What are these sup foil things that are taking the world by storm? How do they work? These are all questions that I had when I first saw these almost magical sup boards. That’s why – in this article I’m going to be pulling the curtain on what they are, how they work, and which you should buy in 2024.

But if you’re not looking to read an entire article then here’s what you need to know:

Let’s get into the reviews of these paddle boards so you have all the information.

Looking for our best paddle board product recommendations? Check the Paddleboard Insiders Buyer Guides

But first…

What Is A SUP Foil?

This design opens up new levels of speed and maneuverability that people on standard paddle boards could never get.

With advancements in materials and engineering, today’s models are more accessible and efficient than ever before, opening up sup foiling to a broader range of skill levels.

How Hard Is SUP Foiling?

In complete honesty – SUP foiling presents a challenge when learning. It takes balance and control to ride a board lifted above the water by a hydrofoil. This is really different from traditional stand-up paddleboarding or surfing, where the board directly interacts with the water’s surface.

Mastering a hydrofoil board demands a refined sense of balance, the ability to anticipate water conditions, and a good deal of practice. The learning curve can be steep, as riders must learn to manage the foil’s lift and the board’s heightened sensitivity to movement and weight shifts. Despite these challenges, many find the exhilarating sensation of gliding above the water worth the effort.

Here’s how to get started:

Pros And Cons Of SUP Foiling

Here’s a look at the pros and cons of SUP foiling:

PROS

Glide Above Waves	The hydrofoil lifts the board above the surface, allowing you to ride on waves with less friction and more speed than traditional surfing or paddleboarding.
Ride Smaller Waves:	SUP foiling can make even small, unremarkable waves fun and rideable, expanding your potential playground.
Increased Efficiency:	The reduced drag from the foil can make paddling easier on long distances, as you’re not pushing against the water’s surface tension.
New Challenge:	For those who have mastered traditional SUP or surfing, foiling provides a new skill set to learn, offering a fresh challenge and a way to develop your balance and coordination further.

CONS

Steep Learning Curve:	SUP foiling requires a good balance and skill set. Beginners might find it challenging to get used to the sensation of flying above the water.
Cost:	Hydrofoils and foil boards are typically more expensive than standard SUP boards or surfboards, making it a significant investment.
Safety Concerns:	The foil’s speed and the fact that it lifts you above the water can lead to more severe injuries during falls. Additionally, the foil itself can pose a risk if it comes into contact with the rider.
Limited Use Areas:	Not all water bodies are suitable for foiling. Shallow waters or areas with underwater obstacles are hazardous for SUP foiling.
Transport and Setup:	Foil boards can be bulkier and more challenging to transport than traditional SUP boards. Setting up and maintaining the hydrofoil also requires additional effort and knowledge.

Downwind sup foiling and foil sup surfing is a really exciting way to spend your time, but it has it’s own difficulties (like anything). Now that you know the pros and cons let’s look at some sup foil boards.

Here Are Some SUP Foil Boards To Look Into In 2024

Best SUP Foil	Waydoo Flyer One Plus eFoil
Great For Beginners	Liquid Force Sup Foil
Great Advanced Electric Foil	Takuma Carver
Best For People On A Budget	Spatium Inflatable Sup Foil

#1: Waydoo Flyer One Plus eFoil (Best SUP Foil)

PROS	CONS
– Has a top speed of 25 MPH which feels really quick on the water and also lets you catch waves with ease. – This sup foil runs longer than almost any of its competitors at 2 hours. – High quality materials that will last for a very long time if you take care of it. – Really fun to take out into the waves when you’re confident.	– It has quite a long charge time of 120 minutes for a full charge. – More expensive

Details:

The Waydoo Flyer ONE Plus sup foil is shaking things up in watersports with its electric surfboard design. It’s built for thrill-seekers who want to try sup foiling letting you zip around at speeds of up to 25 MPH and keep going for up to two hours. This means more fun on the water, going places faster and further. With a design that’s both lighter and sturdier, the Flyer ONE Plus gives you a smooth, exciting ride above the water.

This eFoil is great for adventurers who want to surf without needing wind or waves, making it perfect for oceans, lakes, and rivers at any time. It’s got an improved controller that connects reliably via Bluetooth and a battery system that’s easy to use and good for the environment.

Waydoo has changed the game with this eFoil, delivering a mix of speed, practicality, and simple operation. Whether you’re new to eFoiling or looking to step up your game, the Flyer ONE Plus is probably the best SUP foil to start with because of its top-notch design and features. It even comes with a wheeled case for easy carrying, so you can easily take your fun anywhere. Quick, quiet, and without any emissions, the Waydoo Flyer ONE Plus gives you the best experience flying over water.

