Hydrofoil surfboards are a hot topic in the surfing community right now. They’re unusual, unique, and great fun.
As a result, many surfers are eager to buy their first foil board and try this technology out for themselves.
If you are one of these surfers, you probably have a few questions about how hydrofoil surfboards work.
So, take a look at these questions and answers to get the info you need.
How Much Is A Foil Surfboard?
A good foil can cost you as much as the average surfboard, making hydrofoil surfing an expensive hobby.
You can attach these foils to most boards as they use a standard 4-screen plate mount.
Electric foil boards are significantly more expensive and could cost you over $10,000 on average.
Are Foil Surfboards Durable?
The hydrofoil itself is very durable and should last for years to come.
As always, it’s important to shop around, check the specs, and make sure you’re getting a well-made piece of kit.
If you do, then it should last for as long as your surfboard does.
Just make sure you take care of it when installing/removing it.
How to Choose the Right Surfboard Foil?
To make sure you get the best foil board for you, consider the following:
The Design of the Foil
Pay attention to the surface area of the foil, as it will tell you how much lift you can expect.
Thicker is usually better as it provides more control at lower speeds and over smaller waves.
For higher speeds, look for a thinner profile.
The Shape of the Wing
The wing can have a high or low aspect.
High aspects are wide and thin and are great for providing control at high speeds.
Low aspects are full and short and offer more stability.
The Mast
The length of the mast is the next thing to consider.
Longer is better if you’re looking for more speed and control, as it offers greater clearance.
Long masts are suitable for longer boards, but the issue is that the mast will sit lower in the water and you will need to surf in deeper waters to make it work.
An inexperienced surfer may be better off with a shorter mast, allowing them to surf in relatively shallow waters and to maintain control over smaller waves.
The Board
Last but not least, you need to think about the actual board on which the hydrofoil sits.
It’s entirely up to you, but your ability to turn, paddle, and reach high speeds will be impacted by the board you choose.
You’ll also need to consider everything from the rails, leash, and construction, as well as where your back foot goes.
We have many more articles on longboards, shortboards, paddle boards, and more to help you out.
How To Put A Foil On A Surfboard?
You can install a foil into the fin box. Most of them are designed to be fitted with ease and the installations are standard.
The foil should also come with basic instructions. If you have a problem installing the foil or you lack any basic DIY skills or surfing knowledge, you can ask a professional to do it for you.
However, this is really not necessary and it’s generally not a complicated process.
How Do Hydrofoil Surfboards Work?
Hydrofoil boards look like magic when you see them on the water.
They lift the board above the surface of the water and they don’t take a great deal of speed to do this. but it’s physics and it actually works based on similar principles to airplanes.
The difference is that the hydrofoil is cutting through water and not air.
The foil contains two wings that deflect water pressure downwards, and this applies an upwards pressure to the foil and lifts it out of the water, taking the board and the rider with it.
How Fast Does an Electric Hydrofoil Surfboard Go?
Electric foil boards can reach speeds in excess of 25mph and some claim to go as fast as 28mph.
That’s an astonishing speed to reach on the water and it’s why these boards are often considered dangerous for inexperienced surfers.
Who Invented the Hydrofoil Surfboard?
The design of the hydrofoil waterski was patented by Bob Woodward in the 1960s. After some time, a hydrofoil was added to an Air Chair and used by Laird Hamilton.
Hamilton may have inspired a team known as the “Strapped Crew”, who introduced many others to these boards after experimenting with them on big wave surf spots.
Once Kai Lenny got his hands onto the boards and began innovating and creating, the modern hydrofoil board was born.
It’s still a relatively young industry and one that continues to be innovated and adapted.
YouTube videos showcasing hydrofoil boarders in action have played a major role in developing the foil boarding industry.
Where Can I Buy A Foil Board?
The best place to buy a foil board is Amazon, as they cover a wide variety of manufacturers and you’ll always get good value for money.
Just make sure you check the specs, read the reviews, and get good value for money.
Most of the products sold on Amazon are great, but there are a few that are produced cheaply and are created to imitate popular brands, so it pays to do your research.
You can also buy directly from the manufacturers.
As foil boards become more popular, the number of hydrofoil board manufacturers increases, giving you more to choose from.
