Choosing the Right Board for Foil DriveUpdated 4 hours ago
One of the most common questions we receive is:
"What is the best board to use with Foil Drive?"
The good news is that almost any foil board with standard foil tracks can be used with Foil Drive. However, some board shapes and designs perform better than others depending on your riding style and intended use.
This guide explains the key characteristics that influence performance and what to consider when choosing your next board.
Important
Boards with full carbon foil tracks may experience reduced wireless signal performance with Foil Drive.
Known examples include:
- Armstrong FG boards
- Takuma Rising Sun
- Takoon
If your board uses full carbon construction with carbon foil tracks, reliable wireless connectivity cannot be guaranteed.
Foil Drive Changes What's Possible
Traditional board recommendations don't always apply when using Foil Drive.
The additional propulsion opens up entirely new riding possibilities, including:
- Riding much smaller boards.
- Down winding on boards that would previously have been impractical.
- Flatwater foiling on compact prone boards.
Rather than choosing a board based only on conventional foiling advice, think about how Foil Drive changes your intended use.
The Most Important Factor: Board Length
When using Foil Drive, board length has the biggest influence on take-off performance.
A longer board generally:
- Gets onto the surface more easily.
- Accelerates with less power.
- Provides better glide before take-off.
- Makes it easier to get on foil.
In many situations, a longer, lower-volume board can take off more easily than a shorter, higher-volume board.
Width Comes Next
After length, board width becomes the next most important characteristic.
A wider board can:
- Offer greater stability while standing.
- Be easier for beginners to balance on.
However, wider boards also create:
- More drag.
- Greater wetted surface area.
- Slower acceleration before take-off.
Finding the right balance between stability and efficiency depends on your experience level and riding goals.
Volume Isn't Everything
Many riders assume that a higher-volume board will always be easier to foil.
With Foil Drive, that's not necessarily the case.
While additional volume can improve stability, board shape often has a greater impact on performance than litres alone.
For example:
- A long, narrow 38 L board may lift onto foil more easily than a shorter 75 L board.
- Increased volume often comes with increased width and drag, which can reduce acceleration.
Rather than focusing solely on litres, consider the complete board design.
Flat Bottoms vs Rocker
Boards with a flatter rocker profile generally perform better with Foil Drive.
A flatter hull:
- Glides more efficiently.
- Builds speed faster.
- Requires less power to reach take-off speed.
Boards with significant nose rocker or curved bottom shapes tend to:
- Push more water.
- Create additional drag.
- Require more power and speed before take-off.
This doesn't make heavily rocker boards unsuitable—it simply changes their characteristics and intended use.
Board Choice Depends on Your Riding Style
There is no single "best" board.
Different board styles excel in different disciplines.
For example:
Downwind Boards
Excellent for:
- Early take-off
- Maximum glide
- Efficient cruising
Wing Boards
Typically provide:
- Good stability
- Versatility
- Easy progression for wing foiling
Some wing boards feature more rocker, which can slightly reduce take-off efficiency when using Foil Drive.
Prone Boards
Smaller prone boards become much more accessible with Foil Drive.
The added propulsion allows experienced riders to use compact boards in conditions that would previously have required significantly more wave power.
Rider Weight Matters
Board performance varies depending on rider weight.
Generally:
- Lighter riders can use smaller boards more easily.
- Heavier riders benefit more from longer, efficient board shapes.
- As rider weight increases, board shape becomes increasingly important for achieving efficient take-offs.
When selecting a board, always consider your complete setup, including:
- Rider weight
- Foil size
- Riding conditions
- Experience level
Carbon Boards & Wireless Signal
Foil Drive communicates wirelessly between the controller and electronics.
Most boards work exceptionally well, particularly those with fibreglass foil tracks.
Best signal performance
- Fibreglass tracks
- E-glass construction
- S-glass construction
- Hybrid carbon/fibreglass boards
Boards requiring additional consideration
Boards featuring:
- Full carbon construction
- Full carbon foil tracks
may reduce wireless signal strength. If using a full carbon board, install the supplied foam track spacers to improve signal performance.
Note
While many full carbon boards work well, boards with both full carbon construction and full carbon foil tracks may experience unreliable wireless communication.
Choosing the Right Board
When selecting a board for Foil Drive, prioritise the following characteristics:
- Length – Longer boards generally provide the easiest and most efficient take-offs.
- Width – Balance stability with reduced drag.
- Volume – Consider volume as part of the overall design rather than the deciding factor.
- Hull Shape – Flatter rocker profiles typically accelerate and glide more efficiently.
- Construction – Fibreglass foil tracks provide the most reliable wireless signal.
Ultimately, the best board is the one that suits your riding style, skill level and the conditions you ride most often.
Watch the video below as Paul walks you through some options
0:00 Intro
0:43 Types of Boards
3:00 Length is Key!
5:45 Flat vs Curved Boards
6:15 Weight Distribution on Boards
7:00 Smaller Boards
9:16 Best Boards & Comparisons
11:36 Heavier vs Lighter Riders
13:34 Further Comparison of Boards
14:15 Carbon Boards & Signal