Foil board windsurfing, aka foiling, hydrofoiling or foilboarding, has been around for 20 years but never really caught on in a mainstream sense until very recently. It’s now becoming the primary mode of use for windsurfing and other surfing sports. Windsurfing on a foil board is a type of windsurfing that involves replacing your fin with a special hydrofoil that creates huge lift under you board enabling it to “fly” above the water. Gybes, jumps and full speed runs can be achieved without touching the board to the water; the rider is surfing the foil and completely above the water.
Foil boarding gives surfing a whole new dimension and level of excitement. After all, it’s a whole different way of riding waves because it allows you to ride above them.
How does a hydrofoil work?
Using a hydrofoil to ride the waves is one of those activities that looks incredibly cool and seems simple to learn how to do. In reality, though, you need to have some level of surfing skill to even attempt it. Knowing how a hydrofoil board functions is also necessary. The sport of hydrofoiling is unlike anything else. Hydrofoils and foil boards are both similar in that they are meant to react to the water by lifting you out of it rather than being pushed by it.
You can think of the physical foil as consisting of a mast, fuselage, front wing, and back wing. The fins, which are located at the tail of the board, are attached to the mast. Its length is measured perpendicular to that of the fuselage, which is horizontal and flanked by the wings. While the smaller rear wing serves as a stabilizer, the larger front wing has a thick, fender-like appearance that gradually thins to a flat underside. Imagine a plane without the cockpit and the winglets to get a sense of how this setup works. Then picture it attached to the actual surfboard-style board by a thick, rectangular bar (the mast).
Hydrofoil boards have some complicated physics behind them. The board’s ability to rise to the surface of the water on its own and to gain speed is explained by a number of scientific laws.
Gliding at an upward angle and having a curved top on the front wing both contribute to the water speeding up and accelerating down beneath the craft. In addition, Newton’s third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Your body is lifted out of the water thanks to the upward force produced as the water shoots downward in a chain reaction. Foil surfing or windfoiling combines elements of hydrodynamics, inertia, kinetic energy, and the rider’s shifting weight on the board.
Let’s look at the different types of foil boards:
Electric Foil Board
Electric foil boards are similar to traditional surfboards, but with a key difference – they are equipped with an electric motor and a hydrofoil. These boards are revolutionizing the way we experience the water, providing a new level of excitement and adventure that was previously impossible. The hydrofoil is a wing-shaped structure that extends beneath the board and creates lift, allowing the board to rise out of the water and glide across the surface with minimal resistance. The electric motor provides the power needed to drive the board forward, giving riders an effortless, smooth and exhilarating ride.
One of the biggest advantages of electric foil boards is that they allow riders to explore new areas and ride in conditions that were previously inaccessible. With the added speed and maneuverability provided by the electric motor and hydrofoil, riders can easily navigate choppy waters, catch waves in less-than-ideal conditions, and travel longer distances with less effort. This makes electric foil boards perfect for exploring new coastlines, discovering hidden coves and bays, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the water.
Electric foil boards are also incredibly versatile, making them suitable for riders of all skill levels. Beginners can use them to learn the basics of surfing and gain confidence on the water, while experienced riders can use them to explore new techniques and push their limits. They are also great for training and fitness, providing a low-impact and highly engaging workout that can improve balance, coordination, and core strength.
Electric foil boards are also environmentally friendly, producing no emissions or noise pollution. This makes them an excellent option for eco-conscious riders who want to enjoy the water without harming the environment.
Wing Foil Board
A wing foil board, also known as a foil wing board or simply a wing board, is a hydrofoil board is designed to be used with a handheld wing, which is similar to a kite or a windsurf sail, but without all the rigging hassles. The wing is held in front of the rider and is used to generate lift, which raises the rider and the board out of the water. The board itself is similar to a regular hydrofoil board, and can often be switched between regular windsurfing foil or wing foil depending on the conditions. As the rider moves forward and the wing generates lift, the foil creates additional lift, allowing the rider to glide smoothly and quickly over the surface of the water.
One of the primary benefits of wing foil boards is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of water conditions, from flat water to waves, and can be ridden in a range of wind speeds. Additionally, the handheld wing allows for greater control and maneuverability.
