What do I need to buy to start eFoiling 

A Guide to Starting eFoiling Along the Emerald Coast

Embarking on your eFoiling journey along Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast is an adventure you’ll not soon forget. From Santa Rosa Beach’s serene waters to Destin or Pensacola’s dynamic coastline, having the right equipment and guidance is key to making the most of your experience. Here’s everything you need to know to confidently get started, including essential gear, tips, and FAQs.

We have been writing for a while now about the different types of eFoilers. The entertainer, the weekend warrior, the foil Frother, and the explorer. While you might not yet know which type suits you best, this guide will give you a starting point and help you find your archetype on the water. 

1. Choosing Your Board

The foundation of your eFoil setup is the board. Your board influences stability, performance, and overall ride experience:

New eFoilers are best served starting with something on the larger size but not so large that they will need to buy a new eFoil in a year or two. Our top two recommendations are the 100 L Fliteboard and the 67 L Fliteboard Pro. These two boards suit almost all riders. If you are someone who loves a challenge, go for the pro. If you want to work your way up but have an easier entry to the sport, the Fliteboard will be exciting for years without being too big that you get bored. If you’re new or buying for the family, you can still consider something larger or opt for a more beginner-friendly construction. 

Here are our top recommendations. 

• Fliteboard (100L): Ideal for beginners. Perfect for building confidence as you learn.
• Fliteboard Pro: Compact and responsive, this board is designed for riders ready to refine their skills and explore more dynamic maneuvers.

Pro Tip: Start with a forgiving board and upgrade as your skills improve—many beginners at Emerald Wake transition from the Fliteboard to the Pro within three lessons. If you’re a weekend warrior or Foil Frother, the Pro is calling your name. 

2. The eFoil Unit (Mast)

The mast connects the board to the hydrofoil and affects how your eFoil handles. This will include the propulsion unit and the connection system to different ranges of wing design. 

• Standard 75 cm Mast: Enhances stability, making it ideal for beginners learning balance.
• Pro 80 cm Mast: Stiffer, better materials, access to high-performance wings. 
• MN 82 cm Mast: Reserved for high-end wave riders or advanced and aspiring masterclass riders. The Japanese prepreg carbon has unmatched response and control. 

Emerald Wake Insight: A shorter mast can help new riders stay balanced, while advanced riders often enjoy the agility of a longer mast in the choppier waters of Destin. We encourage most to choose the pro 80cm mast, but the Foil Frother who can’t get enough water should get the MN mast. You’ll never outgrow it and the performance is next level. 

3. Selecting Your Propulsion System

The propulsion system determines how your eFoil moves through the water:

• Propeller System: Delivers strong thrust and is versatile across conditions, making it a favorite. Heavy riders, riders on a budget, and most do opt for this unit. 
• Jet System: Offers a quieter, smoother ride with fewer moving parts, ideal for those seeking a safer, smoother option. We see the industry moving in this direction away from props in the coming years. 

Pro Tip: Beginners often prefer the Jet for its smooth takeoff, while advanced riders appreciate the prop’s strong thrust. Wave, wake, and pump enthusiasts like the Foil Frother and weekend warrior might consider a folding prop for better unpowered performance with less drag. Entertainers who love to have fun with friends and guests will love the Jet for its user-friendly, safe design, while explorers might go either way. 

4. Choosing the Right Hydrofoil Wings

Hydrofoil wings are pivotal in defining lift and stability:

• Cruiser 1100 Wing: A balanced choice, offering excellent stability and lift for most riders.
• Larger Wings: Provide extra lift and stability, perfect for beginners building confidence.

Emerald Wake Insight: Testing different wings during lessons can help you find the ideal balance of lift and maneuverability. We have a few full guides that break down the Fliteboard wing range and what you should consider. 

Pro Tip: Foil frothers and weekend warriors will want to start with medium aspect wings like the Cruiser but should consider testing small, higher aspect or discipline-specific wings as soon as they are ready. Wings are a low-cost way to upgrade your kit and change everything about the ride. Entertainers might consider something larger and medium aspect while explorers will love the endless glide of a larger high aspect. 

5. Selecting a Battery for Range

Your battery choice affects how long you can ride:

1. Flitecell Nano:
   • Weight: Approximately 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg).
   • Capacity: Provides up to 45 minutes of ride time.
   • Ideal For: Riders prioritizing maneuverability and a lighter board setup.
   • Note: Its compact size enhances responsiveness, making it suitable for performance-oriented sessions.
2. Flitecell Sport:
   • Weight: Approximately 23.4 lbs (10.6 kg).
   • Capacity: Offers up to 1.5 hours of ride time.
   • Ideal For: Those seeking a balance between weight and endurance, suitable for versatile riding experiences.
   • Note: This is the most popular choice among riders, providing a responsive ride with moderate duration.
3. Flitecell Explore:
   • Weight: Approximately 32 lbs (14.5 kg).
   • Capacity: Delivers up to 2.5 hours of ride time.
   • Ideal For: Extended explorations, long-distance rides, or sharing the eFoil with friends and family throughout the day.
   • Note: Its larger capacity ensures longer sessions without the need for frequent recharging.

