About eFoils: What is it?

An Introduction to Electric Hydrofoiling (eFoiling) for Midwest Lake Life


An electric hydrofoil (often called an “eFoil”) is a board with a quiet electric motor and a wing underneath. As you gain a little speed, the wing gently lifts the board up above the water, so you glide smoothly with almost no drag. It feels like carving on fresh snow or cruising on a moving sidewalk, only you’re floating silently over the lake. This page provides a comprehensive overview of the sport, safety information, and how you can try it on a lake near you! 

Three people ride flying electric surfboards on a Midwest lake

What is a “foil” and why does it lift?

A foil is simply a wing that travels underwater. The easiest analogy is a subsurface airplane wing: when the wing moves forward, water flows over it. That flow creates lift (a gentle upward push). Once there’s enough lift, the board rises up and rides above the surface.

Why is this important? When your board is above the water, there’s far less drag resistance. That’s why eFoiling feels smooth, quiet, and efficient, even on days when the lake is choppy. A rider can be completely above the waves!

eFoils, powered by a sealed lithium-ion battery and controlled with a handheld remote, combine the above hydrodynamics and an electric motor for a unique “flying” ride.

  • Two black carbon fiber foil wings on a white background

    Wing & Stabilizer

    The large wing generates lift while the stab creates balance

  • An efoil mast fuselage, including the ESC, mast, motor and propeller assembly

    Mast

    The mast assembly has a waterproof motor and wiring integrated

  • Top level view of a silver-colored eFoil deck

    Board

    The board has a hatch that is flush on the surface, but houses the battery

How eFoiling works (no engineering degree required)

An eFoil is a self-contained setup. Everything you need to use it is on the board:

  • Board: where you stand (from stable and bouyant to slim and sporty)
  • Mast + foil wing + stabilizer wing: the underwater “wing” that creates lift
  • Electric motor + prop: provides the push and accelleration
  • Battery: powers the motor (waterproof, sealed inside the board's hatch)
  • Hand controller: your throttle to gently increase or decrease speed, like a RC remote

Think of it like this: it’s a board that drives itself, then lifts off the water once it’s moving. You’re not fighting the waves or water. You’re learning balance and gentle control, like riding a bike with a smooth, adjustable “assist.” Just like an e-bike, the motor allows for more accessible riding.

  • Exploded view of the hub motor and propeller drivetrain assembly

    Motor & Prop

    The motor is housed within the mast, extending to the propeller and guard

  • Fliteboard Flitecell Explore Battery

    Battery

    The high-capacity battery is housed under the hatch lid & is fully enclosed

  • Black Flite Controller

    Bluetooth Remote

    Finally, the board is controlled with a finger throttle via bluetooth

Electric hydrofoiling vs traditional hydrofoiling

You may have seen hydrofoils in two other forms:

Traditional towed hydrofoiling (behind a boat)

  • The rider is pulled up by a rope and boat speed.
  • Great, but it depends on a running boat, driver, fuel, and a full setup.

Surf/wave-powered foiling

  • The rider harnesses power from a wave, swell, or wake to generate speed and lift.
  • Very popular on the coasts, but the Midwest doesn't get sufficient waves outside of the Great Lakes. A foiler still relies on a boat and captain to make ridable wake.

Electric hydrofoiling (eFoiling)

  • Self-propelled: no rope, no wave, no boat required. Go at your leisure!
  • Dial-up-speed: you choose how mellow or how sporty it is.
  • Consistent: you can cruise even when the conditions aren't perfect.

Is eFoiling Hard to Learn? (Most beginners are surprised)

Short answer: not at all! The learning curve is usually much friendlier than people expect, because you (the rider) are in control.

Most first-timers start in a stable mode:

  1. Begin on your belly, knees or standing at low speed
  2. Get comfortable steering with your legs and adjusting throttle control
  3. Feel the board start to lighten as lift builds
  4. Rise onto foil when you’re ready to fly!

eFoiling doesn’t require explosive strength. It rewards correct posture, small adjustments, and patience (all elements of our lessons), which makes it approachable for:

  • first-time board riders
  • families learning together
  • Watersports lovers who want something smooth and low-impact

If you can balance on a paddleboard or enjoy boat sports, you’re already closer than you think. Most riders are foiling confidently within an hour on the board - try it for yourself!

With an eFoil, Safety is Built-in

We frequently hear questions about safety: while all watersports carry some level of risk, Glyde proudly offers Fliteboard eFoils, the industry leaders in safety and product innovation.

The only moving part on the unit is the drivetrain and connected propeller. Your Fliteboard will included a removable prop guard for peace of mind.

Should a rider ever need to bail, the bluetooth remote will automatically disconnect, even if the trigger is still engaged.

As certified instructors, our lesson programming includes detail on how to fall, where to fall, speed and remote handling, and more. We want to make sure you enjoy riding safely and equip guests to do the same!

Finally, a USCGA life jacket and helmet are always recommended - we provide both as part of lessons. Fly safe, and see you on the water!

Have more questions? Visit our FAQ Page or give us a call at 715-417-8208

Learn more about the eFoil products we offer

Glyde Watersports is proud to offer Flite eFoil products for several reasons. Our team believes firmly in:

  • The superior user experience that the product delivers
  • The overall product design/engineering, now backed by the Brunswick Corporation
  • The product quality, especially across the lithium marine battery range
  • Our ability to support owners locally, to keep equipment serviced and parts on hand
More about Flite eFoil products