Posted on 6/29/2021
Water sports are always a huge part of a Destin and 30A beach vacation! Who doesn't love an early morning surfing sesh? Or taking out a kayak on the glassy waters of the Emerald Coast's coastal dune lakes? Or fishing from atop a paddleboard? These experiences are how many vacationers enjoy their time and make lifelong memories.
Introducing eFoil Surfing
Another relatively new water sport on the scene is eFoil Surfing. And it is swiftly gaining popularity in our Gulf Coast paradise. An eFoil is an electric board powered by a battery and a propeller that basically allows surfers to fly across the water—no wind needed! The eFoil is known by other names as well, including foil wing, wing surfer, surf wing, and wing foil. No matter what you've heard it called (or maybe you haven't), this electric recreation equipment is giving rise to new excitement for beach adventurers everywhere.
The History of eFoil & Growing Popularity
Though the history of hydrofoil dates back many years, the initial concept for what is known as the eFoil came about in 2013 by Nick Leason, an avid surfer, and co-founder of Lift Foils. The concept took several years to design and develop, and Lift Foils began producing and selling the electric-powered eFoil board in 2018. Now that wing foiling is a reality; the innovative water sport is really starting to take off. Though the first world's wing foiling competition took place just last year in 2020, web searches for "foil wing" have increased over 375% in the last two years.
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Why eFoiling is So Exciting
So, what is it about this new sport that has people so excited? Our eFoil experts from Ride High Surfing, which offers the Lift eFoil experience right here on 30A, help us understand! Ride High Surfing's website explains that a foil wing is like riding a magic carpet. And who hasn't dreamed of riding a magic carpet?! To make this happen, a wing foil "creates lift in the water as the speed is increased from the propulsion motor [powered by a large lithium battery]." Using a wireless Bluetooth remote, the surfer can ride the board over the smooth waves, enjoying complete freedom on the water.
Battery Life & Cost of an eFoil
Wing foils come in a variety of sizes, with shorter models catering to more advanced wing surfers, while longer boards are better for beginners. With a lithium battery-powered motor, eFoil rides typically last an average of 60 to 90 minutes. Surfers can fly up to 25mph. An eFoil can cost anywhere between $4,000 and $12,000, depending on what you're looking for. The high dollar tag is due to the high quality and tech of the equipment. Lift and Fliteboard are currently the two major brands offering full foil wing setups, and you can explore varying tech, performance, and safety features when purchasing your own.
eFoil Lessons & Rentals
This fun sport hasn't passed by the Emerald Coast! Located on 30A, Ride High Surfing is here to help bring the wing foiling experience to locals and vacationers. Here, you can rent boards and book private lessons, from one-on-one sessions to group lessons for up to eight. Lessons range from one to four hours, depending on the number of people in the group, and can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,200. Ride High Surfing instructors ensure you feel safe and comfortable, all while learning a new skill and having fun on the jewel-toned water. For added convenience, they even come to the closest water location near you for your lesson.
Excited to try this new, fun, awesome sport? Browse our beachfront vacation rentals and book your Gulf Coast getaway with us. Once you're here, you'll have all the time you need to learn to fly over the Gulf!
Keep reading: Best 30A Surf Shops
