Frequently Asked Questions

An eFoil (electric hydrofoil) is a flying surfboard powered by an electric motor and a hydrofoil: a wing-like fin mounted beneath the board on a long mast. As you gain speed, the hydrofoil generates lift, raising the board completely out of the water, so you glide silently above the surface. Dig into more details in our About eFoil guide!

Other commonly used terms for eFoils include: Flying electric surboard, electric surfboard, motorized surfboard, or even water hovercraft board.

A Fliteboard is Flite’s branded electric hydrofoil board system, designed around the company’s own modular boards, propulsion systems, batteries, and handheld Flite Controller. As an authorized Flite partner, Glyde Watersports proudly offers Fliteboard products to the greater Midwest, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and beyond.

A Fliteboard - a brand of eFoil - refers to the entire configuration of Flite's patented board, battery and propulsion system. Technically, an eFoil is named to reference electrification of a foilboard, as eBike does for electric bicycle. Any components from the battery and wiring to the motor and propeller make an eFoil unique to a traditional foilboard. Learn more about different foil types in our eFoil introduction article.

eFoil: A board with an electric motor and a hydrofoil mast beneath it. The motor drives you forward until the hydrofoil generates enough lift to raise the board above the water's surface. You ride in near-silence, floating 1–2 feet in the air. No waves, no wind required — just flat water and a charged battery.

Electric Surfboard (eBoard): A motorized surfboard that stays on top of the water at all times, think of it as a surfboard with a jet or propeller underneath. It's faster and more intuitive for beginners than an eFoil, but you don't get the ""flying"" sensation or quiet ride. Best for those who want speed and simplicity without the learning curve of foiling, but at the cost of low battery life and low maneuverability.

Wing Foil: A wing foil uses wind power instead of a motor. The rider holds an inflatable wing (like a handheld sail) to harness wind energy, while standing on a hydrofoil board that lifts out of the water - similar to an eFoil, but entirely human- and wind-powered. No battery, no motor, but you need wind (less available in the Midwest) and significantly more skill to get started.

It is indeed, and eFoiling is even easier to learn than wakesurfing according to past trainees. The Glyde Watersports team has most riders up and foiling within 60 minutes. Even with no previous board sports experience, most people can learn in a single lesson session.

Glyde Watersports is excited to offer lessons within the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin regions and can coordinate an exact lake with you! We have instructed on Prior Lake, Lake Minnetonka, White Bear Lake, Square Lake, the Chisago Lakes, Forest Lake, the Saint Croix River in Stillwater or Hudson, Balsam Lake - even up to the Hayward area lakes. Schedule a demo or lesson on our booking page.

Fliteboard has been extensively tested with riders weighing up to 265 lbs. Heavier, experienced riders may be able to ride, however the factory specified weight limit for warranty is 265 lbs with all setups except for ULTRA / L / L2.

The major challenge we see for heavier riders is building sufficient speed to get the board on plane. However, with extra attention to body positioning and good water conditions, most can still get up and foiling in a single lesson.

Yes, in Minnesota and Wisconsin, watercraft registration is required due to an eFoil being a powered vessel. Reach out and we're happy to help guide your registration. Always verify your local rules/regulations, and check your state's DNR webpage for the most up-to-date information.

No, a license to eFoil is NOT needed in 2026. The new boater education law does not affect individuals who operate motorboats powered by a motor with a factory rating of 25 horsepower or less. People of any age do not need a valid watercraft operator's permit or an accompanying operator in the motorboat, so long as it is not a personal watercraft and is powered by a motor with a factory rating of 25 HP or less. See the MNDNR New Boater Education Law details for full information.

The complete Fliteboard package weighs between 40lbs - 75lbs depending upon the board, battery and wing choice.

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Fliteboard offers a 2 year warranty – a testament to commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Give our team a call to learn more about what is covered, or if you need a repair, and we'll make sure your issues are addressed quickly so you can get back on the water!

eFoils operate on battery power, meaning they can be recharged hundreds of times before being recycled. There is no oil, gas, or emissions of any type, making eFoils one of the most environmentally friendly ‘powered’ watercraft (not reliant upon wind or waves) in the world. For the pristine lakes of Minnesota and Wisconsin, eFoils represent a low-impact sport unmatched by other options on the motorized market today.

