What Is an eFoil?

Foil surfing, also known as surf foiling, is a sport that involves riding a surfboard with a hydrofoil fixed to it instead of a fin. Now, what is eFoiling? In this sport, the surfer simply rides the board while surfing the electronic foil. Because of eFoiling boards, surfers can now capture even the smallest waves. This is where surfing meets flying.

Foiling is still a mystery to many individuals in the watersports industry. Most are familiar with surfing, kiteboarding and Jet Skiing. On the other hand, seeing someone soaring over the ocean is a different matter. Let's look deeper into eFoils to discover more about how they work.

• What is eFoiling?
• What is an eFoil?
• How Does an eFoil Work?
• How Hard is it to Ride an eFoil?
• Safety Precautions for Riding an eFoil
• How do You Learn to eFoil?
• Take eFoil Lessons

What Is eFoiling?

EFoiling is one of the most fascinating types of watersports and can almost be deemed the “future of watersports.” It provides surfers with spectacular experiences on previously unrideable waves. EFoiling can be done on any body of water, including the ocean, lakes and rivers. You don't need waves to propel the eFoil since the motor does it for you. Discover rare maritime creatures, explore new rivers and surf ocean waves with your eFoil.

People don't depend on waves because the motor moves across any body of water using propulsive powers. A hydrofoil looks and functions similarly to the eFoil. The hydrofoil exerts pressure beneath the board to raise it up and out of the water. As it levitates above the water, any contact between the foil surfboard and the water is no longer possible. As a result, the rider experiences less drag than in traditional surfing.

Hydrofoiling vs Efoiling

Unlike hydrofoiling, eFoiling requires less effort. It uses power to help people to fly faster on the water, adjusts and controls speed, and incorporates technology to make it more mysterious and appealing. You can almost say that eFoiling is the electrified version of hydrofoiling.

Jet Skis vs Efoiling

When compared to Jet Skis, for example, eFoils are more environmentally friendly since they run on powered batteries rather than gasoline. And when compared to regular surfing, eFoiling is not wholly dependent on the weather. eFoiling allows you to get out on the water more frequently, travel quicker and experience a unique sensation that has been characterized as a cross between surfing and flying.

What Is an eFoil?

An electronic hydrofoil, better known as an eFoil, is a type of personal watercraft that utilizes battery power — hence the “e." What makes an eFoil unique is that it allows you to effortlessly “fly” over the water, thanks to a few components — a lengthy mast, fuselage, two foil wings and an electric propeller connected underneath the battery-powered surfboard. 

The best part of this sport is that the rider of an eFoil board doesn't need to swim and paddle for waves to keep the board moving. It's basically a personal, motorized watercraft.

How Does an eFoil Work?

Starting from the bottom, the eFoil has two foil wings — a front and a rear wing. Respectively, these wings create lift and help stabilize the board. Next, the fuselage is a bar that attaches perpendicularly to the mast and wings, creating stability. The wings and fuselage mimic the shape of a paper airplane. 

The electric propeller mounted just above the wings and fuselage propels the board over the water. The mast holds and connects the bottom components to the board, creating enough pressure underneath to lift the board in the air and out of the water.

A rechargeable battery, kept in the board itself, and a virtually silent electric motor powers the eFoil. A handheld wireless remote that connects through Bluetooth operates the eFoil. 

How Hard Is It to Ride an eFoil?

Honestly, with zero to no board sport experience in the past, it is fairly easy. The rider has to understand that they should not try to rush the process, but take their time and get the feeling. 

Always remember that it is all in the hips, similar to the yoga warrior pose putting your weight on the front foot but turning your hips forward. If the rider wants to foil or get the board out of the water, simply shift your hips backward — not your weight. 

Anyone can ride this board with a bit of practice and excitement. If you are not confident in standing on the board or have any limitations to standing, sitting on the board is also an option. While sitting on the board with either your knees or on your butt, the rider can still foil. It requires the same motion as if the rider is standing by shifting the hips or moving your head forward. 

EFoiling is not a challenging sport — even the most inexperienced riders will find eFoils simple to ride. You'll probably fall off the board multiple times throughout the learning phase — that's just part of the process and will help you become more confident with the sport. Fortunately, most eFoil models are engineered to switch off automatically when the controller trigger is removed or the controller comes into contact with water.

The fact that you're not dependent on the ocean's waves to surf or require much muscular effort makes eFoiling a novice-friendly watersport. That said, to avoid potential harm to yourself and others around you when using an eFoil, there are some safety precautions to take.

What Are the Necessary Safety Precautions for Riding an eFoil?

Although eFoiling is relatively easy to grasp — even beginners can conquer the water and sky — there are a few safety precautions to consider when riding an eFoil: 

• Protect your head and wear a helmet.
• Wear a full-length wetsuit that sits comfortably on your body.
• Put on a pair of boots to better connect with and maneuver the board.
• Use a leash to keep your eFoil board with you.
• Respect any set-out warning signs and beach flags.
• Avoid eFoiling in crowded waters to not injure yourself or others.
• Select an eFoil board you're comfortable with — consider its size and power.
• Ensure all electrical components are tightly sealed and connected before entering the water.
• Stay clear from the propeller to avoid propeller-related injuries.
• Remain in deeper waters so the bottom of the eFoil doesn't get stuck.
• Stay updated with your eFoil's maintenance.
• Take eFoiling lessons from experienced instructors if you're a beginner.

How Do You Learn to eFoil?

Just like hydrofoiling, to master eFoiling, you need to start small and become more confident in yourself, the water and the board's mechanics. So, how do you learn to eFoil? People of all skill levels can gain a lot from eFoiling lessons, making the learning curve much easier. When you book eFoiling lessons, professional and experienced instructors will be with you every step of the way. 

An instructor's role is to teach you how to use the board and the quickest technique to get up and foil. Here are a few steps to help you along the way: 

• Protect yourself: Wear your protective gear before riding an eFoil board. You may take a few falls before you fully grasp the activity. 
• Start small: If you're starting off, the lower the power level, the better. Once you've mastered it, you can progress to a higher level. 
• Stay horizontal: Position yourself on your stomach. The board will begin to accelerate. After the board accelerates, you may move your weight forward with your hands. 
• Get to know the board: Do a few laps while lying on your stomach to become familiar with the board and its mechanics. Once you're at ease, go on your knees and do a few more laps. 
• Stand up: Gently get on your feet. Remember to keep your feet in the appropriate stance when you stand up, with your weight evenly distributed between your feet, which should be shoulder-width apart. You can run a few more laps before your first flight. 
• Lift off: You'd need a lot of speed to begin flying. Use the remote control to increase your speed. Remember to maintain your center of gravity. To get the eFoil board to lift off, move your center of gravity backward.

Check out how your lesson will go

Book eFoiling Lessons With Elite Watersports

After seeing these flying surfboards you may wonder where you can learn to eFoil. Elite Watersports offers eFoiling lessons in the St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida, area. We teach lessons seven days a week with an instructor by your side, so you can learn as fast as possible. Whether you've tried eFoiling before or are new to the sport, our team is here to assist.

Feel the thrill of flying and surfing and book your eFoiling lessons online with Elite Watersports. Contact us online or call us at 727-800-2202 for more information.

Check out all the cool spots to eFoil in St Petersburg.