eFoils VS. The Hydroflyer

by Ryan Goloversic

 

The eFoil world has matured, with new models, designs, and technologies arriving every season. We've reached a point where many designers are refining minor details but some are looking at the sport in a completely new light. Designers are looking for new ways to improve the efficiency, the hydrodynamics, and the use cases. 


The Hydroflyer is in the eFoil family, but it stands out as a new class in terms of its build and purpose—blending cutting-edge design with high-end features for beginners and advanced or extreme riders alike. From small details like the extra strength in the mast and handlebars compared to other eFoils to larger design changes like a hull reminiscent of a jet ski mixed with an eFoil board that allows for better planning and absorbing impacts. But how does it compare to traditional eFoils?


We’ll break down the differences to consider so you can decide for yourself. In this article, we’ll cover everything from design and performance to what you can expect from the experience and what you get from different design choices. We’ll show the benefits of choosing the Hydroflyer over a traditional eFoil.


Are you an innovator? One huge consideration is that this is a new sport. There is a ripe opportunity for innovators to stand out, make their own tricks, or leave their mark on watersports forever. These opportunities only come once a decade, and the time is now to help develop this emerging riding style.


Table of contents: 

  1. Traditional eFoils
  2. Beginner eFoils 
  3. Intermediate to advanced eFoils 
  4. Key features of traditional eFoils
  5. Enter the Hydroflyer: A new breed of eFoil
  6. Key features of the Hydroflyer 
  7. Comparing Traditional eFoils and the Hydroflyer: What Sets It Apart?
  8. What style is right for you? 

Traditional eFoils:

A standard eFoil combines an electric motor, a hydrofoil wing, and a battery-powered propulsion system, allowing riders to fly above the water, like riding on an airplane wing under the water. With different models for varying skill levels—from beginner to advanced—eFoils have brought a new sense of freedom to water sports, letting riders enjoy a smooth “magic carpet” experience over the waves.

Typical eFoils are powered by a motor and propeller integrated into the board, emphasizing silent operation, durability, and smooth gliding.

Beginner to intermediate eFoil Volume:

  • 130 L x 177x 75  cm
  • 120 L x 160 x 70 cm
  • 100 L x 154 x 67 cm

These are rough-size examples, but they give you an idea.  


Beginner eFoilers: One huge consideration is choosing a specific size to meet your needs. For example, a beginner eFoil will be a large high-volume board with some initial drag to help with stability for a new rider. As riders progress, they often need to change to a smaller board sooner rather than later. Sometimes as quickly as a month or two into their journey.

This has led many eFoil schools to advocate that riders start on a slightly smaller intermediate board. It's a smart strategy, as you will get several seasons out of your eFoil rather than one. The trade-off, however, is a much steeper learning curve.


Intermediate to advanced: As you progress, you’ll want to size down to a much smaller specific unit to meet your needs. There are different designs for various applications, from more maneuverable freeride to surf or wake-specific units. You’ll have to upgrade your mast, wings, prop, and board to tap into performance eFoiling.

There are many different sizes that range from intermediate to advanced eFoils Volumes:

  • 70 L x 144 x 62 cm
  • 50 L x 131 x 57 cm
  • 40 L x 121 x 53 cm

There are also rough averages. As you can see, there is a wide range of sizes to choose from as you advance. The shape and balance will vary, as will the liters, but you get the idea. There are many options and upgrades to consider, including the eFoil wings you use.


Key Features of Traditional eFoils:

  1. Standard Propulsion System: Traditional eFoils use simple propeller or jet-based motors, which are efficient but often more suited to cruising and casual riding.

  1. Surf style Boards: These boards are akin to a high-volume surfboard. Not a far cry from a wingsurf board. They range from basic to more advanced, with well-thought-out rails and sizing for efficiency. Some models have the option for beginner-oriented handlebars that serve as support for a rider but nothing else. 

  1. Limited Trick Capabilities: Designed for gliding or surfing, traditional eFoils are often less suited for tricks or high-performance maneuvers. They are fun, and you can go far riding in the waves, race, or just go freeriding. The industry would not be booming if they were boring.

  1. Material Range: Traditional eFoils come in various builds—from entry-level models with foam and aluminum components to high-end models with fiberglass or carbon fiber for better durability and performance.

To be clear, we love eFoiling. Traditional eFoils are incredible and bring a lot to the table. They are what got us thinking about taking the sport to a new level in the first place. Watersports have always borrowed the best elements from their land-based cousins. Looking to a sport like mountain biking is a natural progress for designers and riders alike. 


Enter the Hydroflyer: A New Breed of eFoil.

