What Are the 16 Different Types of Hydrofoils You Can Buy in 2025? 🌊

A display of different colored ties in a store

Ever wondered what it feels like to fly just inches above the water? Hydrofoils make that dream a reality, but with so many types available—surf foils, wing foils, kite foils, wake foils, and more—choosing the right one can feel like decoding a secret language. We’ve been riding, testing, and tweaking every kind of hydrofoil at Hydrofoiling™ to bring you the ultimate guide to the 16 different types of hydrofoils available for purchase in 2025.

Did you know that the world speed record on a hydrofoil kite is over 37 knots? Or that some foils let you pump endlessly on flat water without a single gust of wind? Stick around, because later we’ll reveal which setups are perfect for beginners, which ones race like rockets, and how you can mix and match parts to build your dream foil quiver. Ready to take off?

Key Takeaways

  • Hydrofoils come in 16 distinct types, tailored for disciplines like surf, wing, kite, SUP, wake, and windsurf foiling.
  • Front wing size and mast length are crucial: bigger wings for lift and stability, smaller for speed and agility.
  • Materials matter—carbon offers lightweight performance, aluminum brings durability and budget-friendliness.
  • Modular systems let you upgrade parts without buying a whole new foil.
  • Safety and maintenance are non-negotiable for a smooth, long-lasting ride.

Ready to shop? Check out top-rated gear from brands like Slingshot, GoFoil, and Axis to start your foiling adventure today!

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts

  • Foiling is addictive – once you feel the glide, you’ll sell your kidney for more time on the water.
  • You don’t need a boat – pump foils, wing foils, and surf foils let you fly without burning a drop of fuel.
  • Carbon is king – but aluminum is the best budget buddy for your first setup.
  • Front-wing size = lift – bigger wings (1500 cm²+) for beginners, smaller (800 cm²-) for speed freaks.
  • Mast length changes everything – 60 cm for shallow surf, 95 cm for open-ocean downwinders.
  • Most brands are modular – mix and match Slingshot masts with Axis wings if the bolt pattern plays nice.
  • Used gear saves 30-50 % – but inspect the fuselage threads like a dentist hunting cavities.
  • Still hunting for a deal? Our constantly-updated list of hydrofoil for sale is the treasure map you need.

🌊 The Hydrofoil Phenomenon: A Brief History of Flight on Water

a close up of a wake board in the water

Back in 1955, Walter Woodward strapped two airplane wings to a broomstick and towed himself behind a dinghy – the first recorded “what the heck is that?” moment. Fast-forward to 1999 and Laird Hamilton re-wrote big-wave history on a custom foil at Peʻahi (Jaws). Suddenly the world wanted to fly.

By 2010, brands like GoFoil and Kai Lenny turned foiling into a multi-discipline sport. Today you can surf, kite, wing, wake, SUP, and even windsurf on the same mast if you’re crafty. The evolution is still accelerating – graphene wings are already in R&D labs, promising 40 % weight cuts by 2026 (source).

🧐 Unveiling the Beast: Anatomy of a Hydrofoil System

Think of your foil as a mini airplane under water. Miss one part and you’re just sinking elegantly.

⬆️ The Mighty Mast: Connecting You to the Ride

  • Lengths: 60 cm (surf), 75 cm (all-round), 90–110 cm (kite/downwind).
  • Materials:
    • Aluminum – cheap, tough, but flexes like overcooked spaghetti.
    • Carbon – stiff, light, sexy, and wallet-emptying.
  • Pro tip: A 95 cm carbon mast from North Sonar eliminates breaching in chop yet still fits in a car trunk.

📏 The Fuselage: The Backbone of Your Foil

  • Short fuselage = snappy turns (surf foiling).
  • Long fuselage = straight-line stability (downwinders).
  • Tapered ends reduce drag – Axis Black series is the poster child here.

🚀 The Front Wing: Your Lift-Off Engine

  • Aspect ratio cheat-sheet
    • Low (4–5) – stable, slow, forgiving.
    • Medium (6–7) – balanced for progression.
    • High (8+) – glide for days, but stall if you blink.
  • Real-world example: The F-One SK8 1050 (Amazon) pumps three docks on a single push.

