Electric Hydrofoil. Flying Boards
At Motosurfing.com you can find out more about models of electric surboards with hydrofoils. If you live in Moscow or other regions of Russia, you can easily order and buy a suitable electric-surf in our store.
What is Hydrofoil
Hydrofoil is nothing more than an underwater wing. The concept of hydrofoil is not new, more than a hundred years ago, underwater wings tried to install on boats and yachts. The results of such experiments were very impressive, it was possible to achieve unprecedented speeds and high stability of ships. Since then, hydrofoils are trying to attach to everything that moves on the water, including surfboards, and today surfboards with an electric motor.
Structurally, the classic hydrofoil is very simple, it consists of a long keel and fins attached to it, one carrier, the other stabilizing. Materials used are very different, from plywood to carbon fiber. But e-Foil is not so simple. Let’s try to figure out how everything works, whether a great interest in such boards is justified and what is on the market today.
Features Of E-Foil
Unlike the classic Foil surf, an E-Foil has an electric motor and a battery pack, the rest of the principle is the same. Electric surfboard with underwater wing is driven by a propeller-type motor. On motoboards without hydrofoil often set water jet. The thrust of the water jet type allows you to achieve greater speed. For electric surfboard with hydrofoil, the speed of 20-40 km/h is considered normal, but jet boards are easily accelerated to 50-60 km/h.
However, don’t make hasty conclusions. E-Foil shows itself perfectly at low speeds and even 40 km/h will not seem slow, do not forget that the rider while riding is a meter above the water surface. The underwater wing provides greater stability, but no one is insured from falling, and now imagine what it’s like to fall from a meter height into the water at a speed of 40 or more km/h.
E-Foil is more suitable for cruising but not for speed race. Relatively low speed compensate for other qualities of hydrofoil, for example, stability. On a Board with a wing, rider feels equally comfortable on the big waves, and in full calm and even strong river flow. Jetsurf transmits all the vibrations from the water surface, thus requiring the user to a certain skill and constant attention. E-Foil allows you to relax and enjoy a ride, flying above the water.
You can ride almost anywhere, the main thing is to be sure that there is a sufficient reserve of depth. Enter in the water with hydrofoils a bit different, rider needs to go to a sufficient depth, holding with hand the Board and the wing. Accordingly, in concluding the skiing will have to come off the Board in advance. In other E-Foil riding is the same thrilling experience like riding a conventional electro surfboard.
E-Foil market today
On the Internet you can find dozens of projects in one way or another related to hydrofoils. Most of which are experimental projects of enthusiasts, other words DIY. This is due to the great interest in such electric surf and the novelty of this sport.
The greatest interest is caused by commercial projects in which not only skilled surfers but also engineers take part, and also the best materials and the equipment are used. Today, there are two companies that are ready to offer E-Foils worth of attention of a wide audience. We will focus on the products of Lift and Flite.
Flite electro-surfs
The Australian Flite offers us customization to attract as many surfers as possible. As you know board’s characteristics effect largely on the style and ease of riding. So Flite in 2018 presented three electric surfboard with hydrofoil, under the brand Fliteboard. First of all, the differences are noticeable in the size and shape of the boards itself.
The standard version of the Fliteboard is suitable for beginners and experienced riders. The Board is wide enough to easily stand up even at low speed. It’s size: 172cm long and 72cm wide.
The Fliteboard Pro version is the most compact and maneuverable of the three. This model of E-Foil is designed for experienced riders, because to keep the balance, the more difficult, the smaller the Board. Its dimensions are 152cm long and 62cm wide.
Fliteboard Air has an inflatable body and this is significantly different from other Fliteboard models. This electric surf is great for family fun and learning. The ability to release air makes this model the most compact during transportation. Its size 198см in length and 76cm wide.
All three models are equipped with the same brushless electric motor. This engine allows you to accelerate to 40 km/h. When purchase you can choose one of two batteries. They differ in capacity, power and weight.
FLITE CELL SPORT Hours 30 Amps and 1.65 kilowatts hours when battery weight 8.75 kg. battery got about 40 minutes of riding. Charging time 2 hours.
FLITE CELL EXPLORE 42 2.2 amp hours and kilowatt hours when battery weight 11.5 kg battery got about 60 minutes of riding. Charging time 3.5 hours.
Also, the manufacturer offers a choice of two hydrofoil. The wing affects the style of riding, speed and maneuverability of the electric surfboard.
CRUISER WING is most effective at low to medium speeds. The wing helps to confidently control the board. Good for riders with weight more than 75kg. With this wing easier start riding and held on big waves.
FLYER WING is created for maximum speeds. For quick and sharp maneuvers. The wing is less stable and is recommended for riders weighing less than 75kg. Due to the lower resistance it saves battery power.
Lift electric surfs
The Lift company designs and manufactures their surfs in Puerto Rico. Lift was founded more than 10 years ago, and produced surfs with hydrofoil, but without motor. They presented their first eFoil in 2017. Unlike Flite, the Lift team offers two E-Foil models: E1 and E1 Sport.
E1 board dimensions – 167 x 71 cm., somewhere between the Fliteboard Pro and standard versions. Weight 26 kg.
E1 Sport board dimensions – 153 x 64 cm. Weight 26 kg.
The rest between two models is very similar, differences at design details, and specifications. The maximum speed of both models is 40 km/h and the battery life is 60 minutes. Unlike Flite, Lift does not provide the ability to select components.
Summary
Today Lift and Flite are leaders in the niche of E-Foils. Both companies have released a very successful models, with a great design and impressive performance. Of course they will continue to impress us, no one is going to stop there. Probably we will see new players with they own opinion at new sport. Follow the news from the world of electric surfs on the website motosurfing.com
See you soon!