eFoil vs Wing Foil: Which is right for you?

Making the choice between an eFoil and a wing foil isn’t just about the equipment; it’s about understanding how you want to ride your foil. Do you prefer the consistency and control of electric power, or does the idea of harnessing natural wind energy excite you? Do you prefer a calm, relaxing experience on the water, or a dynamic challenge working with the natural elements?

Your performance goals, lifestyle, local conditions, and budget will contribute to whether you will love eFoiling, wing foiling or both. Let’s take a deep dive into the pros and cons of each discipline to help you make an informed choice.

“Whether I'm exploring hidden coves on my eFoil, or tapping into mother nature's energy on my wing foil, there's nothing that compares to the feeling of flying above water - it's completely transformed how I experience the ocean”
Caleb Pont, Flite Team Rider

eFoil aka electric-powered freedom

eFoils are becoming more available and more refined with each passing year. As eFoil technology advances, the water sports industry continues to transform, with brand new communities of foiling enthusiasts and disciplines. It’s exciting to be a part of it all.

Pros

• The eFoil’s primary advantage lies in its accessibility; no wind or waves are required to experience the sensation of flying above water. You don’t even need a background in ocean or board sports to start riding. Most newbies can grasp the basic skills in their first session under proper instruction.
•  In areas with inconsistent swell and wind patterns, or for landlocked bodies of water, eFoils can turn a flat day into one of pure enjoyment and adventure. With the help of the electric motor, riders can reach speeds of up to 40 km/hr with 2+ hours of battery life, ranging 50 km or more on a single charge. This allows for the exciting potential of coastal exploration or to quite simply get away from the crowd.
• The unique experience of flying on an eFoil is unmatched. The smooth, silent gliding sensation above water, controlled by a simple handheld remote, creates the meditative experience of flying. It’s like riding on a magic carpet. This environmentally friendly personal water vehicle offers unbounded daily flying joy.
• As you advance your skills, there is the potential to catch waves on your eFoil. By switching off the power at the flick of the switch, you can ride the swell as nature intended. Then quickly and easily power back out for the next set. You can also learn how to freestyle, doing jumps and other tricks.

Cons

• Cost is the primary barrier, with quality gear from trusted brands typically ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 for the board, hydrofoil, battery and propulsion system.
• The higher speeds achievable on an eFoil, along with the solid construction of the board and foil, can lead to more serious injuries during bad falls. As a result, riders should always wear protective helmets and life vests to mitigate the risk. This is actually required by law in most countries. Regulations vary by location, with some regions restricting usage zones or requiring registration.
•  When it comes to performance and surfing style turns, the weight of the eFoil (despite new models becoming lighter and more nimble each year), plays a role in its performance compared to the more agile foils and boards used in prone and wing foiling.

Wing Foil aka wind-powered adventure

Much like eFoiling, wing foiling has advanced rapidly since the early days. The materials technology, designs and profiles have improved year on year to enhance ride performance through increased efficiency and responsiveness. Riders from diverse backgrounds are now experiencing the sensation of riding the winds, something that only sailors and windsports enthusiasts knew before.

Pros

• Wing foiling tends to offer a more affordable entry point, with typical setups ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 for the board, foil, wing and pump. Used equipment is much less. The gear is remarkably lightweight and portable, usually all weighing under 10kg.
• The wind-powered experience that wing foiling offers tends to connect riders directly with the natural elements, creating an addictive lifestyle of weather watching and spontaneous sessions. When the wind hits your local spot, you don’t need to wait long before seeing wing foilers arrive in droves to sample some of mother nature’s power.
• Performance progression reaches new limits daily. Pros are landing new tricks no one ever imagined, which marks the exciting formation of a brand new sport. Anyone who enjoys mastering highly technical maneuvers in jibing and tacking, increasing their upwind angles and launching massive somersaulting airs, will be drawn to the high octane feeling that wing foiling provides. Wave riders especially enjoy the ability to wing back out after each ride, over and over again.

Cons

• The learning curve for wing foiling is a lot steeper than eFoiling. Riders must master wind awareness and control of the wing to stay up-wind, all the while balancing their foil in tumultuous surface conditions. Newcomers usually first need to learn the basics behind a boat or learn another discipline of foiling before taking up this sport.
• Depending on their background, riders with no sailing experience will initially find it challenging to control the wing and stay upwind, especially in gusty or light conditions. There will be many ‘walks of shame’ while learning, as riders walk back upwind by land. To become proficient at the art of jibing, tacking and cutting good angles, not only do riders need to master their balance of the foil, but they then typically need to learn to ride switch-footed as well.
• Wind dependance means riders are at the mercy of weather conditions, typically needing at least 10-12 knots of wind to have an enjoyable session, though electric-assist technologies are helping on light days. Beyond 25-35 knots of wind, controlling the wing can be quite challenging, bordering on crazy. Foiling through severe gusts and dead spots requires immense skill, and riders will generally have 2 or 3 sizes of wing (measured in square meters) to accommodate the conditions, along with multiple foil sizes, adding to their equipment setup costs and storage requirements.

Consider an eFoil if:

• You don’t have a surfing or windsports background and value a faster learning curve
• You want to ride in any conditions
• You seek adventure, relaxation and the opportunity to get away from the crowds
• You want the potential to advance your skills to ride waves, race or freestyle

Consider a wing foil if:

• You’re seeking a more affordable entry into foiling
• You enjoy the challenge of steep learning curves and technique
• You want to harness the natural power of the elements
• You have access to consistent wind patterns

One thing is certain: take up either of these sports and you will find a new passion for the aquatic adventures they provide. The future of foiling is exciting - come and ride the wave.