An eFoil produces a negligible wake because the board flies above the water’s surface, virtually eliminating hull displacement. The only disturbance comes from the slender mast and propulsion unit, resulting in a tiny ripple rather than a disruptive wave.

Technically you can eFoil in No Wake Zones, but you must strictly follow the "slow-no-wake" speed limit, which is typically 5 mph. Even though eFoils produce negligible surface disturbance, legal regulations for motorized vessels apply to the craft itself regardless of the actual wake size. Since most boards require speeds above the limit to achieve lift, you will likely need to ride in "taxi mode" with the board on the water until you reach unrestricted zones. If you live on a No Wake Lake, check with your local lake association for details.

You can carry the board by holding one handle and the mast. The board can either be in front of you or behind you. Alternatively, you can crouch down beside the board and place the mast on the top of your shoulder. If carrying the complete board and battery is too heavy, we suggest carrying them separately and connecting the battery close to where you’ll enter the water. Engaging your core, lift your setup as if you are coming out of a squat. The board will be resting on your back and you can have both hands on the mast.

Yes, and while eFoils are larger than a wakesurf board or kneeboard, all Fliteboards are designed with transport in mind and can be broken down into a few key pieces. Most riders transport their eFoil in the travel bags included with the purchase of a board, which fit in the back of an SUV, a truck bed, or can be checked as oversized luggage on most airlines.

Things to keep in mind:
(1) Assembly and disassembly takes 5–10 minutes once you've done it a few times
(2) The battery must follow airline lithium battery regulations if flying
(3) Some models are more travel-friendly than others: ask us about our most compact options depending on your use case

Flite App connects to your Flite Controller to log ride data such as speed, distance and foil time. It displays battery health, and helps manage Fly Zones and warranty registration. You can connect with a global community of Fliteboarders, discovering new places to ride and competing for top spots on leaderboards. It is available for download on the iOS App Store and on the Google Play Store.

Yes, however it is wise to have a tie-down or similar locking mechanism such that your eFoil remains secure. Long term, UV rays from the sun may have an impact on material degredation (similar to any other watercraft or equipment stored outdoors), so be mindful of environmental exposure as well .

For riders in the Midwest with a cold off season, yes, winterization is a key component of long-term care for your eFoil. Read our guide to winterizing your Fliteboard for more detailed information.

Flitecell Fast Charger is 25 Amp. It charges Flitecell Explore in less than 2 hours, Flitecell Sport in less than 1.5 hours and Flitecell Nano in less than 50min.

Flitecell Slow Charger is 6 Amp. This charger is more compact and draws a lower current, making it more suitable for some boats and generators. It will charge Flitecell Explore in less than 9 hours, Flitecell Sport in less than 6 hours and Flitecell Nano in less than 3.5 hours.

Flitecell Explore offers maximum foil time, in excess of 2 hours. The slower you ride, the longer your battery will last. If you ride constantly at high speed, or have multiple touchdowns/restarts, it’s possible to deplete the battery in under 1 hour.

The Flitecell Sport will last approx 1 hour 10 mins at an average foiling speed of 15 mph.

Flitecell Nano will provide a foil time up to 45mins.

It’s easy to learn how to Fliteboard, with most first-timers able to get up in under 60 minutes. We have riders of all ages, up to 80 years old! We always recommend taking a lesson as it takes time to get comfortable with speed, balance, and how to fall safely. If you are located in the Twin Cities or Western Wisconsin region, oftentimes we can even provide a lesson on your local lake. Check out our booking options to get started.

Fliteboard can now achieve speeds up to 34mph with the RACE setup, a collaboration with Mercury Racing. Top speed depends on a number of variables including weight, wing choice, propulsion system and rider ability. Check out the RACE board if you're looking to push the limits on speed.

Yes, just like any other watersport, appropriate safety gear is highly recommended, and often legally required to ride. This includes an approved PFD / Impact Vest. When going out alone, notify people of your location and intended time of return. You may choose to ride with your cellphone in a waterproof pouch in the event of an emergency. If going a long distance, ensure you have a support boat to accompany you.

