Foil Drive opens up incredible opportunities to experience the ocean in new ways. It allows riders to access different conditions, explore further, and enjoy more time on foil than ever before.

With that capability comes greater responsibility.

Surf etiquette has existed for generations and remains one of the most important foundations of ocean safety. It helps minimise collisions, reduces conflict in the line-up, and ensures everyone can enjoy the waves together.

As hydrofoiling continues to grow, these same principles apply to both traditional foilers and Foil Drive riders.

Technology isn't the problem—how we choose to use it is.

Every Foil Drive rider represents the sport. By riding respectfully and leading by example, we help ensure foiling continues to be welcomed in the places we love.

Crowds Suck. Get Creative.

One of the safest ways to enjoy Foil Drive is to ride where others aren't.

Foil Drive allows you to explore waves, bumps and locations that may not be practical without powered assistance. Rather than adding to crowded surf breaks, use your Foil Drive to discover new opportunities.

Our Crowds Suck. Get Creative. campaign encourages riders to:

• Explore uncrowded locations.
• Ride open ocean swell.
• Discover new downwind runs.
• Enjoy waves that traditional surfers may overlook.
• Spread out and reduce congestion in popular line-ups.

Less crowding creates a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone. 

Click here to learn more.

Respect the Line-Up

The same etiquette that applies to surfers also applies to Foil Drive riders.

Always remember:

• The rider closest to the peak has priority.
• Never drop in on another rider.
• Do not snake or paddle around others to gain priority.
• Return to the line-up via the outside wherever possible.
• Communicate with others in the water and acknowledge mistakes if they happen.

Respect earns respect.

Powered Craft Gives Way

Foil Drive makes it easier to catch waves.

It does not give you priority over other ocean users.

If someone is paddling into a wave, they should always have the opportunity to ride it without interference from a powered rider.

As a Foil Drive rider, you should always be prepared to give way rather than relying on your system's capability to secure a wave.

Being courteous today helps protect the future of our sport.

Learn Away From Others

Learning to foil is exciting, but it also involves:

• Frequent falls.
• Unexpected board movement.
• Exposed hydrofoils.
• Rapid acceleration.

Choose locations where your mistakes won't affect anyone else.

We recommend:

• Open water.
• Small, uncrowded waves.
• Quiet beaches.
• Areas with plenty of space to recover after a fall.

The more room you have, the safer your learning experience will be.

Wear Appropriate Safety Equipment

Good etiquette starts with protecting yourself.

Foil Drive recommends wearing:

• A helmet.
• An impact vest or approved personal flotation device.
• A correctly fitted leg rope (except during controlled first-time instruction where advised by an experienced coach).

Protective equipment helps reduce injury should an accident occur.

Understand Your Equipment

Before entering the water, become familiar with your Foil Drive system.

Take time to understand:

• How to safely engage and disengage power.
• Cruise Control.
• Boost Mode.
• The Tilt Sensor.
• Lock functions.
• Emergency shutdown procedures.

Confidence comes from understanding your equipment before conditions become challenging.

Ride Within Your Ability

Just because Foil Drive makes something possible doesn't mean it's the right decision for your current skill level.

Progress gradually.

Build experience in:

• Board control.
• Foil awareness.
• Ocean knowledge.
• Wave judgement.
• Safe falling techniques.

The best riders continue learning every session.

Respect the Ocean

Good etiquette extends beyond other riders.

Before every session:

• Check tides and weather.
• Identify rocks, reefs and shallow areas.
• Avoid environmentally sensitive locations.
• Leave beaches cleaner than you found them.

Respecting the environment ensures these locations remain available for everyone to enjoy.

Help Grow the Sport Positively

Every interaction in the water shapes how others view hydrofoiling.

Whether you're speaking with curious surfers, helping a beginner, or simply waiting your turn, you're representing the wider Foil Drive community.

A friendly conversation or considerate decision in the line-up can do far more for the future of foiling than any marketing campaign.

Lead by example.

Best Practice

Before every session, ask yourself:

• Is this an appropriate location for Foil Drive?
• Am I giving other water users enough space?
• Am I riding within my ability?
• Do I understand my equipment?
• Am I contributing positively to the foiling community?

If the answer is "yes", you're helping make the ocean a safer and more enjoyable place for everyone.