Wake Foil Board
A wake foil board, also known as a foil wakeboard or a lift foil board, is designed to be used behind a boat. Similar to a hydrofoil board or a wing foil board, a wake foil board has a long mast with a wing-shaped foil attached to the bottom however because the boat is doing the pulling, you can use a smaller foil as you aren’t worried about generating lift like you are to get up on the foil on a windsurfer.
Since you are going over the chop, wake foils solved an issue that wakeboarding has had since the beginning of time… what to do when the water is choppy. If you’re a keen wakeboarder you’re used to rivers and early morning starts, chasing the glossy water. Now with the foil you can glide over all the bumps. It’s quite a bit more technical to ride than a traditional wakeboard, but the possibilities for tricks are endless.
Surf Foil Board
What makes a surf foil board unique? Surf foilboards are much smaller than traditional surfboards. They normally are around 3″ to 5″ foot. A foil-specific surf or tow board may also have chined rails to help you ‘bounce’ back up after hitting the water. The surf foil board’s primary job is to just glide you into the waves. As you gain speed, the foil will work its magic and lift you out of the water. It is when you begin to fly. Surf foil boards have grown even easier to operate as a result of recent advancements. Often, all you need is a small wave to pick up momentum and you’ll be up and gliding.
SUP Foil Board
A SUP foil board is a type of stand-up paddleboard that is designed to be used with a hydrofoil. Similar to other foil boards, a SUP foil board has a long mast with a wing-shaped foil attached to the bottom. As the rider moves forward and builds up speed, the foil creates lift, which raises the rider and the board out of the water.
Just like windsurfing boards, the addition of the foil changes the needs for the board shape. No longer do you need such a thick and floaty SUP board since once you are up on the foil you all the extra board size is just drag. SUP foil board designs are usually much smaller and closer in shape to a surf foil board, with the idea that you can use the paddle to get you the lift rather than the wave.
Wing Foil Board
Windsurf foil boards are a relatively new addition to a sport that has existed for over 40 years. Windfoiling, foiling or windfoil is a radical innovation in the windsurfing world. Windsurf foil boards are designed to enable boards to foil and fly in as little as 6 knots of wind when combined with specially designed high-aspect-ratio sails. Each windsurf foil board setup consists of a mast, a fuselage, a forward wing, and a stabilizing wing at the back. Masts range in span size, height, and build. Carbon and aluminum are the two most common materials for building a mast, but carbon is the more efficient and lightweight option. Aluminium masts are also popular as they can be made cheaper, however they are much heavier and not as strong as carbon. The fin box base, available as either a Deep Tuttle or a Tuttle box, is located at the very top of the mast. Fuselages are typically made of carbon or aluminum. Similar to the fuselage of a plane, these float on water while attached to the mast and wings. The Wings’ span widths will change to adapt to different wind speeds. More lift is generated by a larger wing, allowing for earlier foiling potential. As soon as you begin foiling, the front wing becomes the primary lift generator, while the rear wing takes on a more stabilizing role. Some manufacturers provide riders with interchangeable front wings so they can select the optimal size for their riding ability and the weather.
Windsurf foil board designs vary; but overall they have very reinforced fin boxes to deal with the large loads put on the back of the board from the foil. Many new designs have reinforced fronts of the boards as there is potential to crash more when learning to foil which can damage the carbon foam sandwich construction of most windsurfing boards.
Windsurf Foil Board
Windsurf foil boards are a relatively new addition to a sport that has existed for over 40 years. Windfoiling, foiling or windfoil is a radical innovation in the windsurfing world. Windsurf foil boards are designed to enable boards to foil and fly in as little as 6 knots of wind when combined with specially designed high-aspect-ratio sails. Each windsurf foil board setup consists of a mast, a fuselage, a forward wing, and a stabilizing wing at the back. Masts range in span size, height, and build. Carbon and aluminum are the two most common materials for building a mast, but carbon is the more efficient and lightweight option. Aluminium masts are also popular as they can be made cheaper, however they are much heavier and not as strong as carbon. The fin box base, available as either a Deep Tuttle or a Tuttle box, is located at the very top of the mast. Fuselages are typically made of carbon or aluminum. Similar to the fuselage of a plane, these float on water while attached to the mast and wings. The Wings’ span widths will change to adapt to different wind speeds. More lift is generated by a larger wing, allowing for earlier foiling potential. As soon as you begin foiling, the front wing becomes the primary lift generator, while the rear wing takes on a more stabilizing role. Some manufacturers provide riders with interchangeable front wings so they can select the optimal size for their riding ability and the weather.