The Hydroflyer doesn’t just join the ranks of traditional eFoils; it’s a new category. Think of it as the “stand-up jet ski” of eFoils, combining stability with high-performance capability and even allowing for tricks and advanced maneuvers. It’s even been called the mountain bike of the sea as a whole new dimension is introduced with handlebars that were not designed with beginners in mind.


The handlebars are designed to control the unit so riders can use them to learn like a beginner eFoil, but they are built for impact. You can use the Hydroflyer like a mountain bike or sled on the water. Unlike a jet ski, you don’t need waves to get air; you can jump in any conditions. The Hydroflyer is engineered to be stronger than a regular eFoil due to the extra stress that comes with the performance and the airtime.


No need to upgrade: What makes this unit stand out is the fact that you can learn on it but will never have to upgrade to a smaller unit as you progress. There are two sizes depending on the riding you want to do. The larger unit is more for the soulful cruiser but will meet the needs of extreme riders looking to jump. The smaller 68 L Sport can double as an eFoil with the handlebars removed. You get the best of both worlds and the choice to practice all disciplines of eFoiling, including surfing waves or waking with a traditional shape.


The smaller unit has some volume for a new rider to learn but you should anticipate a learning curve. The handlebars will help, but we don't recommend it for complete beginners. If you're dedicated and willing to put the time in upfront, it's possible to start here. For riders stepping down from a larger eFoil, the transition will be much easier on this unit.


The real magic comes when a rider wants to get into freestyle eFoiling. Meaning riders who want to flip, spin, or get big air!


The best components from the start: The advantage here is you will not have to upgrade units or components. You can start with the board that best meets your end goal. There is the option to upgrade wings, of course! No eFoil would be complete without tweaking over hydrofoils.


We keep it simple, and there are three wings to choose from: the easy wing, the all-around wing, and the advanced wing. You can learn more about what Hydroflyer wing is right for you here.


Simplicity in choice: There are two boards to choose from, keeping things simple: The 160 L Cruiser or the 68 L Sport for advanced riders. The benefit here is you will have years of progress on the larger unit. For athletes looking for a new sport, the 68 L does have a learning curve, but unlike other eFoils, the handlebars on a smaller unit like this give you a huge advantage. You then have the option to pursue freestyle tricks or take the handlebars off and ride it like a performance surf-style eFoil. This size will work great for most waves or wake, and the hydrodynamic hull will make it prime for touchdowns when working on sharp turns, race-style, or performance freeride eFoiling.


Key Features of the Hydroflyer:

  1. Handlebar Design: The handlebars provide four points of contact, adding control for beginners and enhancing performance for advanced maneuvers. Riders can steer, balance, and even perform tricks with precision, giving the Hydroflyer a unique edge.
  2. Direct Drive Propulsion System: The Hydroflyer’s brushless motor and direct drive propulsion system provide a smooth, quiet ride with high torque and efficiency.
  3. High-Performance Unifoil Wings: The Hydroflyer uses wings from Unifoil, crafted for stability, lift, and precision. With monoblock construction, these wings offer advanced riders the responsiveness for tricks and speed.
  4. A Class of Its Own: Built with a design inspired by extreme sports, the Hydroflyer opens doors for freestyle tricks, tricks, and high-speed thrills while maintaining stability for beginners.

Comparing Traditional eFoils and the Hydroflyer: What Sets It Apart?

  1. Riding Style and Experience
  • Traditional eFoils: These are typically designed for cruising and gentle gliding. They provide a stable, serene, beginner-friendly experience that can feel limiting as riders progress.
  • Hydroflyer: The Hydroflyer’s handlebars and direct drive propulsion elevate it into a performance class. It offers stability for beginners but also caters to adrenaline junkies who want to pull tricks, flips, and get airtime. This versatility makes the Hydroflyer perfect for those looking to progress quickly and explore a new sport.
  1. Control and Maneuverability
  • Traditional eFoils: Riders control traditional eFoils primarily through weight distribution, leaning forward, back, or side-to-side to steer. While responsive, this can require a longer learning curve for precise movements.
  • Hydroflyer: With handlebars, the Hydroflyer provides more control, making it easier for beginners to balance and maneuver. Advanced riders can also benefit from using the handlebars to perform tricks and maintain control in high-speed situations. This design gives riders the confidence to push limits without sacrificing stability. You can remove the handlebars and control the 68 L unit like a surf-style eFoil.
  1. Safety Features
  • Traditional eFoils: These eFoils are generally safe, but the absence of handlebars means beginner riders rely heavily on body positioning for stability, which can be challenging in choppy conditions.
  • Hydroflyer: The handlebars add a layer of safety, allowing riders to turn the foil away from themselves during a fall, reducing the risk of injury. This feature makes the Hydroflyer suitable for beginners and extreme riders who might encounter falls during trick attempts.

