The 9 best foilboards in 2024?

Foilboards have become increasingly popular in recent years. But what is foilsurfing actually all about?

With the hydrofoil, the board is simply lifted out of the water at the right speed and floats above the surface. The necessary buoyancy force is created by the water flowing along the wings and pushing the board upwards.

What many people don’t know:

With a foil board it is possible to “fly over the water”. The board itself is not in the water, which greatly reduces water resistance.

What are the best hydrofoil boards on the market and how exactly does it work?

Hydrofoils have only made their way into the mainstream in recent years. BeyondSurfing shows you what you need to know before buying your first hydrofoil.

The best foilboards 2024?

In a hurry? Our foilboard favorite:

These are the top 3 surf hydrofoils in 2024

Best stable foilboard

1. Naish Wing Board S26 Hover Carbon Ultra

Summary

The shape of this S26 Hover Carbon Ultra is relatively similar to that of a normal surfboard. As the board is relatively thick, it has a high volume despite its short length. This ensures stability on the water and waves can be paddled onto easily.

The flat rocker also helps to simplify paddling the wave. As the board is only slightly curved upwards, it has less water resistance and can be paddled quickly with little effort.

The 10” (25.4 cm) US boxes are suitable for hydrofoils with track system and deep tuttle. The polyurethane core is lightweight and durable at the same time.

The only disadvantage is the high price, which is between $1300 and $1600 depending on the size.

Conclusion

Short surfboard with lots of volume.

Product details

Color: White/Grey | Size: 5’7 FT (1,70 m) | Box: 2 x 10” US Box | Volume: 95 L | Core: N/A

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Best foilboard for beginners

2. JP Wing AIR SE Foilboard

Summary

A board for hydrofoil beginners, advanced riders and pros. The JP Wing AIR SE is available in the size 5’4 FT and is therefore classified as a board for advanced surfers.

The small model also has the option of attaching foot straps. This means that this surfboard can also be used for wingfoiling. The surfer holds a kind of kite in his hand and gets the necessary speed from the wind.

The narrow outline makes the board very maneuverable and tight turns are no problem. There are two 10” US boxes on the underside to which the hydrofoil can be attached.

Conclusion

Hydrofoil surfboard that is still easy to turn despite its volume.

Product details

Color: Blue | Size: 5’4 FT (1.52 m) | Box: N/A | Volume: N/A

Best stable foilboard

3. Aztron Idrofoil Rocket 1450

Summary

This hydrofoil is equally suitable for SUP and surfboards. The 1450 cm² wings provide lift, are very easy to turn and yet forgiving.

The mast is made of aluminum and feels almost as good in the water as similar hydrofoils with a carbon mast. It is also very robust and screwed and glued at the transition to the track plate.

Conclusion

High-quality surf hydrofoil.

Product details

Wing surface area: 1450 cm² | Mast length: 60 – 80 cm cm | Material: aluminum mast, carbon wings

FAQ

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The top 3 hydrofoil kitesurf boards 2024

Best foilboard for beginners

1. Naish Hover 127

Summary

This kitesurf board is best suited for advanced kitefoil riders and experts. The flat tail and mid-section ensure easy planing and the rounded corners make the board forgiving.

The double density deck pad is comfortable and ensures a good grip on the board. Foot straps can also be attached.

With the aluminum track boxes, the hydrofoil can be positioned at the desired location under the kitesurf board.

However, this kitesurf board is neither suitable for hydrofoil beginners nor for regular kitesurfing.

Conclusion

Performance hydrofoil kitesurf board for advanced and expert riders.

Product details

Size: 127 x 45.7 x 3.8 cm | Box: Aluminum Track Box | Volume: 14.2 L

FAQ

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2. StarkTech HydroFoil

Summary

With this hydrofoil, StarkTech offers a material combination of aluminum and carbon. The mast is adjustable and has a length of 60 – 90 cm, allowing the kitesurf board to protrude far out of the water. This hydrofoil is therefore forgiving, so that the board does not touch the water even in very tight turns.

Both the mast and the wings can be exchanged, making the Hydrofoil very versatile and perfectly adaptable to all kinds of conditions. This mast is also suitable for freeride kitesurfing.

As the mast is very long, this hydrofoil is less suitable for complete kitefoil beginners. For your first kitefoil attempts, you should choose a hydrofoil with a short mast.

Conclusion

Hydrofoil with long mast and interchangeable wings.

Product details

Mast length: 60 – 90 cm | material: aluminum/carbon

FAQ

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Best minimalist kitesurf board

3. Naish Hover 127 Kite Foil Board

Summary

This kitesurf board is best suited for advanced kitefoil riders and experts. The flat tail and mid-section ensure easy planing and the rounded corners make the board forgiving.

