Prone / Surf Foilboards

Prone Foilboards

Prone surf foiling is an exciting offshoot of traditional surfing with roots dating back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. The concept of using hydrofoils in water sports was pioneered by big wave surfer Laird Hamilton, who experimented with attaching foils to surfboards. This enabled faster speeds and smoother rides, especially when towed into waves by a jet ski.

Over time, advancements in foil technology and the influence of other foiling disciplines like kiteboarding and stand-up paddle (SUP) foiling, helped make prone foiling accessible to a wider range of surfers. Modern prone foilboards are compact, with narrow outlines, flat rockers, and beveled rails - optimizing them for early wave catching, high speeds, and tight maneuverability. Prone surfboards typically feature shorter lengths, often ranging from 4'3" to 6'0", making them compact and easy to maneuver in the water, this allows surfers to ride smaller waves with unprecedented freedom and flow.

Despite the steep learning curve, prone foiling has become increasingly popular. Surfers are drawn to the ability to pump back out to sea and catch multiple waves in a single session. While different techniques are required compared to traditional surfing, the rapid progression possible in prone foiling makes it an appealing choice for water enthusiasts seeking new challenges and experiences.