Each Flitecell is engineered with premium 21700 lithium-ion cells, similar to those used in high-performance electric vehicles, ensuring durability and consistent performance. Additionally, they incorporate advanced safety features, including titanium housing for corrosion resistance and phase change materials for thermal management.

Pro Tip: Consider your typical session length and exploration goals when choosing a battery. The board you get will impact your battery choice. Small boards benefit from smaller batteries while large boards tend to pair with large batteries. For example, a weekend warrior who is working on pumping would appreciate the lighter weight and balance of the nano battery. 

6. The Remote: Staying in Control

Fliteboard’s intuitive Flite Controller remote keeps you in command, featuring:

• Waterproof design
• Ergonomic grip
• User-friendly interface

The remote comes with a lot of features that riders of all levels will benefit from. 

Virtual Gears: Offers smooth power delivery so you can adjust your speed seamlessly.

Extended Trigger Range: Think precision and control, accommodating both beginners and advanced riders. 

High-Contrast Display: You’ll be able to see the screen while riding in the sun and see a range of sophisticated ride telemetry by collecting data from GPS, accelerometer, other sensors, and the state-of-the-art battery management system, keeping riders informed about speed, battery life, and other essential metrics. Yes, Fliteboard is fancy! 

Wireless Safety Key (Flitescooter only): This cuts off power when you fall. The Flite Controller automatically detects the safety key. 

Durable Design: Built to withstand marine environments, ensuring reliability and longevity.

Additional Functionalities:

• Prop and Jet Modes: The controller allows switching between different propulsion settings, such as Prop Mode for use with the Flite Propeller and Jet Mode optimized for the Flite Jet.
  
• Light Rider Mode: Designed for beginners who find the lowest gear too fast, this mode offers a gentler power curve to build confidence. A great option for the kids or family.
  
• Speed Limiting: A feature that enables setting a maximum speed limit, beneficial for new riders to build confidence or for instructional settings.
  
• Fly Zones: Allows the creation of designated riding areas with specific speed limits or restrictions. 

Emerald Wake Insight: Beginners often describe the remote as “intuitive and empowering,” making speed and rider specific adjustments effortless.

7. Lessons: The Fast Track to Learning

While self-teaching is possible, lessons can accelerate your progress:

When learning to eFoil or anything really there is a concept called the j curve. Where things always feel more difficult at first. You can speed this process up and save weeks or months of learning time in a few short hours with the right eFoil instructor. 

You can also save money on gear! New riders often start on large boards and wings but quickly outgrow them. Taking lessons means you can use the school’s beginner eFoil and graduate to something that will be exciting and fun for years to come. That alone is reason enough to consider taking lessons first. 

You’ll get gear consultation from experienced riders who know your level, your goals and needs and get you on the perfect equipment leaving no room for doubt or wasted money and time.  

• Learn board handling and wing control.
• Gain confidence with safety protocols.
• Progress faster with professional feedback.

Pro Tip: Most students at Emerald Wake feel confident and gliding comfortably after just a few hours. Many riders also opt for an upgrade eFoil board as they are better prepared for something like the Fliteboard Pro and Cruiser 1100 wing. Regardless of your foil archetype, you will benefit greatly from lessons. 

8. Extras for Safety and Comfort

Safety is paramount in eFoiling. We recommend these essentials:

• Life Vest: Non-negotiable for deeper waters.
• Helmet: Protects your head, especially in unfamiliar or choppy conditions.
• Wetsuit: Keeps you warm during cooler sessions. The O’Neill Hyperfreak 3/2mm Full Suit is perfect for the Emerald Coast’s varying conditions.

9. Maintenance and Storage at Emerald Wake

Proper maintenance ensures longevity and performance. While you can store your own eFoil, you can also use our white-glove service to store and maintain it. 

 Emerald Wake offers:

• Regular equipment checks
• Professional cleaning
• Secure storage solutions

Emerald Wake Insight: Serving Panama City Beach, Inlet Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Pensacola, and beyond, our services keep your eFoil ready for every adventure.

10.  Taking Advantage of Demo Days and Equipment Trials

Emerald Wake’s demo days help you choose the perfect gear: Maybe you’re not a beginner and you don’t need lessons. That doesn’t mean you can’t test the latest gear and get to know the local community. eFoils are always evolving and getting better. If you’re in the market for something new, the best way to decide is to try it first! 

• Test different boards and wings.
• Receive expert guidance.
• Find the setup that matches your style and goals.

Emerald Wake Insight: Hands-on trials are invaluable for making informed decisions about your gear.

Starting your eFoiling journey with Emerald Wake opens a world of adventure along the Emerald Coast. From choosing the right equipment to mastering the basics, this guide should give you a good foundation on where to start. Please call or email us with any questions. We’re here to help! 

If you have any questions about eFoil lesson or would like to book an eFoil demo, call (850) 400-8500 or email us at [email protected] for a custom experience. We offer eFoil lesson, sales, battery rental, wing rental, demos, service, and repair from our three locations in Panama City Beach, Florida, Pensacola, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia.