You may have seen the youtube videos of people cruising around looking like they’re floating in the sea!
but what actually are electric foil boards? and how can you get hold of one!!
Well by the end of this article we think you may be in the position to go out there and pick one up yourself!
A foil board is an electrical surf device that you stand on to ride through the water. It’s made to be rigid enough so that when you step on the board and reach a high enough speed, the board itself no longer touches the water (yup that’s right!). this is done via the Foil Fin, similar to how a plane works, it creates a pressure differential that allows the board to create lift within the water. Inside the board’s sections, there are special electric foil battery modules that activate via remote and will fire up a motor attached to the foil that propels you forwards and upwards!
Some of the best-selling electric foil boards are made by Epic Waves and Go-Foil. Their boards are all made to the best quality and have a remote control to allow you to switch on and off the motor at will. It’s advised that you wear a life jacket with your board, in case you fall off into the water! Even if you aren’t knocked unconscious by falling into the water, it can still be hard to recover from a hit without wearing something to help distribute the impact or just give you some assistance whilst trying to remount the board!
Due to E-Foils fundamentals, they tend to be relatively similar in principle, but the main difference is the build quality, weight (between 30-35kg) price, and charge time.
the top quality boards will see you close to 3 hours of runtime were as cheaper options closer to 1 hour. the price range for these boards can be from 6k USD to anywhere in the region of 12 to 15k! As time goes on we are seeing more and more high-quality, low price boards come to the market, and that is what we are here to show you today!
The Hydrofoil.
The hydrofoil is the fundamental part of the foil board, hydro meaning water, and foil, in this instance meaning a curved structure to induce lift. These hydrofoils are constructed from high-grade carbon fiber to ensure they are not only strong but are rigid enough to take the strain put on them from riding. They are two-bladed and held together by a pro-truss, a specially made piece of carbon fiber to allow the foil to be constructed with ease.
hydrofoils work by having different pressures on each side of the foil, this difference in pressure gives you lift via the Bernoulli principle, it, therefore, holds your feet off the surface and makes you hover. This is vital as doing this allows you to be able to display the full benefit of using the foil boards. This is because when you are hovering above the water, you can tilt left and right and steer your way through the water, similar to how a boat or jet ski moves. This helps give the board a high level of maneuverability and makes it much easier to ride.
Being above the water line then allows for a smoother ride, not to mention looking really cool… Having a strong blade, or foils is vital to an electric surfboard. Foil boards need blades to work, and the more powerful the blades are, the more force they have when you step on the board. The higher friction between the water and foil also helps keep you stable.
Hydrofoil Types.
I want to briefly talk about the different shapes of hydrofoils – they have fins, waves, donuts, and twists. The twist foil is by far the most popular in the USA as it’s lightweight and durable but it doesn’t spin as much which means it has less control over your direction.
The waves foils are very popular in Europe and allow for you to spin much more with less effort, allowing you to do multiple rotations and spins on the water. This foil is only used in warm waters due to its low maneuverability in cold waters.
The donuts are a much more recent addition to the hydrofoil market and are really only found in Japan as they are great for beginners as it allows them to develop a better sense of balance and control while riding.
Disadvantages of Foil Boarding.
Some people get carpal tunnel syndrome from using foils due to the high tension needed to ride them. The biggest disadvantage is that foils cannot be used in most places due to permitting issues, so it is best to apply for a permit before you go out or check that its okay to use them!
The cost, e-foils are expensive to say the least… But if you are a bit of an adrenaline junkie and have the money to spend, then this is the next best thing. It is definitely not to be taken lightly or if you are a novice rider. So make sure you take the time and do your research before choosing between some of the most reputable foil boards on the market today.
Fitness, you really do need some core strength and technique to ride these boards, so you need to put in some time to train. It’s not the kind of thing you can just jump on and start riding either – it takes a bit of skill and control… But all the same, it’s one hell of an experience.
The last point I want to make is that these boards are really only suited for someone who is advanced in the sport and knows how to ride one. If you’re a beginner then perhaps look at some of my other guides on which sports will best suit your needs.
Foil Battery Packs.
The battery pack is a key component to a foil board and it should be taken into consideration when selecting the perfect board for you! A high voltage battery and a strong motor are mandatory for the maximum performance of your foamboard.
