Surf etiquette has been respected and followed for many years, and it plays an essential role in keeping ocean sports safe, enjoyable and welcoming for everyone.

As hydro-foiling continues to grow globally, etiquette is evolving to include both traditional hydrofoils and assisted systems such as Foil Drive.

While Foil Drive may remove the difficulty of getting onto foil, it does not remove your responsibility to follow surf etiquette. In fact, because of the added capability of powered foiling, it becomes even more important to be aware, considerate and disciplined in the line-up.

Technology is not the issue—how it is used determines its impact on others.

As a company, we recognise our responsibility to support riders with the right guidance to ensure safe use of our products and respectful participation in shared ocean spaces.

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Basic Surf Etiquette

These principles apply to surfers and foilers alike:

1. When learning, stay away from others and choose uncrowded areas.
2. ALWAYS wear a leg rope.
3. The person closest to the peak has priority on the wave.
4. Do not drop in—if someone is already on a wave, wait your turn.
5. Do not snake—do not paddle around others to gain priority.
6. Paddle back to the line-up via the outside, away from active surf zones.
7. Communicate with others in the water—talk, signal, and acknowledge mistakes if they happen.
8. Keep the ocean clean—never litter, and pick up rubbish when you see it.

Foil Drive Learners Etiquette

1. Wear appropriate safety equipment
   Always wear a helmet and impact vest or life jacket. Foiling involves speed, foil exposure and unpredictable falls.
2. Learn with support
   Wherever possible, ride with an experienced rider or take a lesson from a qualified foiling school.
3. Start in low-traffic areas
   Begin on small, unbroken waves or open water away from others to reduce risk and increase learning success.
4. Leg rope guidance
   The only time we suggest NOT using a leg rope is during your very first introduction in a completely controlled, empty environment.
   Once you understand how to fall safely and avoid your gear, a leg rope should always be used.
5. Be aware of your environment
   Check tide, depth, sandbanks and submerged hazards such as rocks, reef or debris before riding.

Learning to foil can be challenging and dynamic, with frequent falls and unpredictable movement. Taking time to build safe habits early is essential.

Foil Drive General Etiquette

1. Read the manual
   Understand your system fully before use, including features such as Cruise Control and how to safely engage and disengage power.
2. Share the space
   Do not monopolise waves or sections of the lineup. Be patient and respectful of others.
3. Use Foil Drive responsibly
   Use the system to access waves that are otherwise unrideable or to take off further out, reducing pressure in crowded zones.
4. Choose appropriate locations
   Prioritise empty breaks, open swell lines, or uncrowded conditions where your presence will not impact others.
5. Be considerate in busy line-ups
   In crowded surf, avoid taking waves that others are relying on for paddling take-offs, particularly larger set waves.

Because Foil Drive provides powered assistance, riders must always yield to anyone who is paddling, including surfers, SUP riders and bodyboarders. Busy surf breaks are generally best left to traditional surfers.

Final Note

Foil Drive opens up incredible new ways to experience the ocean, but with that capability comes responsibility.

By riding considerately, choosing appropriate locations, and leading by example, we can ensure foiling continues to grow in a positive and sustainable way for everyone.