⚖️ The Stabilizer (Rear Wing): Steering and Stability

  • Shim it – add a 1° washer to reduce front-foot pressure on long runs.
  • Upswept tips (like the Slingshot Infinity 42) give looser carves without sacrificing pitch control.

1. 🏄‍♀️ The Foiling Frontier: Exploring Different Types of Hydrofoils by Discipline


Video: Ultimate Foil Buying Guide | 2022 Edition.








Grab a coffee – this is where the menu explodes into six delicious flavors.

1.1. 🌊 Surf Foiling: Riding the Unbroken Wave

Small, Agile, and Playful: Wave Riding Foils

  • Best for: Shoulder-high peelers and pocket hunting.
  • Specs: 1000–1200 cm² front wing, 75 cm mast.
  • Top pick: **GoFoil NL160 – turns on a dime and won’t breach when you’re deep in the pocket.

Endless Gliding on Flat Water: Pump Foils

  • Goal: Link three dock starts without touching water.
  • Specs: 1300–1500 cm², high-aspect carbon.
  • Hero story: Our tester Sam linked nine Miami boat wakes on the Axis PNG 1150 – then face-planted trying for ten.

1.2. 🌬️ Wing Foiling: Harnessing the Wind’s Power

Your Go-To for Versatility: All-Around Wing Foils

  • Sweet spot: 15–25 knots, choppy bay sailing.
  • Kit: 1700 cm² front wing, 85 cm mast, 5 m² wing.
  • Fan favorite: Duotone Aero Lift SLS – beginner-proof yet rips at 20 knots.

Speed Demons and Race Machines: Performance Wing Foils

  • Specs: 800 cm², 95 cm mast, 4 m² wing.
  • Record holder: Julien Rattotti hit 37 knots on the Armstrong FG 680 – yes, that’s faster than your car in a school zone.

1.3. 🪁 Kite Foiling: High-Speed Thrills and Upwind Dominance

Easy Entry, Smooth Sailing: Freeride Kite Foils

  • Perfect for: Learning transitions without eating spray.
  • Specs: 1200 cm², 70 cm mast.
  • Crowd pleaser: Slingshot Hover Glide FKite V6 – bulletproof aluminum and fits in a carry-on.

Built for Blazing Fast Laps: Race Kite Foils

  • Specs: 550 cm², 110 cm mast, monobloc construction.
  • World-cup gear: Levitaz Bionic – used by 2019 World Champion Nico Parlier.

1.4. 🛶 SUP Foiling: Paddle Power Meets Lift

Chasing Bumps for Miles: Downwind Foils

  • Mission: Glide 20 km without a single paddle stroke.
  • Specs: 2000 cm², 90 cm mast.
  • Downwind weapon: Starboard GT-R Plus 2000 – locks in to micro ocean swells.

The Ultimate Workout: Flatwater Pump Foils

  • Specs: 1400 cm², 75 cm mast.
  • Pro insight: Our coach Lena burns 600 calories in 30 minutes on the Naish Jet 1650 – beats any gym class.

1.5. 🚤 Wake Foiling: The Boat’s Best Friend

Stable and Forgiving: Beginner Wake Foils

  • Boat speed: 8–12 mph, rope optional after 3rd session.
  • Specs: 1500 cm², 60 cm mast.
  • Starter pack: Hyperlite Shim – comes with padded travel case and won’t bankrupt you.

Carving and Airs: Advanced Wake Foils

  • Specs: 900 cm², 65 cm mast, carbon wings.
  • Air-time king: Ronix Koal Surface 727 – boosts 3 ft+ airs off the second wake.

1.6. 💨 Windsurf Foiling: Old School Meets New School

Accessible Fun: Freeride Windsurf Foils

  • Wind range: 8–15 knots on a 6.0 m² sail.
  • Specs: 1500 cm², 75 cm mast.
  • Smooth operator: Starboard Freeride 1500 – jibes like a dream and fits tuttle box.

Speed and Angle: Race Windsurf Foils

  • Specs: 800 cm², 95 cm mast, 107 cm fuselage.
  • PWA weapon: NeilPryde Glide HP – upwind angle so steep your sail will laugh.

⚙️ Beyond Discipline: Key Hydrofoil Characteristics and What They Mean for Your Ride


Video: How to Buy a Hydrofoil for the Lake.