The battery pack also affects the weight of your electric surfboard. A lightweight, powerful, and high-quality battery will help you carry less weight while riding, allowing you to spend more time maneuvering on the board. It is also important to note that the less power your battery has, the less speed, or torque it can produce which means you will have a harder time surfing or maneuvering.
The batteries should be rechargeable and waterproof, allowing you to bring it wherever you go. It is also key to make sure that the battery has a long lifespan and can be recharged in a short amount of time (30 minutes).
The Motor
The Foil Motor, the piece of kit that allows you to get moving in the first place! The motor is usually powered on via remote control and its speed can be controlled via this remote.
It is recommended that you have at least three different levels of speed with your remote so that you can adjust as needed.
Before you do anything else, make sure you have the right type of battery for your foils as well as a functioning motor. The motor is usually waterproof and should be able to function in most weather conditions. It is important that you can change the speed of the motor. If your board comes with a remote, it should have at least three different speeds to suit different riding conditions.
The electric motor is installed inside the board’s foil itself and connected to the batteries. It drives the foils to produce thrust and lift. The motor should be lightweight and waterproof, allowing you to use your foilboard in most conditions.
Best Foil Boards To Date
There are many different types of foil boards all created with varying degrees of quality. here are a few brands with top quality boards to consider:
Epic Waves:
Epic waves are known for having some of the highest quality foils on the market, they are easy to control and very durable. They have a great reputation as they are strong, flexible, and mainly available in lightweight models. The Epic is best suited for those who want to develop their balance as they have a very long front fin. Many people who like to ride this model often refer to it as a “Mako”. It also has relatively good maneuverability so that you can pivot left and right.
Go-Foil:
100% carbon fiber, the latest in hydrofoils, very light and flexible. Lightweight and can be used by people of all ages. It is also the first board to have a wireless remote control to turn it on and off at will (therefore no more getting it stuck under a foot strap as you try to switch on)
Lift Foils:
one of the pioneers in the industry, Lift Foils has been here from the beginning and continuously set the benchmark for quality and affordability. Based in Puerto Rico, they are also the first foil board to have come with a wireless remote to allow you to control it.
Other Brands to Check Out
Stealth
From the USA, perhaps Stealth Foils is the top brand or you could look at the Foilcraft range. Both really good options! But if you want something that is of high quality, has a lightweight and flexible design, and doesn’t come with a big price tag then I would recommend either the Foilcraft or Epic Electric Surfboards.
e-Takuma efoil
A premium quality foil board from Japan, made from a formula of 90% Silicone and 10% carbon fiber. Uses high grade carbon fiber which makes the efoil more flexible and durable. Also has a great reputation for reliability.
Swing and Wave Boards
These boards are shaped more like a snowboard because they have bindings that allow you to turn around corners. You can carve, slide and even do tricks.
There are so many different foil boards on the market and with all of them having different qualities and features, it’s quite hard to choose a definite number one right now. So if you would like to learn more about other watersports we would recommend looking at our guide (link below) on which other watersports could be your next big adventure.
Conclusion: Is Foil Boarding For You?
Over the next few years, I believe we will see more and more people discover the benefits of foil surfing and maybe one day it will be very commonplace. It will be a stepping stone into the sport for many, a great introduction to the world of watersports. I have found that those who enjoy the challenge and thrill of riding this board are in it for the full experience and will slowly get used to this new skill. They may choose to carry on surfing other types of boards and then come back to their foils when they think they have become good enough.
Overall, it is clear to see that foil boards are a great way to get started in the world of watersports. Although it may take time to master and you may fall many times, this board really does allow people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the sport. If you do decide to give it a try, then make sure you read our foil boarding guide and not just skipped to the end! where we go into more detail about how it works exactly.
In conclusion, if you want to buy yourself one of these devices there are lots of factors involved in choosing the best one for you, so we hope after reading this article you have at least some sort of idea what to look for! Electric foil surfboards are very cool but please keep in mind that they need to be used responsibly as well as safely and do not try using them near boats or jet skiers.
If you are looking for more tips on learning new watersports, see the link below for our other articles on getting started.https://motorsandmanstuff.com/best-kiteboarding-kites-for-beginners/
