Efoil: surfing that doesn’t need waves

Efoil surfing, also known as electric foil surfing, is a new and exciting watersport that is gaining popularity around the world.

It involves using an electric-powered board with a hydrofoil attached to glide over the surface of the water, giving riders a unique and exhilarating experience unlike any other watersport. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about efoil surfing, including its history, how it works, the benefits of this sport, and some tips to get started.

What is Efoil Surfing?

The History of Efoil Surfing

Efoil surfing is a relatively new watersport that has gained popularity in recent years.

It was first developed in 2011 by Don Montague, a kiteboarding and windsurfing enthusiast, who wanted to find a way to surf without the need for waves.

Since then, efoil surfing has gained popularity around the world, with many companies producing electric foil boards and hydrofoils designed specifically for this sport.

How Efoil Surfing Works

Efoil surfing works by using an electric motor to propel the board forward.

The rider stands on the board and uses a handheld remote control to adjust the speed and direction of the board.

The hydrofoil attached to the bottom of the board lifts it out of the water, reducing friction and allowing riders to glide smoothly over the surface of the water.

Benefits of Efoil Surfing

• Quiet and eco-friendly: Since efoil surfing is electric-powered, it produces no noise or pollution, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional surfing.
• Accessible: Unlike traditional surfing, efoil surfing does not require waves, making it accessible to people in areas where surfing is not possible.
• Fitness benefits: Efoil surfing provides a full-body workout, improving balance, strength, and endurance.

Efoil compared to other modalities

Efoil x Standup paddle

• Cost: the Standup Paddle, compared to the Efoil, has a very low cost since its equipment is much cheaper.
• Transport: in terms of transporting Standup Paddle equipment to the practice site, the Efoil does better due to its dimensions. There is a catch, both in terms of cost and transportation, which, due to the popularization of Standup Paddle, many places already have the equipment for rent, so you only pay for the use and do not necessarily need to buy the equipment.
• Location: the practice location of the 2 is very similar. Calmer waters, which can be sea, lake, dam, etc.
• Difficulty: Efoil’s difficulty level is slightly higher. Because it generates more speed and the board is smaller, balance, especially in the beginning, needs to be up to date.

Efoil x Wakeboard

• Cost: the cost to practice wakeboarding, usually involves paying only for the rental of the equipment + use of the track, not requiring the purchase of the equipment. So it has a very low cost compared to Efoil.
• Transport: if we consider that in wakeboarding you can simply rent all the equipment at the practice site, the advantage is clear. However, if you have your wake equipment, transporting the 2 boards is similar, in a medium car you can already transport your boards.
• Location: here maybe the Efoil will gain an advantage because to practice wakeboarding you need a place with the structure to wake up, be it a track pulled by cable, jetski or speedboat.
• Difficulty: here, the advantage belongs to Efoil. While in Efoil, you need to learn how to lift and balance, in wake there are other steps to be learned like lifting the board while standing, the balance between pulling the cable and balancing on the board.

Efoil x Jetski

• Cost: due to the wide variety of jetski models (the correct name is watercraft as jetski is a brand) prices can vary greatly. However, in the jetski we have 2 costs to be observed: 1 – transport (you need a cart for transport) or pay for storage in a suitable place. Here we will put a brief advantage for Efoil.
• Transport: transporting the jetski as mentioned above is more difficult compared to the Efoil
• Location: the place to practice the jetski may be a little more difficult to find, mainly due to the need for an entrance, that is, where to put the jetski in the water. Since the Efoil is “portable” it’s a little easier.
• Difficulty: despite the need to get the jetski license (Arrais or Motonauta) we see the jetski with a smaller learning curve. Efoil will require some physical effort and balance from the practitioner, especially at the beginning.

Efoil Surfing Equipment

To get started with efoil surfing, you will need some equipment, including:

Electric Foil Board

The electric foil board is the main component of efoil surfing. It is a specially designed board that has an electric motor and battery attached to it. The board is usually made of carbon fiber or other lightweight materials to ensure it is strong and durable.

Hydrofoil

The hydrofoil is a wing-shaped structure that is attached to the bottom of the board. It lifts the board out of the water, reducing drag and allowing riders to glide smoothly over the surface.

Remote Control

The remote control is used to control the speed and direction of the board. It is usually handheld and connected to the board via a wireless connection.

Battery

The battery is an essential component of the efoil surfing equipment. It provides power to the electric motor, allowing the board to move through the water. Batteries can last between 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the model and usage.

How much cost an Efoil surfboard?

Here we have bad news. As it is a relatively new modality and with a lot of embedded technology, Efoil boards are not necessarily cheap.

See some board prices:

Getting Started with Efoil Surfing

Before you start efoil surfing, it is essential to take some safety precautions and find a suitable location. Here are some tips to get started:

Safety Precautions

Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and a helmet while efoil surfing. Ensure you have proper training and understand the safe operation of the equipment. It’s also a good idea to efoil surf with a buddy, in case you need help or run into any issues.

Finding a Suitable Location

Efoil surfing requires calm waters with no strong currents or waves. Look for a sheltered bay or a lake that provides a suitable environment for efoil surfing. Be aware of any rules or regulations in the area, such as speed limits or restricted areas.

Practice on Land

Before you hit the water, practice on land by standing on the board and shifting your weight from side to side. This will help you get comfortable with the board and build the necessary muscle memory to balance.

Start on Calm Waters

Start in calm waters and gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence. It’s important to get used to the board’s movement before attempting more challenging conditions.

Practice Your Balance

Efoil surfing requires good balance, so practice standing on the board and shifting your weight from side to side. You can also try practicing different stances, such as a surf stance or a skateboard stance, to see what feels most comfortable.

Start with a Low Speed

Start with a low speed to get used to the board’s movement and gradually increase the speed as you gain confidence. It’s important to learn how to control the board at slower speeds before attempting faster speeds.

Use Proper Techniques

Use proper techniques to control the board, including shifting your weight, adjusting the angle of the foil, and using the remote control. It’s important to stay balanced and in control at all times.

Tips for Efoil Surfing

Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your efoil surfing experience:

Keep Your Weight Centered

Keep your weight centered over the board to maintain balance and stability. Try to avoid leaning too far forward or backward, as this can cause you to lose balance and potentially fall off the board.

Look Ahead

Look ahead to anticipate changes in the water and adjust your speed and direction accordingly. Keep an eye out for any obstacles or other watercraft in the area.

Relax Your Body

Relax your body to improve balance and reduce tension in your muscles. Tense muscles can make it harder to balance and control the board.

Keep Your Feet Parallel

Keep your feet parallel to each other to maintain stability and balance. Avoid crossing your feet or standing with one foot in front of the other, as this can throw off your balance.

Maintain a Consistent Speed

Maintain a consistent speed to improve stability and control over the board. Sudden changes in speed can cause the board to become unstable.

Practice Regularly

Practice regularly to build muscle memory and improve your skills. The more you efoil surf, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become on the board.

It is important to point out that e-foil batteries generally last between 40 minutes and 1 hour. So for more extensive training or for more than 1 person it is advisable to have more than 1 set.