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.

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 Emerald Wake students transition from the Fliteboard to the Pro within two to three lessons. If you’re a weekend
warrior or Foil Frother, the Pro is calling your name.

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.

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.

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.

. Selecting a Battery for Range
Your battery choice affects how long you can ride:

1. Flitecell Nano:
   o Weight: Approximately 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg).
   o Capacity: Provides up to 45 minutes of ride time.
   o Ideal For: Riders prioritizing maneuverability and a lighter board setup.
   o Note: Its compact size enhances responsiveness, making it suitable for
   performance-oriented sessions.
   
2. Flitecell Sport:
   o Weight: Approximately 23.4 lbs (10.6 kg).
   o Capacity: Offers up to 1.5 hours of ride time.
   o Ideal For: Those seeking a balance between weight and endurance, suitable for
   versatile riding experiences.
   o Note: This is the most popular choice among riders, providing a responsive ride
   with moderate duration.
   
3. Flitecell Explore:
   o Weight: Approximately 32 lbs (14.5 kg).
   o Capacity: Delivers up to 2.5 hours of ride time.
   o Ideal For: Extended explorations, long-distance rides, or sharing the eFoil with
   friends and family throughout the day.
   o 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.

The Remote: Staying in Control
Fliteboard’s intuitive 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: 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.

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 glide 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 the lessons.

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.

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.

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, call (850) 400-8500 or email us at [email protected] for a
personalized recommendation. We offer eFoil lessons, guided eFoil tours, eFoil demos, Flitecell
battery rental, wing rental, storage and delivery options for your eFoils, and more.