Windsurf foil board designs vary; but overall they have very reinforced fin boxes to deal with the large loads put on the back of the board from the foil. Many new designs have reinforced fronts of the boards as there is potential to crash more when learning to foil which can damage the carbon foam sandwich construction of most windsurfing boards.
Inflatable Foil Board
An inflatable foil board is a new product to the market. Inflatable boards have up to 20% more volume than comparable hard boards, making them more stable and able to support more rider and passenger weight. Since their performance has improved, more and more professional and recreational riders are opting to use inflatable foil boards simply because of their portability; you can roll them up and fit them in to a backpack! Something you literally cannot do with any other board. Storage and transport is one of the biggest issues traditional windsurfing faces and is a huge reason why kitesurfing and wing foiling became popular for windsurfers to make the switch. Maybe inflatable foil boards are the answer to bringing riders back to windsurfing.
Kite Foil Board
Despite its intimidating name, kite foiling (also known as foilboarding, hydrofoil kiteboarding, and foil kitesurfing) is surprisingly simple to learn. The only difference is you are now using a kite foil board; a regular kiteboard with the addition of a hydrofoil to the underside of board. Using the foil, you can kite across the water effortlessly.
Kitesurfing and kiteracing are two of the many applications for kite foil board action. They are not buoyant in any way whereas regular kitesurfing kites might have inflatable tubes which float. In comparison to their inflatable counterparts, foil kites have a few unique control and safety features that necessitate special training to use properly. A kite foil board requires a high level of kitesurfing expertise. Foil boarding is more difficult to master than regular kitesurfing.
A few of the benefits of kite foil board sailing are: The foil “flies” under water, creating a very smooth ride; Highly effective in low-wind conditions, especially when combined with a foil kite. Some of the disadvantages of a kite foil board are: it’s harder to learn than regular kitesurfing; Be careful not to cut your feet or legs on the hydrofoil, or to be yanked forward onto it; Carrying them around may be a hassle; The need for deeper water for operations; Prices for boards and foils tend to be high.
Inflatable Foil Board
An inflatable foil board is a new product to the market. Inflatable boards have up to 20% more volume than comparable hard boards, making them more stable and able to support more rider and passenger weight. Since their performance has improved, more and more professional and recreational riders are opting to use an inflatable foil board simply because of their portability; you can roll them up and fit them in to a backpack! Something you literally cannot do with any other board. Storage and transport is one of the biggest issues traditional windsurfing faces and is a huge reason why kitesurfing and wing foiling became popular for windsurfers to make the switch. Maybe an inflatable foil board is the answer to bringing riders back to windsurfing.
Surf Foil Board
Surf foil boards, also known as hydrofoil surf boards or simply foilboards, are smaller surfboards that feature an underwater hydrofoil. Because of its configuration, the board breaks the surface of the water at varying rates. Laird Hamilton, a pivotal figure in the development of big wave tow-in surfing, is widely regarded as the forefather of the surf foil board movement due to his discovery of the foilboard’s ability to harness swell energy via a jet ski, pulling the rider into a wave.
Although it has some similarities to surfing on a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard, foil surfing is a very different experience. Extremely committed wave riders who are investigating and experimenting with this cutting-edge craft report that the increased difficulty is part of the appeal.
Surf foil boards differ from regular surf boards in a few key areas. The characteristics of a surf foil board are that they are shorter, thicker, and more floaty than regular boards. They have a high volume-to-length ratio. They have very gentle rocker lines (makes it easier to pop up on to the foil) and they are designed to be very stiff while keeping the weight down. This helps with pumping the foil with your legs.
History of the Foil Board
Nearly a century ago, various watercraft started incorporating hydrofoils. Large and small motorboats, sailboats, rowboats, windsurfers, wakeboards, and waterskis have all used them. In 1906, Italian inventor Enrico Forlanini created the first hydrofoil boat (1948-1930). The foil was built using the tried-and-true “Ladder” style, with many descending struts and a plethora of wings in between. In 1906, it was tested with a 60 hp engine powering two counter-rotating air props, reaching a high speed of 42.5 mph.
