Many of what we consider to be the most important specifications to making your decision are intertwined with one another and can be boiled down to one thing: You. Fortunately through a quick evolution, eFoils now offer many customizable features tailored to their riders. Many options leads to many decisions, which can get overwhelming, so if you need help with any decisions, we're here to support you via support@hydrofoilhub.com, or you can pick up the phone and give us a call.
Below we've listed what we think you should prioritize.
1. Skill Level - If you have none to some experience on the water, we typically recommend you opt for a larger board, with larger wings that emphasize stability. These boards will not only be easier to ride, but safer due to the increased stability. If you are comfortable with board sports and looking to further your pursuit of action on the water, go for a shorter and smaller board, and experiment with wing sets from there. We're happy to talk through these decisions even with the most experienced riders.
2. Safety - Although it is not specific to any option you have to choose from, safety should always be a top priority. Factors impacting safety are directly tied to skill level, and a board beyond your skill level may prove to be a dangerous way to learn. While eFoiling is not inherently dangerous, being unable to maintain your ride increases the risk of harm. Stability minimizes your risk of injury from falling. Exposed propellers pose additional safety risk, but are unlikely to cause harm due to the weight distribution of the eFoil. Impact vests and safety helmets are an excellent way to protect yourself from a potential impact with your eFoil.
3. Performance - The blissful, freeing, and thrilling feeling an eFoil provides comes from it's performance. With skill level and safety in mind, performance can be considered. For those towards the beginner end of the spectrum, the performance factors considered should be around the length of your board, and the stability provided by your wings. The goal on an eFoil is to maintain your ride and enjoy the sensation your purchase brings you, and these factors will allow that to happen. If you lean towards the experienced side, you may want to pay attention to top speeds, and versatility in wing sets ranging from those which are designed to carve through the waves, and those which are designed to provide speed and agility.
4. Range - While all batteries may seem to serve the same purpose, your intended use should determine which type of battery you get. Most brands offer 2-3 sizes offering different ranges. If you are expecting to maintain a close proximity to shorelines, and take your eFoil out and back on your runs, a lighter battery may be the best option. If you expect to venture further from shore, and stay on the water longer a larger battery that offers maximum range is the safest option. If you are somewhere in between, and wanting to balance performance with fun, then a mid range battery is always a safe bet.