The double UD fiberglass deck provides sufficient stiffness and the 3D EVA deck pad makes the board comfortable to ride.

The rounded edges make this kitesurf board forgiving, but not suitable for beginners.

Conclusion

Performance hydrofoil kitesurf board for advanced and expert riders.

Product details

Size: 127 cm | Box: N/A | Volume: N/A

FAQ

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The top 3 windsurf hydrofoils 2024

Best hydrofoil for advanced riders

1. Raptor Wing Foil Board

Summary

This wing foil board is the right choice for advanced surfers. The relatively low rocker makes it particularly easy to lift off. The rounded edges reduce the risk of touch downs during fast turns in the surf.

The board is narrower than a SUP foil board to ensure sufficient stability when taking off from a sitting or kneeling position. However, it has sufficient volume to enable take-off from a standing position. The EPS core is completely encased in PVC and fiberglass. The PVC sandwich fabric ensures durability and reliable performance.

Only the high price is a disadvantage, hydrofoil beginners should look for a cheaper board. Unless they already know that foil surfing is the new big passion.

Conclusion

High-quality wing foil board with good performance for advanced riders.

Product details

Color: Blue/Grey | Size: N/A | Special feature: EVA deck pad with kicktail

FAQ

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2. BLOSSS Hydrofoil Board

Summary

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider, you’re sure to get your money’s worth with this board.

The even nose rocker and bevels in the nose area ensure harmonious and forgiving behavior when the nose hits the water surface.

The flat deck shape and ideally positioned foot straps ensure an upright stance. The volume and width of the board ensure optimum gliding behavior. The tail cut-outs support the effortless pumping of the foil during the transition to the flight phase.

This board covers a very wide wind range and is ideal for most riding weights and levels.

Conclusion

All-round hydrofoil windsurf board for beginners and advanced riders.

Product details

Color: Blue | Size: 135 L

FAQ

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3. Naish Thrust Windsurf Foil

Summary

This freeride foil is a real all-rounder for all conditions and is best suited for hydrofoil beginners and advanced riders. An early take-off is possible with this foil because the board lifts off the surface of the water even at low speeds.

The pole has a length of 70 cm and is made of aluminum. The material is slightly heavier than carbon, but behaves very similarly.

Both boards with a deep tuttle box and those with a track box are compatible with this hydrofoil. The price is relatively high, but very affordable compared to many other windsurf hydrofoils.

Conclusion

All-round windsurf hydrofoil for beginners and advanced riders.

Product details

Mast length: 70 cm | surface area: 1220 cm² | material: aluminum | aspect ratio: 3.46

FAQ

Buy a foilboard:
How to make the right decision

In principle, a hydrofoil can be attached to surfboards, kiteboards and windsurf boards. The foil differs in size and shape depending on the sport.

In this guide from BeyondSurfing, you will first learn what a hydrofoil is, what parts it consists of and how they influence the hydrofoil’s performance.

We will then explain what is important for kite, wind and surf hydrofoils and where the differences lie.

The mast for hydrofoils

The pole that connects the board and the wings of the hydrofoil is called the mast. Length plays the biggest role in choosing the right mast.

Long masts

• More scope in the water
• Ensure stability
• Board is high above the water surface
• Water must be deeper than the length of the mast

Preferred by most surfers because a long mast gives the board more stability. This makes the board somewhat more cumbersome to maneuver than with a short mast.

More room to maneuver in the water:

A long mast means a lot of speed and therefore more fun in the water. As the mast is above the surface of the water while surfing, tight turns are possible without the rails of the board touching the water. A long mast is particularly useful for large boards.

The problem:

The water in which you surf must be deeper than the length of the mast. Otherwise the wings of the hydrofoil would drag across the ground and make surfing impossible.

Short masts

• Board lies low above the water surface
• Easier to maneuver
• Good for shallow waters

The shorter the mast, the easier the board is to maneuver. However, this also means that the board is less stable in the water and tilts easily.

With a short mast, the board lies lower above the water surface than with a long mast. This is not necessarily a disadvantage, but the rail easily touches the water when cornering.

” Back to the guide

The wings of hydrofoils

The wings are located at the lower end of the hydrofoil. These provide the buoyancy force that lifts the board out of the water. The surface area of the sashes is usually given in cm².

A hydrofoil has two wings, the front front wing and the rear back wing (also known as the stabilizer). There are many different sizes and shapes, especially for the front wing. Play a particularly important role:

The sash aspect ratio

This describes the relationship between the wingspan and the surface area of the wing. A distinction is made between a low and a high sash aspect ratio.

