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How to Set Up an Awake RÄVIK Electric Surfboard
Setting up an Awake RÄVIK electric surfboard is quick once you know the correct sequence.
In this step-by-step guide, The Yacht Toy Guy shows you how to prepare your Awake RÄVIK for the water, including activating a new battery, checking for updates, installing the fins, inserting the battery, connecting and unlocking the hand controller, selecting your power level and setting up the foot straps.
This guide is designed around the current-generation Awake setup shown in our video, with the newer battery and hand-controller system and power levels from 1–10.
Prefer to watch rather than read?
Watch our full Awake RÄVIK setup video below.
Awake RÄVIK Setup: Quick Answer
To set up an Awake RÄVIK:
Activate a new battery through the Awake app and check for updates.
Install and secure the fins.
Insert and secure the battery.
Wait for the battery and board to complete their startup sequence.
Connect the Awake hand controller.
Unlock the hand controller.
Select your desired power level from 1–10.
Install and adjust the foot straps for a regular or goofy stance.
Complete your pre-ride checks before entering the water.
Below, we'll go through each step in more detail.
Step 1: Activate a New Awake Battery in the App
If you're setting up a brand-new Awake battery, the first thing to do is activate it through the Awake app.
Open the app, connect your new battery and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation process.
This is a first-time setup step. Once your battery has been successfully activated, you don't need to reactivate it every time you ride.
Check the Awake App for Updates
While you're connected to the Awake app, check whether any software or firmware updates are available for your equipment.
It's a good habit to make sure your Awake equipment is up to date before heading out on the water, particularly when setting up new equipment.
For future rides, periodically open the app and check for updates.
The Yacht Toy Guy Tip
If you're setting up a new Awake on a yacht, do the activation and update check while you have a reliable internet connection.
Don't leave it until you're on the swim platform, sitting at anchor or about to put a guest on the board.
Step 2: Install the Fins
Next, install the fins on the underside of the RÄVIK.
Place each fin into its correct mounting position and make sure it is properly seated.
Use the appropriate supplied tool (surf fin key) to tighten the retaining screw and secure the fin. Make sure the fins are fully inserted and secure before putting the board in the water.
A loose or incorrectly installed fin can affect the way the board handles, so this should always be part of your pre-ride inspection.
Step 3: Install the Awake Battery
With the fins installed, you're ready to insert the battery.
Before installation, quickly inspect the battery compartment and connections. Make sure they are clean and free from sand, salt, water or other debris.
Carefully position the battery in the board and lower it into place.
Make sure the battery is seated correctly and securely locked into position. Never force the battery or its connectors.
Once installed, allow the battery and board to complete their startup sequence.
What Do the Green LEDs Mean?
After installing and starting the battery, you'll see the battery's LED indicators.
The LEDs provide information about the battery and its state of charge.
For the setup demonstrated in our video, wait for the normal green LED indication before continuing with the setup.
If you see an unexpected warning or error indication, don't simply ignore it. Check the Awake app and the documentation for your specific battery or contact us immediately.
Step 4: Connect the Awake Hand Controller
Next, take the Awake hand controller and connect it to the board.
With the battery installed and the system powered, bring the hand controller to the connection area as demonstrated in the video.
Once connected, the controller display will show that communication with the board has been established.
At this point, the board and hand controller are communicating and you can continue with the setup.
If you're using a new controller or battery for the first time, follow the pairing instructions for your particular Awake system.
Step 5: Unlock the Hand Controller
The Awake hand controller incorporates a security/safety lock to help prevent accidental throttle activation.
When the controller is locked, you'll see the lock indication on the display.
On the controller demonstrated in our video, perform a full press down until the display shows:
“Hold middle button for three seconds with throttle released to unlock.”
Release the throttle and hold the middle button for approximately three seconds.
When the lock message disappears, the controller is unlocked and ready.
Always follow the instructions displayed on your particular controller, as controller software and functions can change with different hardware or firmware versions.
Step 6: Select Your Awake Power Level
The current system demonstrated here allows you to choose between 10 power levels, from 1 to 10.
This makes it easy to adjust the performance of the board to suit the rider.
To increase the power level, hold the right arrow on the hand controller.
To decrease the power level, hold the left arrow.
What Power Level Should a Beginner Use?
If you're new to riding an Awake RÄVIK, don't start at maximum power.
Choose a lower power level first and get comfortable with the board's throttle response, acceleration, balance and handling.
As you become more confident, gradually increase the power level.
Having ten selectable levels is particularly useful on yachts where the same board may be used by riders with very different levels of experience.
The Yacht Toy Guy Tip
When handing the board to somebody who hasn't ridden one before, check the selected power level yourself rather than assuming it is still on a beginner-friendly setting from the previous session.
Step 7: Install and Adjust the Foot Straps
Once the battery is installed and you've checked the controller and power settings, you can set up the foot straps if you're going to use them.
The first thing to determine is whether you ride regular or goofy.
What Is a Regular Stance?
Regular stance means your left foot is forward.
If you naturally prefer your left foot at the front of the board, install the straps in the regular configuration.
What Is a Goofy Stance?
Goofy stance means your right foot is forward.