What’s Included:

• Waydoo eFoil
• Battery
• Charging kit
• Handheld accelerator

Check Price ➡️ Amazon

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#2: Liquid Force Sup Foil (Great For Beginners)

PROS	CONS
– Made of wide plastic that is easy to balance and focussed on progression. – It has a big EVA deck pad that let’s you move around and learn how to place your feet. – Great price for a complete sup foil set up. – The front wing is low lift which means that you’ll lift easier at lower speeds.	– If you plan on taking this seriously then you might grow out of this quite quickly. – Paddle not included.

Details:

The Liquid Force SUP foil is an ideal setup for beginners in SUP foiling, offering features designed to make the learning process easy. Its wider nose and longer profile ensure a stable take off, while the easy-up design allows it to fly at lower speeds, perfect for those new to foiling.

The oversized EVA traction provides a soft deck accommodating all riders, making it simpler to learn proper foot placement and balance. Its compression molded construction ensures durability for maximum fun. Additionally, the package includes removable foot straps to aid in learning correct foot positioning. The Launch Foil Set, with its super stable ride and low-speed lift wing, offers a smooth entry into foiling, ensuring beginners can quickly get up and out of the water.

Highlighted by its excellent price point and focused on progression, this package is recognized as the best SUP foil setup for beginners, promising to ignite a love for foiling with its stability.

What’s Included:

• SUP foil
• EVA Foam Traction (already attached)
• Launch Foil Set (includes all attachments)
• Launch 120 Front Wing

Check Price ➡️ Amazon

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#2: Takuma Carver (Great Advanced Electric Foil)

PROS	CONS
– Designed for more advanced foilers, so this is focussed on carving and performance. – This is awesome to take into the waves and play around because you can carve. – Has a high skill ceiling so you can get extremely good at foiling with this board. – The maneuverability is really fun.	– The higher speed and lighter board makes the ride a bit less stable than the Waydoo competitor. – Quite a high price tag

Details:

The Takuma Carver is a top-tier electric SUP foil designed for advanced riders aiming for a sporty experience. It stands out for its exceptional stability and maneuverability, making it perfect for executing tight turns and enhancing your foiling technique.

With its powerful electric propulsion, riders can expect immediate acceleration and thrilling speeds of 30km/hr or more, elevating the SUP foiling experience to new levels. Crafted with superior quality materials, this sup foil promises durability and consistent performance, ensuring fun and adventure on the water for a long time. Its design caters to those looking to push their skills further, offering smooth gliding and the ability to carve through water like never before.

It’s an excellent choice for experienced foilers looking to upgrade their rides and take on more challenging maneuvers. If you’re interested in foiling then the Takuma sup foil is definitely worth looking into.

What’s Included:

• Takuma Efoil
• Battery
• Charging kit
• Handheld accelerator

Check Price ➡️ Amazon

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#3: Spatium Inflatable Sup Foil (Best For People On A Budget)

PROS	CONS
– The fact that it’s inflatable makes this MUCH easier to transport. So if you like to travel then that’s a big win. – Great price for what you get. – Easy to detach the foil from the board with the screws. – Comes as a complete set.	– The pump could be better, consider getting an electric pump to help you out. – No paddle included, so consider getting one separately.

Details:

The Otelete Spatium inflatable is a game-changer for SUP foiling, especially for those on a budget. Made from military-grade PVC, it’s both light and strong, making it perfect for beginners and enthusiasts of water sports. This board stands out for its balance and stability, thanks to its soft, non-slip EVA deck pads and a combination of two fixed and one removable fins for better speed and control.

It’s also designed for convenience, with detachable parts for easy transport and storage, fitting into compact spaces effortlessly. Despite its inflatable nature, this board delivers performance that rivals more expensive hard boards, offering excellent buoyancy and stability for all skill levels.

The set includes all the necessary accessories, like an inflator pump, travel backpack, safety leash, and repair kit, making it the best SUP foil choice for those looking to get into foiling without breaking the bank.

What’s Included:

• SUP foil inflatable board
• Two way air pump
• Foot leash
• Backpack
• Board backpack

Check Price ➡️ Amazon

How To Choose A SUP Foil Board

When choosing a SUP foil board, consider the stability and maneuverability of the board, as well as its size and volume. Assess the construction and materials used, along with compatibility with different foils for optimal performance (2).