The curvature of the wings

The wings of the hydrofoil can be curved to different degrees. The spectrum is very broad and ranges from completely straight to strongly curved. The ends of the wings can also be bent downwards, which provides more stability like fins on a surfboard.

The back wing

Like the front wing, the back wing is also attached to the so-called fuselage. However, a little further back than the front wing. If you hear or read the word stabilizer when looking for the right hydrofoil, don’t be surprised – this means the back wing.

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Fastening the hydrofoil

To use the hydrofoil, it must be attached to the board. The hydrofoil has a collar or connector at the top end, which is used to insert or slide it into the holder provided.

The three most common types of fastening are

1. Deep Tuttle Box

   Deep tuttle boxes have long been the standard in the windsurfing industry and can be found on most boards. These fasteners are therefore also suitable for hydrofoils. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and read up on the type of attachment your hydrofoil is suitable for.

2. Plate Mounts

   Plate mounts can be attached to the board with adhesive or screws. This means that any board can be retrofitted as a hydrofoil.

3. Gofoil Tuttle

   This box is produced by the manufacturer Gofoil. If the hydrofoil has a Gofoil Tuttle Box, make sure that it is compatible with the Gofoil Box when purchasing the hydrofoil.

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The weight of the hydrofoil

Weight plays a subordinate role, but should not be completely neglected. This is because heavy foils are slower, but offer more stability. That’s why they make perfect sense for beginners.

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Hydrofoil for surfboards

Even though hydrofoils are nothing new in surfing, it is only in recent years that they have gained the attention of the masses. Among others, Kai Lenny, the Hawaiian waterman and pro surfer Laird Hamilton are responsible for this.

Even though they don’t only surf hydrofoils, they are known for their pioneering techniques and maneuvers that have never been done on a hydrofoil before. But is a hydrofoil also suitable for normal surfers and what should you bear in mind when buying one?

Which foil board for foil surfing?

• Mast length between 50 and 75 cm
• Short torso
• Large to very large sashes (150-230 square inches)
• Surfboard between 4’5 FT (1.37 m) and 7’6 FT (2.32 m)

When surfing, the hydrofoil should have a mast length of between 50 and 75 cm. This means that the surfboard protrudes far enough out of the water and can also be surfed in shallow waters.

A short hull makes tight turns possible. The wings of Surf Hydrofoils belong in the large to very large category. A sash surface area of 150 to 230 square inches is common.

The surfboard should be between 4’5 FT (1.37 m) and 7’6 FT (2.32 m) long.

For beginners: more volume provides more stability and makes it easier to paddle the wave with the hydrofoil.

Deep Tuttle boxes are installed on many foil boards. Loops for the feet are rarely used.

And for SUP foil boards?

The same applies to SUP boards with hydrofoils. Only the board length differs. Here, 7 FT (2.13 m) to 10 FT (3.04 m) are normal. There are both classic SUPs designed for hydrofoils and inflatable paddle boards.

Foilboards and safety in the water

Theoretically, anyone can surf a hydrofoil and the pros make it look very easy. But appearances are deceptive. Hydrofoiling is difficult to learn and novice surfers should not attempt it.

Why?

If you are not yet familiar with the sea and your surfboard and still have problems handling it, you should not maneuver a surfboard with a large and sharp hydrofoil on the bottom through the lineup.

Hydrofoils are dangerous!

Falls and wipeouts are part of surfing. Most surfers are probably also aware that boards and fins can cause nasty lacerations or cuts. Now imagine getting the wings or mast of a hydrofoil against your temples instead of a fin. The resulting injuries can be very serious and leave large scars.

Foilboards = the enemy in the lineup?

The reactions to a hydrofoil can be very different. Curiosity, admiration but perhaps also fear and even hatred. Especially if the rest of the lineup notices that the handling of the hydrofoil is not 100 percent and there is a danger to others, it can quickly lead to arguments in the water.

To learn how to use the hydrofoil, we recommend a quiet spot without other surfers. Firstly, there is no risk of injury to other water sports enthusiasts, and secondly, there are fewer distractions and the focus is only on surfing.

Where can I surf with my Hydrofoil?

This is also the biggest advantage of a hydrofoil. Any wave, no matter how small, even the groundswell of unbroken waves, can be ridden.
The right water depth:

The water at the spot must be deep enough so that the hydrofoil does not come into contact with the seabed. Therefore, flat riff breaks are not an option.

First steps on the hydrofoil:

Small waves of 1 to 2 feet (0.61 m) or the white water are enough to try it out. False pride is out of place here. Just like surfing, hydrofoil surfing has to be learned from the ground up.

” Back to the guide

Foilboards for kitesurfing

Hydrofoils are also becoming increasingly popular in kitesurfing. And not without reason. With the hydrofoil, kitesurfers are faster because the board is above the water and does not have to displace any water.