Some eFoils have the option of handlebars, and the safety benefits are equal. A rider can turn the foil and unit away for more control falls. The Hydroflyer is different as it can withstand the impact from jumps are harder falls if needed.

  1. Materials and Build Quality
  • Traditional eFoils: Entry-level models often use foam and aluminum components, which can lack durability. High-end eFoils incorporate carbon fiber and other premium materials for strength and hydrodynamics. Some units will have higher-end materials like anodized aluminum for longevity and performance in salt water.
  • Hydroflyer: The Hydroflyer uses high-end materials like carbon fiber and monoblock construction for its wings. The connection between the wings, mast, and handlebars offers a solid, responsive feel that performs exceptionally well in high-speed or trick situations, ensuring durability and efficiency. This is by far the most durable unit available, as it’s made for high-impact aerials.

High-end eFoils that implement strong materials are on par with the Hydroflyer but are not engineered to jump or absorb the impact.

 

 

  1. Speed and Performance
  • Traditional eFoils: Most eFoils reach speeds of 20-29 mph. Their streamlined design allows for a smooth ride, but some lack the hydrodynamic efficiency for very high speeds.
  • Hydroflyer: With speeds of up to 29 mph (45 kph), the Hydroflyer is among the fastest on the market. Its advanced hydrofoil wing design and efficient propulsion system allow riders to maximize speed. It is a top choice for those who want performance.

Regarding speed, an entry-level or budget eFoil and components will have more drag, while high-end eFoils paired with high-end wings, units, and propulsion systems will reach the top end in this range. Hydroflyer implements the highest-end materials and wings, so even our larger beginner unit has the speed capabilities you might desire as you gain experience.

  1. Taking the sport to the next level - Tricks and Freestyle
  • Traditional eFoils: While some performance models allow for wave, wake, or race applications, they can't do tricks, freestyle, or get air well. Traditional eFoils aren’t designed for high-energy tricks, flips, or spins.
  • Hydroflyer: As the only eFoil explicitly designed for tricks, the Hydroflyer caters to freestyle enthusiasts. The handlebars provide leverage for tricks, and the advanced wings offer maneuverability, making it ideal for those looking to innovate on the water. The smaller unit is versatile and can be used like a performance surf-style eFoil. The hull shape will have some advantages for touchdowns, but there is more swing weight than a 47L surf-style eFoil. However, very few riders have the skills to ride such a small board, and those riders tend to come from a prone foil background.

What style eFoil is Right for You?

For 90% of riders, the Hydroflyer will check all the boxes from beginner to advanced. It will save you the headache of upgrading everything down the line and opens the door for freestyle eFoiling. Riders who want a surf-style eFoil can opt for the 68  L unit and keep the door open to mix it up with handlebars to learn or to jump as they advance.


The only discipline not covered is prone big wave surf eFoiling. The 68  L Sport unit can tackle most waves for 90% of surf foilers, but the advanced prone foil wave rider who likely has several eFoils regardless could consider a Hydroflyer for freestyle and a wave eFoil for their large surf break.


Traditional high-end eFoils are still an excellent choice but the Hydroflyer is that and so much more!

  • Beginners Seeking Stability and Control: If you’re new to eFoiling, the Hydroflyer’s handlebars provide four points of contact, giving you greater balance and making it easier to learn.
  • Thrill-Seekers and Trick Riders: If you’re looking to push the boundaries and perform tricks, the Hydroflyer’s design offers the control and maneuverability needed for freestyle eFoiling.
  • Nature Lovers Who Value a Quiet, Immersive Ride: The Hydroflyer’s direct drive propulsion system keeps noise to a minimum, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings without distraction.
  • Busy Professionals Who Want a Reliable, High-Performance Ride: With top-quality materials and innovative design, the Hydroflyer is built to last, giving you a dependable ride whenever you need it.

The Hydroflyer is more than just an eFoil; it’s a reimagining of what eFoiling can be. With its unique blend of stability, performance, and trick capability, the Hydroflyer is designed for anyone who wants more out of their water sports experience. 

Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced eFoiler, or someone with a background in extreme sports, the Hydroflyer offers novelty and endless progression to keep you engaged. As eFoiling evolves, the Hydroflyer leads the way, opening up a new world of possibilities for riders looking to master the water and make their mark in a growing sport.

 

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