While possible, we recommend avoiding weeds and other submergent vegetation that might slow or stop your foiling momentum. For units with a propeller, weeds can get wrapped around the spindle and bog down the motor significantly. The Flite Jet is better at avoiding this issue, but is also more difficult to clear debris from. For the best eFoiling experience, stick to clear waters that are at least 6 feet deep.

Like other water and snow sports, expect to crash and have a few thrills and spills, especially when learning. eFoiling can be an extreme activity. You need to be travelling at around 12mph to be able to hydrofoil, and there is potential to hit the board, wing or eFoil lower unit in a crash. Part of the learning experience involves learning to fall away from the board to avoid injury. We recommend wearing a PFD / Impact Vest and a helmet, and walk through best riding practices to avoid injury in our lessons.

Yes, as an alternative to wakesurfing, eFoils currently do not face any restrictive regulations due to their low-impact technology.

The Bluetooth Flite Controller has the battery charge percentage displayed on the screen and gives warnings at 50%, 10% and low battery, so you can make it back to land before running out of power. You'll hear a beep, vibration and get a message. As a best practice, we suggest not riding out further than you are willing to swim back.

While Fliteboard and other eFoils can be ridden in waves or ocean swell (similar to other wind-powered foilboards), we recommend avoiding inland lake chop of over 10 inches. Simply put, most riders have difficulty getting onto foil with significant wind and wave action. More experienced riders may be able to handle extreme conditions, and do so at their own risk.

The propulsion system is the difference between an eFoil vs hydrofoil. Through the use of electric power, you can experience a quiet yet thrilling ride on an eFoil. The electric motor gives you the power to fly through the air above a flat lake or river without the effort of pumping, like you do on a hydrofoil. While a hydrofoil relies on wind and waves, eFoils give you the freedom to ride anywhere, anytime. eFoiling has a much easier learning curve than hydrofoiling or surfing and requires substantially less strain on your body, making it great for all ages and rider types!

Many people have compared Fliteboarding to snowboarding in soft powder. It's similar to wakesurfing and skateboarding but requires more front foot pressure and relies on self-propulsion via the electric motor assembly.

Prices range depending on your setup. For the most accurate Fliteboard pricing, give us a call or send a text: our unique position as a local dealer allows for prices and configurations that you won't find elsewhere, with local service to boot.

The total cost breaks down into (1) initial purchase, (2) electricity to recharge the battery, (3) biennial gearbox service, and (4) watercraft registration. No need for a trailer, boat lift, winterization and storage costs, or gasoline. When you compare other options on the market for powered watersports activities, eFoiling is one of the most economical, portable, and hassle-free ways to get on the water!

Yes, we partner with Affirm for easy payments processing and financing options. Contact us for the details and we can walk through the best option for your purchase.

Yes, Fliteboard is designed to be modular, allowing you to upgrade and change almost every major component including wings, Flitecells, boards, eFoils, chargers and controllers. These are available as add-ons or stand alone products, and are only interchangable with Fliteboard products. If you're ready to change up your ride style without purchasing an entirely new configuration, we'd love to talk through what modifications will be best for you!

You will receive 7 boxes (for all Fliteboards) or 8 boxes (for Flitescooter) with the various components. They may arrive at slightly different times, so please wait until you have all of them to commence setup. If you have any questions during assembly, give us a call or send a message.

The carbon construction boards (ICON, PRO, ULTRA / L / L2 /L3, RACE and Flite x Marc Newson) can be repaired by your local surfboard/SUP specialist. The inflatable construction AIR ICON, AIR PRO and Flitescooter may be repaired using the included repair kit. The Fliteboard Limited 2 year Warranty covers damage caused by defects in the materials or workmanship of the product only. The Glyde Watersports team is happy to provide guidance based on the specific damage and our knowledge of Fliteboard policy.

Fliteboard ICON, PRO, ULTRA / L / L2 / L3 and RACE are made from our signature composite of carbon fiber and bulletproof grade Italian Carbon Innegra. This material provides superior strength for its weight. Boards are lighter to carry but can still withstand frequent use, wear and tear.