The riding experience is unique, even in choppy water, because bumps on the water surface can simply be ignored. In addition, a hydrofoil is ideal for low wind speeds.

However, there is a high risk of injury from the foil. Hydrofoils are a bad choice for freestyle and wave kiting, as they are unsuitable for tricks and cutbacks on the wave. Hydrofoil equipment is also very expensive to buy, so it is worth looking for a used hydrofoil.

Which hydrofoil for kitesurfing?

• Long mast 75-100 cm
• Wings depending on skill, speed and conditions
• Board length between 3’6 FT (1.10 m) and 5 FT (1.52 m)
• Foot straps are optional, helpful for beginners

For kitesurfing, the mast of the hydrofoil should be between 75 and 100 cm long so that the board protrudes far out of the water. The size of the wings depends on the skills of the surfer and the wind speed.

The kiteboard should have a length of 3’6 FT (1.10 m) and 5 FT (1.52 m). Footstraps are not necessary for kitesurfing with a hydrofoil, but most beginners find them helpful.

Who is Hydrofoil suitable for when kitesurfing?

For advanced kitesurfers. You should have your kite under control and feel safe on the water. Complete kite beginners are advised against the hydrofoil.

The same applies here:

Hydrofoils are dangerous and carry the risk of serious injuries and deep cuts.

” Back to the guide

Hydrofoil for windsurf boards

Hydrofoil windsurf boards are a real secret weapon, especially at low wind speeds. As the board floats above the surface of the water thanks to the foil, the water resistance decreases and the speed increases.

But:

A hydrofoil is not for windsurfing beginners. If you want to try out a hydrofoil, you need to be able to glide and water start without any problems. This is because the hydrofoil carries a high risk of injury.

Which foil boards for windsurfing?

• Long mast 75-100 cm
• Long torso for stability
• Small to large sashes possible
• Mostly deep tuttle boxes
• Board length between 6 FT (1.83 m) and 8 FT (2.44 m)
• Sail should be 1 square meter smaller than normal

Hydrofoils for windsurf boards should have a mast between 75 and 100 cm long. A long hull or fuselage is also useful if stability is important.

The size of the wings on windsurf boards can vary greatly.

Large wings: Are more stable, but also slower, as they have more water resistance.
Small wings: are less stable, have less water resistance and are faster.

Deep Tuttle boxes are the standard in the windsurfing industry and are therefore used for most foils. The surfboard should be between 6 FT (1.83 m) and 8 FT (2.44 m) in length.

The following applies to sails:

It is best to always mount the board at least one square meter smaller than would be usual for the same board without a hydrofoil.

” Back to the guide

Electric hydrofoils

Electric hydrofoils, also known as Efoils, are becoming increasingly popular. Here, speed is generated by an electric motor on the hydrofoil. This drive can be controlled with a remote control that is held in the hand.

How expensive are Efoils?

Efoils are still incredibly expensive on the market, with prices ranging from $12,000 to $15,000. If you are not prepared to spend that much money but still want to own an Efoil, look around for a used model.

Alternatively, you can also build your own electric hydrofoil. You can find information about Efoil at e-surfer.com and efoil.builders.

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Well-known brands and manufacturers

The best-known and most popular hydrofoil brands and manufacturers include

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Naish, JP, Fanatic, Liquid Force, RRD, Airush, Cabrinha

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Foilboard test by Consumer Reports and Öko-Test

So far there are no Hydrofoil tests from Consumer Reports or Öko-Test.

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FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about foilboards

What is a foilboard?

Foilboard is a very general term. This category includes hydrofoil surfboards, kitesurf boards, windsurf boards and SUP boards.

How does foilboarding work?

The so-called wings are located at the lower end of the hydrofoil. Water flows under the wings, the resulting buoyancy force ensures that the board is pushed upwards and “floats” above the water surface.

Which foil board is right for me?

It depends on what sport you do and what your skill level is. You can find out more in the buying guide.

Is it worth buying a foilboard set?

A foilboard set can be particularly interesting for beginners, as they are usually cheaper than the individual components.

What is the right foilboard volume for me?

There is no general answer to this question. You can find out more in the buying guide.

What accessories do I need for my foil board?

Basically, all you need is the foil board and the hydrofoil. For kitesurfing you still need the rest of the kitesurfing equipment, the same applies to windsurfing.

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Conclusion

The topic of foilboards is very broad, as the term is very general and covers many water sports. It is therefore important to inform yourself well before buying so that you don’t end up with the wrong product.

If you have already mastered one of the water sports mentioned and want to experience a completely new riding experience, you should definitely give foil boards a try.

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Specialist literature, sources & further links

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