Winterizing Your eFoil: A Guide to Keeping Your Gear Ready for Next Season

As the air cools down and you trade board shorts for jackets, it’s time to consider where your eFoil will be hanging out for the winter. Like a trusty friend, your eFoil deserves a little care before it takes a break, ensuring it’s as ready to ride as you are when the sun returns.

We’ve rounded up the essential steps for winterizing your eFoil, covering everything from cleaning and battery care to storage options that make life easy. Plus, Emerald Wake can handle it all, leaving you with one less item on your winter to-do list!

Maintenance is an important part of your investment, and in a way, it’s part of the lifestyle. Hydrofoils don’t require lots of care, but a yearly “big checkup” is the bare minimum and will go a long way toward maximizing your equipment’s lifespan and performance.

Step 1: Give Your eFoil a Spa Day (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Clean?)

First things first, your eFoil needs thorough cleaning to remove every trace of salt, sand, and lake or ocean residue. A little extra time here will go a long way in preventing rust, wear, and tear, so grab your cleaning supplies, and let’s get started:

• Rinse It Thoroughly: Use fresh water to rinse your eFoil from top to bottom, paying special attention to the mast, wings, and crevices where salt and sand tend to hide. While high-end eFoils like Fliteboard use anodized aluminum and Japanese carbon that is extremely rust resistant, it’s still wise to clean any unit that will be sitting for an extended period. Salt is a silent culprit for corrosion, so be sure no spot is left unchecked!
• Soft Bristle Brush for Delicate Parts: For stubborn spots, a soft, gentle brush is your friend. Avoid anything too harsh, as it could scratch the surface or disrupt delicate components.
• Drying It Out: Make sure every part is completely dry before storing it. Moisture left behind can lead to mold, corrosion, or other issues during the cold months. Leave your eFoil in a dry area or use a clean, absorbent cloth to speed up the drying process.

Step 2: Battery Care 101 (A Little Extra Attention Goes a Long Way)

Your eFoil battery is the heart of your ride and needs specific attention to stay in good condition over winter. Here are the essentials for keeping it happy and healthy:

• Storage Level Charge: Charging your battery to about 50-70% is ideal for long-term storage. This helps preserve battery life by avoiding the stress of a full charge or a near-zero state.
• Temperature Control: Store your battery in a cool, dry area—extreme temperatures can shorten battery lifespan and performance. Somewhere around room temperature is perfect, as batteries are sensitive to both cold and heat.
• Avoid Moisture Exposure: Even if your battery is safe in a case, it’s best to store it in a low-humidity environment to avoid corrosion. Keep it away from bathrooms, basements, or areas prone to moisture.

We do have a complete guide to Fliteboard battery care that you can visit.

Emerald Wake Pro Tip: Emerald Wake’s Storage and Delivery service handles all the details of winter battery care, so you can be sure your battery is stored safely, keeping it ready for the spring ride.

Step 3: Check for Wear and Tear

After a season of play and making new memories, your eFoil may have a few parts that need a second look. Keep an eye out for any damage or parts that may have come loose. A quick maintenance check will help keep everything in peak shape for next year:

• Inspect the Wings and Mast: Look for any nicks, dings, or loosening of screws. Small issues now can become big problems after months of inactivity, so tighten screws, and address any visible damage.
• Propeller Check: Make sure your propeller is in good shape, without chips or bent blades that could affect future performance.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a suitable lubricant to any moving parts, especially the propeller shaft and mast, to keep everything running smoothly. This prevents stiffness and rust, ensuring that everything glides as smoothly in spring as it did this past season.

Step 4: Storage Strategy (Keep Your eFoil Cozy!)

Choosing the right storage location is key. An eFoil should be stored in a stable environment, safe from moisture, extreme temperatures, and pests. Here are some options:

• Indoor Storage: If you’re storing it at home, a garage, shed, or closet with a stable temperature works well. Be cautious of places prone to freezing or excessive heat, as these can warp or damage components.
• Protective Case: Consider using a sturdy, padded case for extra protection. It shields your eFoil from dust, impacts, and accidental scuffs.
• Professional Storage with Emerald Wake: Emerald Wake’s Storage and Delivery Service is a stress-free option. They store your eFoil in a climate-controlled environment and ensure it’s safe from dust, temperature swings, and accidental damage. Plus, when spring rolls around, your board will be ready for delivery right to your doorstep!

Emerald Wake’s service doesn’t just handle storage—they also include winterization services to ensure everything’s in top shape. From battery care to wing protection, you can trust them to keep your eFoil in great condition, so all you have to do come spring is enjoy the ride.

Step 5: Bookmark the Essentials – The Emerald Wake FAQ

When in doubt, Emerald Wake’s FAQ page has you covered with advice on every aspect of eFoil maintenance. Here are a few gems you’ll find:

• Battery Storage Tips: Need a refresher on battery care? The FAQ has a detailed breakdown to help you navigate the basics and beyond.
• Cleaning and Protection Advice: Not sure which cleaning solution is safe? The FAQ includes practical tips on the best methods for preserving your eFoil’s finish and functionality.
• Transport Tips: If you plan to take your eFoil on a winter getaway, the FAQ includes advice on packing and transporting it safely.

Emerald Wake’s FAQ page is a go-to resource for eFoil enthusiasts, packed with helpful tips and practical advice to help you keep your board in top shape.

Why Winterizing Matters – Avoiding Off-Season Woes

Winterizing isn’t just about putting your eFoil away—it’s an investment in your gear’s long-term performance. Salt corrosion, improper battery storage, and cold-related issues are all common problems that can lead to costly repairs or a shortened eFoil lifespan. A little effort now saves you time, money, and the disappointment of finding your eFoil in bad shape when you’re ready to ride again. Emerald Wake’s expert storage service simplifies this, so you can relax, knowing your gear’s protected.

The Easy Way Out: Why Choose Emerald Wake for Winterization?

Emerald Wake’s winterization package goes above and beyond, taking every precaution necessary to store your eFoil safely and efficiently. Here’s what sets their service apart:

• Climate-Controlled Storage: Protects from temperature extremes and humidity that could damage delicate components.
• Battery Maintenance: Emerald Wake handles battery storage with precision, ensuring it’s at an optimal charge and safe from environmental risks.
• Spring Readiness: When the time comes, Emerald Wake makes it easy to transition from storage to water. They can deliver your eFoil, fully prepped, wherever you need it.

Emerald Wake’s Storage and Delivery service provides a hassle-free way to keep your eFoil in mint condition. They manage every detail, so your only job is to book your first ride of the season!

Winter Is Here, But Spring Will Be Back Before You Know It!

As the saying goes, “Out of sight, but not out of mind.” Your eFoil may be taking a break for the winter, but with the right care, it’ll be back in action just as soon as the water warms up. Winterizing doesn’t have to be a chore—with a few steps and the peace of mind that Emerald Wake’s services provide, you’re all set for the off-season.

So, as you tuck away your eFoil for the winter, rest easy knowing it’s safe and sound, waiting for those sunny spring days. In the meantime, check out Emerald Wake’s FAQ and Storage and Delivery services to ensure your eFoil stays in top shape while you stay cozy and warm.

If you have questions about Fliteboards or need help deciding which is best for you, call (850) 400-8500 or email us at [email protected] for a custom recommendation. We offer eFoil lessons, guided eFoil tours, eFoil demos, Flitecell battery rental, wing rental, storage and delivery options for your eFoils, and more.