ICON and PRO are also available in fiberglass and Soft Top 2 construction. You'll still get the performance and durability that Fliteboard is known for. Soft Top 2 boards are constructed with a fiberglass core with a thermoform outer, and a thick EVA foam top layer for comfort, grip, safety and durability. They are the same weight as the fiberglass construction.

AIR ICON and AIR PRO combine a solid riding platform with an inflatable drop stitch construction outer bladder that reduces production cost and improves durability, all without a noticeable weight increase.

Flitescooter has a removable inflatable PVC coated drop stitch bladder, carbon fiber core and fibreglass lid. This allows for constant use and enjoyment. Considered design makes it easy to roll up, transport and store.

The main difference between Flitecell Explore, Sport and Nano is the foiling time. Compatibility will range depending on your board size, as some performance models do not accept the largest battery. We generally recommend the Sport battery for riders in Minnesota and Wisconsin because they are not often riding swell or large waves on itermittent power. We are happy to coach you through battery size and quantity based on how you plan to use your eFoil, just give us a call or send a message to the team.

Yes, except for ULTRA L2 / L3, AIR ICON and AIR PRO, which are not compatible with Flitecell Explore.

We have two chargers available for purchase. Both plug into a standard 15A, 125V household wall socket and are specifically rated for lithium batteries.

34 cents. The cost to charge the largest eFoil battery we carry - with roughly 2 hours of ride time - is about 34 cents. This number is based on 2.016kWh for a full charge, assuming 17 cents cost per kwH (the market rate in the Midwest as of early 2026). Note that the math may be different in your area, so use this as a reference only. If you're curious how eFoil cost of ownership compares to a PWC/Jet Ski, we wrote an entire article about it!

The Flite Controller display shows the remaining Flitecell power as voltage, remaining time and range (based upon your power consumption). An efficiency screen on the controller displays watt hours per mile, to guide you to speed up or slow down to maximise your ride time and range.

In addition, the specially configured Battery Management System will reduce the power available when Flitecell is close to running out. This gives you enough power to motor slowly back to shore, but not enough power to foil. For safety reasons, you should never ride further from shore than you are prepared to swim.

The maximum possible distance on a Fliteboard can vary in excess of 25 miles and depends on your wing choice, battery choice, conditions, rider experience and weight.

There are two chargers to choose from:

Flitecell Fast Charger is 25 Amp. It charges Flitecell Explore in less than 2 hours, Flitecell Sport in less than 1.5 hours and Flitecell Nano in less than 50min.

Flitecell Slow Charger is 6 Amp. This charger is more compact and draws a lower current, making it more suitable for some boats and generators. It will charge Flitecell Explore in less than 9 hours, Flitecell Sport in less than 6 hours and Flitecell Nano in less than 3.5 hours.

Both chargers can plug into a standard wall socket."

Unfortunately electric vehicle batteries are not permitted on passenger aircraft. Depending on the route, it may be possible to ship the Flitecell separately on a dedicated cargo plane, via road or sea transport. We have a network of dealer partners in the United States where you can hire a Flitecell from, so you can rip the waves at any destination. Send us a message if we can help locate a partner near your travel location.

Hydrodynamicists have designed Fliteboard’s eFoil wings specifically for electric hydrofoiling. With numerous eFoil wings and stabilisers, there are many combinations to choose from for any level of performance. If you’re new to Fliteboarding, it is generally recommended to start with the Cruiser 1100 or the Cruiser Jet 1500. When coordinating your purchase, we will walk you through the best options for your ride style based on our deep expertise with lake riding. Because some setups are built for ocean swell or unpowered riding, they simply don't make sense for most Midwest riders.

C in the wing name stands for conical. Conical wings are compatible with Series 5/6 and Series 4 Performance eFoils only, which also have a C in their name.

Conical wings are only compatible with C eFoil propulsion systems (Flitescooter C, Prop C, Jet C, MN Carbon Jet C and MN Carbon Wave C), which are used with Series 5/6 and Series 4 MN and Performance eFoils only. All other Fliteboard wings, which do not have a C in the name, are compatible and interchangeable with any Fliteboard from Series 4 and earlier. These are sometimes referred to as flat-interface wings. Please note this exception: Cruiser 1800 and Cruiser Jet 1800 are not compatible with Series 1 eFoils. If this is confusing, give us a call and we will gladly talk through options!