Learning to Ride an E-Foil: Tips for First-Time Riders

An e-foil (electric hydrofoil surfboard) is a surfboard that floats on water with a hydrofoil wing attached underneath and propelled by an electric motor. As you go faster, the board rises above the surface of the water, reducing resistance and giving a feeling similar to gliding or flying.

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Ewave Electric E-Foil

An e-foil falls somewhere between a surfboard, a snowboard, and a hydrofoil, and feels like flying above the water. The Ewave Electric E-Foil and Awake e-foil lines are designed to get a taste of this high-performance watersport as easy as possible for beginners, whether you're looking for a new hobby or simply curious about electric surfboards.

As a professional dealer of quality water sports equipment at E-boarders. In this guide, we walk you through some pro-backed tips to help you start e-foiling with confidence.

What is an E-Foil, Exactly?

An e-foil (electric hydrofoil surfboard) is a surfboard that floats on water with a hydrofoil wing attached underneath and propelled by an electric motor. As you go faster, the board rises above the surface of the water, reducing resistance and giving a feeling similar to gliding or flying.

Here are two of the most trusted brands in the e-foil market:

  • Ewave Electric E-Foil - Ewave is famous for its stability, performance and the ease of its controls.
  • Awake E-Foil - Swedish-designed, ultra-responsive up on top, and sleek as it glides below, the Awake e-foil is a little bit of everything you didn't know you needed.

Begin In Calm Water Conditions

E-foiling is easiest on the flat, calm water with less traffic from boats, so that is where you should start. Don't hit the waves and wind too heavy for your first few rides. With smooth water you can concentrate on working on your balance and control and how responsive your craft is without having to deal with the added test of choppy surf.

Start in the Kneeling or Prone Position

You don’t have to get up right away. Actually, safest start has to be done lying down (prone), or even kneeling.

  • Set the Ewave Electric E-Foil remote throttle to low power output.
  • Before standing up, practice transfer of your weight along and you will feel how board reacts on you, if you stand on the board you will not feel it.

When you are comfortable and stable, gradually progress yourself standing up.

Stay Balanced — stay on your feet and not your arms.

Do not balance by using arms while standing. Instead, pull in your core and ground yourself by redistributing the weight evenly on both feet.

  • Keep knees slightly bent.
  • Focus on micro adjustments with your lower body.
  • Focus straight ahead rather than on your feet; it will aid your balance and mindfulness.

With these new stability controls, the transition into standing up can be a much easier process for new riders when compared to a traditional foil, like the Awake e-foil.

Take It Easy and Familiarize Yourself with the Controls

Speed has its charm — but if you are not a professional, then it can be dangerous — Throttle control is achieved through a wireless handheld remote for both the Ewave and Awake e-foils.

  • Begin at 25–30% throttle.
  • Do not accelerate suddenly or turn sharply.
  • Keep the inputs smooth and gradual to keep from driving the nose into the ground.

Safety First: Gear Up

An electric surfboard doesn't mean you can bypass safety equipment. Always wear:

  • Life vest approved by the coast guard
  • A helmet
  • A vest that provides more impact cushion at fall

Safety is a priority with the Ewave Electric E-Foil, with a safety cut-off that deactivates the motor when the rider falls off or releases the remote.

Practice Makes Progress

You might get a little wet during your first ride, and that is just fine! Don’t get discouraged. Every try offers you an extra insight into how the board reacts, your balance, and how the water conditions change the way the board rides.

In no time, you will develop muscle memory, confidence, and longer, smoother glides every ride if you practice regularly.

The Next Best Thing for Your First E-Foil — E-Boarders!

E-boarders, your one-stop-shop for performance grade electric surfboards and accessories. Be it the Ewave Electric E-Foil, known for tough reliability, or the Awake e-foil that has a profile to match its design. We have:

  • Original products by recognised brands
  • First-time buyer tips from an expert
  • Fast shipping and secure online shopping
  • Resources that help you get started

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does it take to learn to ride an e-foil?

A: Most new riders get comfortable after a couple sessions. If the board and conditions are right, you could be up and gliding within your first hour.

Q2: Are kids/teens permitted to ride an e-foil?

A: Yes, but only with an adult supervision and safety gear. Details Like Weight, Skill Level, Etc. should be taken into consideration.

Q3: What does Ewave have that Awake e-foils do not?

A: Both are premium options. Ewave's e-foils are very much entry-level and easy on the bank balance, whereas Awake's e-foils feature cutting-edge technology and provide a sportier ride for enthusiasts.

Q4: Am I required to have a license or a permit to ride an e-foil?

A: It really is dependent on your local regulations. Watercraft may occasionally be restricted, or require a permit; check before you go!

Start Riding Today

That said, though, e-foiling isn’t really a sport – if anything, it’s more of an experience. With the right board and a little bit of guidance, it has become more approachable than ever.

Explore Efoils on E-boarders - Let’s get you gliding over the surface of the water like never before!

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