If your right foot naturally feels more comfortable at the front, position the straps in the goofy configuration.
Neither stance is better. It's simply a matter of which position feels natural to the rider.
How to Install the Awake Foot Straps
For the setup demonstrated here, use a 5 mm Allen key.
Position the foot strap over the appropriate mounting hole.
Insert the bolt, locate the threaded mounting point and carefully screw it into position.
Secure the strap and repeat the process for the remaining mounting points.
Adjust the Foot-Strap Angle
Don't just bolt the straps on and assume the job is finished.
You can adjust the angle and position of the foot straps to make your stance more comfortable.
Small adjustments can make a significant difference to how natural the board feels underneath you.
Make sure all of the foot-strap hardware is properly secured before riding.
Step 8: Complete Your Pre-Ride Checks
Before putting your Awake RÄVIK into the water, take a minute to inspect the complete setup.
Check:
Battery is correctly installed and secure
Battery and board show normal operating indications
Hand controller is connected
Hand controller has sufficient charge
Appropriate power level is selected
Fins are correctly installed and secure
Foot straps are secure and correctly positioned, if being used
Battery compartment and connections are clean
Jet/propulsion area is clear of debris or obstruction
Board has no obvious damage
Rider has the appropriate safety equipment
Riding area is clear and suitable
Never put your hands or objects into the propulsion system while the board could become operational.
If something doesn't look or feel right, deal with it before putting the board in the water.
Your Awake RÄVIK Is Ready to Ride
That's it.
Your Awake RÄVIK is now set up and ready for the water.
Once you've done the process a few times, the normal pre-ride setup becomes very quick:
Fins → Battery → Controller → Power Level → Foot Straps → Final Check → Water.
If this is your first time on an Awake, however, setting up the board is only half the story.
The next step is learning how to launch, control the throttle, position your body, get onto your feet and ride safely.
NEXT GUIDE: How to Ride an Awake RÄVIK – Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up an Awake RÄVIK
How to set up an Awake RÄVIK?
Install the fins, insert and secure the battery, connect and unlock the hand controller, select an appropriate power level, install or adjust the foot straps if required, and complete your pre-ride checks. A new battery must also be activated through the Awake app before its first use.
Do I need the Awake app to set up the battery?
A new battery needs to be activated through the Awake app during its initial setup. The app is also useful for checking your Awake equipment and looking for available updates.
You don't need to repeat the initial activation every time you ride.
Should I update my Awake before riding?
It's a good idea to check the Awake app for available updates, particularly when setting up new equipment or if the board hasn't been used for some time.
Do this somewhere with a reliable internet connection rather than waiting until you're ready to launch.
How many power levels does the Awake have?
The current setup demonstrated in this guide uses 10 selectable power levels, from 1 to 10.
Hold the right arrow to increase the level and the left arrow to decrease it.
What Awake power level should a beginner use?
A beginner should start on a lower power level rather than immediately selecting maximum power.
Become comfortable with the throttle response, acceleration and handling first, then progressively increase the power as your confidence and ability improve.
How do you unlock an Awake hand controller?
On the controller demonstrated in our video, release the throttle and hold the middle button for approximately three seconds when prompted by the controller.
Follow the message displayed on your controller, as procedures may change between hardware and software versions.
What does regular stance mean on an Awake RÄVIK?
Regular means left foot forward.
What does goofy stance mean on an Awake RÄVIK?
Goofy means right foot forward.
There's no right or wrong choice. Use whichever stance feels most natural.
What size Allen key do you need for Awake foot straps?
The foot-strap setup demonstrated in this guide uses a 5 mm Allen key.
Should I install the battery before or after the foot straps?
For the setup sequence demonstrated by The Yacht Toy Guy, install the battery before setting up the foot straps.
Our sequence is:
Fins → Battery → Hand Controller → Power Level → Foot Straps → Final Checks.
What should I check before riding an Awake RÄVIK?
Check that the battery, controller, fins and foot straps are correctly installed and secure. Make sure the propulsion area is clear, there are no unexpected warning indications, the selected power level is appropriate for the rider, and the riding area is safe and clear.
Watch How to Set Up an Awake RÄVIK
Want to see exactly how it's done?
Watch The Yacht Toy Guy's step-by-step Awake RÄVIK setup video, where we show you the battery, hand controller, power settings, foot straps and fin installation.
And if you're ready to get on the water, continue with:
How to Ride an Awake RÄVIK: A Beginner's Guide → Coming Soon!
About The Yacht Toy Guy
The Yacht Toy Guy is all about making yacht toys easier to understand, set up and enjoy.
From electric surfboards and eFoils to seabobs, jet skis and the latest yacht toys, we create practical guides and videos showing you how the equipment actually works — from setup to riding, care and troubleshooting.
Follow The Yacht Toy Guy on YouTube and Instagram for more yacht-toy guides, demonstrations and tips.
This guide is intended as a practical companion to The Yacht Toy Guy video and does not replace Awake's official instructions, safety documentation or the manual supplied with your equipment. Awake hardware, software and setup procedures can change between product generations and firmware versions. Always follow the instructions for your specific equipment and comply with applicable local rules.
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