Board stability and maneuverability

When selecting a SUP foil board based on stability and maneuverability, look for features such as a wider outline for enhanced stability and a rockered design that allows for smoother turns and better control.

Board size and volume

When choosing a SUP foil board, consider the dimensions and volume of the board. The size and volume of the board determine its stability and buoyancy in different water conditions.

A larger board with more volume provides better stability for beginners and helps in catching smaller waves. Conversely, a smaller board with less volume is more maneuverable and suitable for experienced riders or bigger waves.

Construction and materials used

In terms of materials used, manufacturers have been incorporating advanced composite technologies to create lighter yet sturdier SUP foil boards. Carbon fiber is often utilized for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, contributing to improved performance on the water.

Additionally, fiberglass offers flexibility without compromising on resilience, making it an ideal material for reinforcing specific areas on the board. As new innovations continue to emerge in the realm of board construction, these advancements are set to elevate the overall experience for riders seeking superior performance and reliability from their equipment.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored the world of SUP foiling, it’s clear that this sport offers an exhilarating way to engage with the water, providing a unique sensation of gliding above the waves. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or an experienced rider looking to push your limits, there’s a SUP foil board out there for you. From the cutting-edge Waydoo Flyer One Plus eFoil, perfect for those seeking top speeds and long rides, to the budget-friendly Spatium Inflatable SUP Foil, there are options to suit every need and budget.

Remember, choosing the right SUP foil board involves considering factors such as stability, maneuverability, board size, volume, and the construction materials used. Each board has its unique set of features designed to enhance your foiling experience, whether you’re carving tight turns or cruising on open waters.

Ultimately, the best SUP foil board for you will depend on your skill level, riding style, and the conditions you plan to foil in. With the right equipment and a bit of practice, you’ll soon be experiencing the unmatched joy of SUP foiling. So, gear up, get out there, and embrace the future of water sports with your ideal SUP foil board in 2024.

Here are my favorite water sports accessories for 2024: The 23 Best Paddleboard Accessories That You Need In 2024

FAQs

Can you hydrofoil on flat water?

Yes, you can hydrofoil on flat water. Hydrofoiling doesn’t require waves since the lift is generated by the motion of the foil through the water. This means you can enjoy hydrofoiling on lakes, calm seas, and even large rivers as long as you have enough space and depth to safely use the foil. Electric hydrofoils (eFoils) are particularly well-suited for flat water, allowing riders to cruise effortlessly without the need for waves or wind.

Can you use a wing foil with a SUP?

Yes, you can use a wing foil with a SUP board that is designed or adapted for foiling. Wing foiling is a variation of hydrofoiling where the rider holds a handheld inflatable wing to catch the wind, providing propulsion. The SUP board needs to have a foil attached to its bottom. It’s an exciting way to combine wind power with paddle boarding, adding a new dimension to the sport.

Can you put a foil on any board?

Not all boards are suitable for attaching a foil. While it’s technically possible to attach a foil to various types of boards, doing so safely and effectively requires a board that is specifically designed or reinforced for foiling. Foil boards are built to handle the unique stresses and torsion that a foil generates. Using a board not designed for foiling could lead to damage to the board or unsafe riding conditions.

How long does it take to learn to hydrofoil?

The learning time for hydrofoiling can vary widely depending on your background in water sports, balance skills, and the conditions in which you’re learning. Generally, it can take a few days to a few weeks to get comfortable on a hydrofoil. Those with experience in similar sports like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or kiteboarding might find it easier to pick up. Practice, patience, and perhaps lessons from a professional can significantly shorten the learning curve.

Are foil boards fun?

Absolutely, foil boards offer a unique and thrilling experience on the water that many find incredibly fun. The sensation of gliding above the water’s surface with minimal resistance is often described as flying. Foil boards can turn even small, unremarkable waves into an exciting playground, and the ability to ride in a variety of conditions, including flat water, adds to their appeal. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a new challenge or someone who enjoys exploring the water in new ways, foil boarding can provide a lot of enjoyment.

References:

1 – Gus Turner, Meet “Foiling,” the New Action Sport That Rich Dudes Love, taken from https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/a19531183/hydrofoiling-silicon-valley/
2 – Kaleigh Moore, How Fliteboard’s Newest Product Aims To Expand The eFoiling Industry, taken from https://www.forbes.com/sites/kaleighmoore/2024/03/05/how-fliteboards-newest-product-aims-to-expand-the-efoiling-industry/