A boat designed by Alexander Graham Bell and Casey Baldwin in 1919 was inspired by Floranini’s Ladder. The boat was mostly designed by Bell, and it was constructed by Baldwin. The Hydrodrome 4 (HD-4) was a boat that, until the 1960s, held the record for fastest hydrofoil boat speed at 60 knots.
In the 1960s, militaries around the world each created their own hydrofoil vessel. The Patrol Hydrofoil Missileship (PHM) was the forerunner to the Jetski, and it was developed by the United States Navy and Boeing. Also, a commercial passenger variant was created.
Aeronautical engineer Walter Woodward of Upper Newton Falls, Massachusetts, created the original “waterski” hydrofoil in the early 1960s which is probably what we consider the modern hydrofoil for watersports. Frazer Sinclair was the first person to put Woodward’s creation to the test by putting it through its paces in the air. A new water sport, towed hydrofoiling, has its debut.
As foiling arrived to surfing (and later windsurfing), “The Strapped Crew” were a group of big wave surf pioneers who took the new foil boards to Jaws and other notoriously difficult waves. As time went by, more and more people took notice of this revolutionary new approach to surfing.
There was a logical progression in the improvement of these boards’ quality and production. The modern hydrofoil surfboard is largely the result of Kai Lenny’s ingenuity and experimenting. Because of this, a brand new form of surfing and method of interacting with waves emerged.
In windsurfing, despite being around for almost 20 years, the PWA only debuted foil racing in 2019 with the first exhibition course racing events. This was later switched to becoming a combined foiling+fin slalom series from 2021 onwards.
Further reading – Windsurfing Boards
How hard is it to learn foil boarding?
If you’ve surfed or windsurfed before, you’ll find that a foiling board offers a similar yet distinct sensation. Foiling boards calls for some additional components and considerations. Sailing with a foiling board is generally seen as more challenging than traditional surfing because there is so much more action in a foiling session and you are up higher in the air with further to fall.
Are foiling boards dangerous?
The risks associated with foil boards do really increase. In particular when compared to standard surfboards. They can go through the lineup at significantly greater speeds than the rest of the lineup while being much larger and more irregular in shape. In this way, foils can add an element of risk when utilized by inexperienced surfers.
Why are foilboards so expensive?
A foilboard will set you back more than your average surfboard or windsurfing board. This is due to the fact that they are comprised of more individual elements and feature a more complex, cutting-edge layout. There may be an increase in cost if you’re interested in more exotic foil boards like e-foils.
Is foil windsurfing faster?
Since there is less resistance, your speed can be faster on a foil windsurfer. Another component that adds to the foil’s speed is its hydrodynamics (lower surface friction). A higher top speed is possible after varnishing the surface to eliminate any roughness. Nonetheless, the devil is in the particulars and in some conditions (usually higher winds), regular fin windsurfers have more control and are capable of faster speeds. The world record for speed for a windsurfer is on a regular fin board.
How much wind do you need for foil windsurfing?
With big race sails, wider boards and large lift foils its possible to get flying in sub 6 knot conditions with a bit of pumping to get started. The majority of recreational foilers, who use 5-6m sails and heavier, recreational foils made from aluminium instead of carbon, will find that you require 15 knots to get comfortably flying without too much extra pumping.
How does windfoiling compare to wing foiling?
A significant advantage of windsurf sails over wings is their efficiency. In other words, wings aren’t very effective. A windsurf sail responds to even the slightest breeze, lifting the rider’s board (whether on fins or foils) and driving them forward. Windsurfing equipment can be propelled through the water by even moderate gusts of wind.
In contrast, wings bend and warp easily since they are inflatable and without fixed battens and a solid master, and getting up on foil requires a little different skill than sailing with a mast, boom, and sail. Additionally, windsurf sails are horizontal with respect to the direction of the wind. Because it is attached to the board, it cannot be tilted in any direction other than straight up and down. By their very nature of being able to be spun through 360 degrees, wings do provide for some degree of agility. To fly, you should take use of the greater mobility afforded by wings.
