Foil Drive Podcast | Ep 17 | Summer Kite Festival
Foil Drive made waves at the Summer Kite Festival in Poland, showcasing its electric foil assistance system across varied conditions and audiences. Here's a look at how this transformative tech is pushing the boundaries of foiling in Europe and what’s next for Foil Drive enthusiasts.
The event was held in a quaint Polish town along a picturesque coastline, a prime spot for water sports with clean waters, steady winds, and beautiful weather. The setup allowed Foil Drive to demonstrate the flexibility of its system in real-world scenarios, from racing to recreational use. Dominic, who heads Foil Drive Europe, noted that while some participants were initially sceptical, they soon realised Foil Drive’s full capabilities. Once people hit the water, there was a noticeable “click moment,” where the light, power, and fun factor of Foil Drive became immediately apparent.
Foil Drive Europe: New Developments for a Growing Audience
Foil Drive Europe, a budding team of three, has ambitious plans for the region. While products are currently shipped from Australia, a significant shift is coming in October 2024, when Foil Drive Europe will handle its own stock and distribution. This change means faster shipping, reduced taxes, and a generally smoother process for European customers.
The primary role of the Foil Drive Europe team is to increase awareness and accessibility. Over the past year, Dominic has tirelessly travelled to foil and surf destinations, organising demos and introducing riders to the thrill of using Foil Drive. Each country presents unique challenges and user demands—from wing foiling and pump foiling in Germany to downwinding along coastal Europe—and Foil Drive is proving versatile enough to meet these diverse needs.
A Foiling Revelation for Newbies and Pros Alike
The Polish audience was diverse, with both complete beginners and experienced foilers giving Foil Drive a try. It’s not just the capabilities of the Foil Drive that impressed but the simplicity with which it opened up foiling for new users. Beginners, who might typically struggle with the steep learning curve of foiling, found themselves on foil faster and with far less frustration. For seasoned surfers and wing foilers, Foil Drive offered a lightweight, reliable solution for flat water, pumping, and even downwind sessions.
This blend of utility for both beginners and advanced riders reinforces Foil Drive’s position as more than just an “eFoil alternative.” It’s a system tailored to add value across a spectrum of use cases.
Tailoring Gear to Maximise Performance
One of the frequently asked questions at the event was about the best gear setup for Foil Drive. The system's adaptability across various front wings allows riders to choose high-aspect wings for calm conditions and small, manoeuvrable wings for bumpier days. Dominic shared that mid-length boards and foil-specific designs from major brands work particularly well with Foil Drive, offering enhanced glide and stability without excessive drag.
Key tips for optimising performance included choosing boards with minimal rocker for easy takeoff, a feature that helps beginners avoid excessive energy burn when planning. Likewise, high-aspect foils work well with Foil Drive, especially in European waters where light wind and flat-water sessions are common.
Battery life is always a top query, especially for riders looking to maximise time on the water. As Dominic explained, battery life varies based on factors like rider weight, conditions, and skill level. Typically, an average rider (around 80 kg) can expect over an hour on a Power battery and close to 45 minutes on the Sport battery. The Power battery, which lasts longer, is ideal for all-day outings, while the lighter Slim model with a performance battery suits flat-water sessions and wake thieving.
In Poland, the team enjoyed upwind and downwind runs of 600-800 meters, clocking in over two hours of foiling. Even as conditions changed, Foil Drive’s setup allowed for extended glides and uninterrupted fun, with minimal drag once up on foil.
“Try Before You Buy” and European Expansion Plans
Foil Drive is committed to letting prospective buyers experience the system first-hand. Through a growing network of European dealers, team riders, and ambassadors, Foil Drive demos are becoming increasingly available. Dominic noted that while not all ambassadors can provide demos due to equipment investment, many are eager to spread the word, often making their own gear available for testing.
Upcoming Events and Product Launches
Dominic is gearing up for the Association of Wind and Water Sports Industries (AWSI) event in Hood River, where the team will unveil new products, though the core Gen 2 system remains unchanged and future-proofed. Following AWSI, Foil Drive Europe has several informal downwind events lined up and a big showing planned for the prestigious Düsseldorf Boat Show in early 2025. The goal is clear: to make Foil Drive more accessible and expand its footprint across Europe.
The Summer Kite Festival offered Polish enthusiasts an up-close look at how Foil Drive can redefine their foiling experience, from enabling flat-water pumping sessions to making challenging downwind rides more accessible. As Foil Drive Europe expands its presence and product range, the future of foiling in Europe looks brighter, faster, and more fun than ever.
Keep an eye on Foil Drive’s social media channels for upcoming events, demos, and updates. Whether you’re a first-time foiler or a seasoned pro, there’s no substitute for trying it out yourself and experiencing that “click moment” on the water.
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