Foil Assist
Foil Assist | Foil Drive
Foil assist technology, particularly the Foil Drive system, is a revolutionary advancement in hydrofoiling that combines electric propulsion with traditional hydrofoiling equipment. The Foil Drive Assist MAX, the flagship model, offers maximum thrust, run time, and versatility for hybrid electric assist foiling. It is designed to electrify any mast, any foil for any discipline!
The Foil Drive system include:
Compatibility - It can be installed on any foil board and mast, fitting between the mast plate and the board.
Performance - The Assist MAX provides up to 27.5kg (60.6lbs) of thrust with three-blade alloy props.
Weight - The system weighs between 3.4 - 4.5kg (7.4-9.9lbs) depending on the battery, significantly lighter than full electric hydrofoils which can weigh 30kg or more.
Battery life - Runtime varies from 40 minutes to 4 hours, depending on use case, battery, and other variables.
Versatility - It's suitable for various foiling disciplines, including surf, downwind, wake, and flatwater.
The Foil Drive system offers several advantages:
- It reduces the difficulty of getting up on the foil, making hydrofoiling more accessible to newcomers.
- Allows foiling in a wider range of conditions, such as light wind or choppy water.
- Provides the ability to motor upwind and do downwind laps, enhancing the learning experience for techniques like connecting bumps and pumping.
The latest generation, Gen2, features integrated batteries and controllers in a pod that mounts between the mast and the bottom of the board, improving on the previous "lunch box" design. This system is highly modular, allowing users to customize their setup with interchangeable components.
While the Foil Drive system is currently the market leader, competitors like Manta Takeoff and Stoke Foil Boost are also emerging in the foil-assist market.