized boards and tailored solutions for demanding customers, exploring new use cases and purposes that, until recently, paddleboards weren’t even imagined for.

We’re always thinking one step ahead. The technology we’ve developed—and continue to refine—with our exceptionally talented and dedicated team at SipaBoards has potential far beyond SUPs, and we’re actively expanding into new domains.

At the same time, we remain true to our vision: every new product must align with our mission—clean, smart, and simple—and contribute to building a sustainable future on water. The electrification of SUPs is just the beginning of our story.

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Come and see the whole Sipa Boards product line and all the new products for 2026 at the 2025 Paddle Sports Show in Strasbourg (France).
More info on Sipa Boards go to : https://sipaboards.com/