Downwind Foil

Skip the Shuttle - Ride swells in any wind direction and fly further with confidence.

RIDE ENDLESS WAVES

Downwind foiling is the art of riding wind swell and open-ocean energy to unlock long, uninterrupted glides for kilometres at a time. Instead of waiting in a lineup for breaking waves, foils miraculously have the ideal efficiency to tap into rolling swell bumps across almost any body of water.

Without a Foil Drive, downwinding is notoriously known as the most technical discipline in foiling due to messy, hard-to-read energy, choppy water, variable bump quality, and the foil control required to weave through these conditions.

Foil Drive Eliminates the Barriers That Make Downwinding Hard

Our hybrid assist helps riders get onto foil in virtually any conditions or wind direction while remaining completely autonomous - no shuttle, no support boat, no dependency on perfect wind. Motor upwind, explore new coastlines independently, and downwind in a variety of bumps or light winds, dramatically increasing progression and time spent riding swell.

From first-time downwind riders to advanced foilers pushing distance and performance on smaller gear, Foil Drive provides the reliable thrust needed to enter that flow state, link bumps with ease, and ride farther with less fatigue.

Use your assist to motor upwind, ride any size swell, recover from stalls or touchdowns, or fly through dead sections where energy fades. Open more days, more coastlines, and more conditions, all with minimal compromise to the natural, frictionless feel that defines true downwind flow.

The Foil Drive system mounts easily to any prone board, midlength, wingboard, or downwind SUP, making open-water runs more accessible, safer, and more achievable than ever before.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is downwind foiling?

Downwind foiling is the practice of using a hydrofoil to ride wind-generated swell and open-ocean bumps. Instead of relying on breaking waves, riders harness rolling energy to link long, uninterrupted glides, often for kilometres at a time.

Why is traditional downwind foiling so difficult?

Without assistance, downwinding requires:

  • Reading messy, unpredictable ocean energy
  • Managing chop, variable bump size, and changing wind angles
  • Advanced foil control to stay efficiently on-foil
  • Logistical planning like arranging shuttles or waiting for the right wind direction

These factors create a steep learning curve and make consistent sessions hard to achieve.

How does Foil Drive make downwind foiling easier?

Foil Drive provides a lightweight, hybrid-powered boost that helps riders:

  • Get on-foil in almost any conditions
  • Motor upwind without needing a shuttle
  • Bypass the need for perfect wind speeds or directions
  • Recover from stalls, touchdowns, or dead sections

This dramatically increases ride time, consistency, and progression.

Can I still feel “pure” downwind glide with a Foil Drive?

Yes. The system is designed to enhance, not replace the natural flow of downwind riding. Once on foil, riders can reduce or stop the assist entirely, maintaining the frictionless feel of true downwind surfing.

Recommended by Josh Ku

Foil Drive ambassador and Josh Ku's ideal setup for learning to downwind is:

Use the foil drive to get up and then don't rely on the motor. (Dont keep the finger on the trigger) Connect the bumps and swell, try stay high on the mast and pump

Recommended by James Casey

Foil Drive ambassador and James Casey's ideal setup for learning to downwind is:


Quick tip:

Have a light, medium and strong wind foil to ensure you match the conditions. For example, a light wind foil for someone my weight (83kg) is a 1250R, a medium wind foil is an 860R and a strong wind foil is a 680R. That
way you can adjust your foil to match the conditions better. If you want to get deep into what justifies a light, medium or strong wind foil join the Coach Casey Club or have a play around with the wave generation calculator using this link and apply it to your local run.

Ready to Get started?

Link overlay
Product image

Foil Drive Fusion

One Tool, Endless Possibilities

System Voltage

43V

Max Thrust

34kg / 74lbs

Max Battery Capacity

864 Wh

Specification icon

System Voltage: 43V

Max Thrust: 34kg / 74lbs

Max Battery Capacity: 864 Wh

From $10,494.00
From $10,494.00
Shop Now
Link overlay
Product image

Foil Drive Assist MAX

More Power, More Ride Time, More Versatility

System Voltage

40V

Max Thrust

29kg / 63.9lbs

Max Battery Capacity

594 Wh

Specification icon

System Voltage: 40V

Max Thrust: 29kg / 63.9lbs

Max Battery Capacity: 594 Wh

From $6,800.00
From $6,800.00
Shop Now
Link overlay
Product image

Foil Drive Assist Slim

Smaller, Lighter, Performance

System Voltage

40V

Max Thrust

26.5kg / 58.4lb

Max Battery Capacity

241 Wh

Specification icon

System Voltage: 40V

Max Thrust: 26.5kg / 58.4lb

Max Battery Capacity: 241 Wh

From $6,100.00
From $6,100.00
Shop Now

SHOP BY DISCIPLINE

Explore Foiling Beyond Your Discipline

The original foil assist, Foil Drive allows you to electrify any mast, for any discipline at any skill level!

As pioneers and industry leaders of hybrid foiling, Foil Drive provides a high performance, high quality product with incomparable support.

Join us in the revolution of the Foil Assist.

Discover Foil Drive Systems
imageimage
Overlay
image

Surf foil

Higher Wave Count


Less Paddling

imageimage
Overlay
image

DOWNWIND FOIL

More Conditions


Safety and Reliability

imageimage
Overlay
image

Wing Foil

More Conditions
Smaller Wings

imageimage
Overlay
image

Flat Water

Explore and Glide

Lightweight and Adaptable

imageimage
Overlay
image

WAKe foil

Wake Thieving

No Boat, No Problem

imageimage
Overlay
image

Learning

Simple, Safe and Progressive

In Your Own Time
image image

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for updates, new gear and epic Foil Drive content.

* By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from us. You can unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy and won’t share your info. See our Privacy Policy for details.