How to Hydrofoil: Foiling for Beginners


three hyperlite foil boards on a dock

Curious about foiling? It's one of the newest and most exciting water sports behind the boat, ideal for current wakesurfers or wakeboarders seeking a new challenge. Our Watersport Experts are here to guide you through the process, from your first ride to mastering the foil. Explore the thrilling world of foiling, and gain the essential knowledge you need to ride on the water with confidence.

Getting Started

We'll cover the basics to help you understand what hydrofoiling is all about and how to set up for your first ride. But first, here are a few things you’ll need to get started:

What is a Hydrofoil?

A hydrofoil, also known as a wakefoil, consists of a board, wing set, and mast. The mast typically ranges from 24 to 28 inches in length. As a beginner, it will be easier to learn on a shorter mast due to its increased stability.

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Setting Up

To ensure a more stable ride, position the mast as far back on the board as possible during setup. As you progress and become more comfortable with foiling, you can gradually adjust the mast forward.

guy riding on a hyperlite foil board

Getting in the Water

Getting in the water is the first step to experiencing the thrill of hydrofoiling. In this section, we'll guide you through the process of getting up on the foil, engaging the foil, and mastering your balance.

Getting Up

  1. Prepare the Board: Place the foil board gently in the water with the mast down. Jump into the water away from the board and be cautious around the foil, as the wings can be sharp. 
  2. Use the Right Rope: As a beginner, using a full-length wakeboard rope will provide stability and help you get up without the wake or prop wash throwing you off.
  3. Get into Position: Lay flat on your back with your heels on the board in a comfortable and relaxed position. Keep the rope between your feet and maintain a firm grip on the handle with both hands to prevent pivoting or turning in unwanted directions.
  4. Start Slowly: Ask the boat driver to use the boat's idle speed to slowly and gently pull you in a wakesurf stance. This pressure will help keep your feet on the board and get you familiar with the feel.
  5. Accelerate Gradually: After giving the ready signal, the driver should slowly accelerate to a speed of 9-12 mph. As the line tightens, allow it to pull you up and out of the water while driving your heels down toward the bottom of the lake, similar to getting up on a wakeboard or wakesurf.
  6. Adjust Weight Distribution: Once riding sideways, shift your weight towards the front of the board to stay cruising at the water level and prevent the foil from engaging and rising out of the water. A helpful tip to keep the foil in the water is to hold the handle with your back hand to pull your body weight forward on the board. The object at first is to keep the board on the water and the foil completely submerged.

Engaging the Foil

Once you have your balance on the board, you can start to rise out of the water and drop back down, engaging the foil.

  1. Rising and Dropping: To engage the foil, make a slow and controlled backward shift of your weight and hips by adjusting your stance further back and putting more weight on your rear leg. To bring the board back down, slowly shift your weight forward again. 
  2. Repeat: Practice this process of lifting and submerging the foil until you begin to feel comfortable with takeoffs and extending glide time.
  3. Maintain Control: Remember to keep movements subtle and controlled, including your hold on the rope. If the foil breaches the surface of the water, your board may fall, and you might lose control. If you feel like you're going to crash, don't try to hold on. Instead, fall to the side or let the handle pull you out front to distance yourself from the board.
three hyperlite foil boards during sunset

Mastering the Foil

After feeling comfortable engaging the foil, you can do a few things to begin to master foiling:

  • Shorten the Rope: Once you’ve mastered the longer rope, switch it out for a wakesurf rope so that you can move closer to the boat. This will allow you to feel the push of the boat start to lessen the tension on the line, creating a more genuine surf-like feel.
  • Ride the Wake: Once you’re closer to the boat, you’ll have access to the wake. Try rising and falling on the wake for a different feel.
  • Toss the Handle: After practicing closer to the boat and becoming steady on your foil, try tossing the rope altogether to access a new challenge of balance and control.

Foiling is an exhilarating water sport that offers a new challenge for wakesurfers, wakeboarders, and watersport enthusiasts. By understanding the basics of foiling, setting up properly, and mastering your balance, you can experience the thrill of gliding on the water with confidence. Dive into the world of foiling and enjoy endless fun on the water this season!

Still have questions regarding the basics of foiling? Contact your local WITZENBERG to speak with a Foiling Expert!