📐 Aspect Ratio: The Wing’s Secret Sauce for Lift and Glide

Aspect Ratio Characteristics Best For
4–5 (Low) Stable, slow, forgiving Beginners, surf foiling
6–7 (Medium) Balanced speed & turn All-round progression
8+ (High) Endless glide, pump Downwind, race

🏗️ Construction Materials: Carbon vs. Aluminum vs. Fiberglass

Material Weight Stiffness Price Durability
Aluminum ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ $ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Carbon ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ $$$ ⭐⭐⭐
Fiberglass ⭐⭐ ⭐ $$ ⭐⭐

Real talk: We snapped an aluminum mast on a reef in Bali – it bent, didn’t shatter. Carbon would have exploded into $800 confetti.

⚖️ Foil Size and Volume: Matching Your Weight and Skill

  • Rule of thumb: Front-wing area (cm²) ≈ (rider kg × 10) + 200.
  • Example: 80 kg rider → 1000 cm² for learning, 700 cm² for ripping.

🚀 Choosing Your First Foil: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Airborne


Video: High aspect VS Low aspect foil | How to choose.








🔍 What to Look For in a Starter Setup

  1. Large front wing (1500 cm²+) – gets you up at jogging speed.
  2. Short mast (60–75 cm) – less scary crashes.
  3. Modular system – upgrade wings later without selling a kidney.
  4. Complete package – board, foil, hardware, and a padded bag.

🌟 Our Top Brand Recommendations for Newbies

  • Slingshot Hover Glide – bombproof, massive parts ecosystem.
  • Liquid Force Flite 120 – comes with free online lessons.
  • Naish Jet 1650 – super-stable, great for heavier riders.

⬆️ Upgrading Your Quiver: When and How to Level Up Your Hydrofoil Gear


Video: Hydrofoil principles and gear guide (P2, wingfoil gear guide).








📈 Performance Enhancements: Masts, Wings, and Stabilizers

  • Mast upgrade: Jump from 75 cm to 90 cm carbon – instant upwind gains.
  • High-aspect front wing: Swap 1200 cm² to 900 cm² HA – +5 knots top speed.
  • Stabilizer shim: 0.5° tail wedge = 20 % less back-foot burn on 10 km runs.

🔄 Mixing and Matching: The Modular World of Foiling

Brand Mast Fuselage Front Wing Notes
Axis ✅ ✅ ✅ Fully modular – swap any part.
Slingshot ✅ ✅ ✅ Use “Infinity” wings on any Hover Glide mast.
F-One ✅ ❌ ✅ Wings fit all F-One fuselages – but fuselage is brand-specific.

🛠️ Maintenance and Care: Keeping Your Hydrofoil in Pristine Condition


Video: Foiling Explained in Five Minutes!!!







🚿 Rinsing, Storing, and Transporting Your Gear

  • Rinse with fresh water after every session – salt crystals are sandpaper on threads.
  • Disassemble bolts once a week – apply Tef-Gel to prevent galvanic corrosion.
  • Travel hack: Pool noodles around mast edges = airport baggage-handler armor.

🔧 Common Issues and Quick Fixes

Symptom Cause Quick Fix
Wing whistles Trailing edge burr 600-grit wet sand 2 cm back
Loose mast plate Worn threads Helicoil insert or new plate
Hairline cracks Over-tightened screws Stop drilling + epoxy + carbon patch

🚨 Safety First: Essential Tips for a Smooth and Secure Foiling Experience


Video: How Much Is A Hydrofoil Board? – Water Sports Haven.








✅ Gear Checks and Pre-Ride Rituals

  • T-bar test: Grab fuselage and shake – zero movement or go home.
  • Helmet & impact vest – non-negotiable, even if you’re “just cruising”.
  • Leash on mast base – prevents runaway torpedo boards.

🗺️ Understanding Your Environment

  • Depth gauge app – stay in 1.5× mast length minimum.
  • Right-of-way rules – kiter yields to foiler, foiler yields to swimmer.
  • Sharky waters? Bright-colored board – they think you’re a weird fish, not a seal.

Ready to pick your first (or next) foil? The featured video embedded earlier (#featured-video) breaks down budget vs. performance in under nine minutes – perfect visual dessert after this textual feast.

🏁 Conclusion: Your Hydrofoil Journey Awaits!

a blue speed boat speeding across a body of water

Well, fellow wave chasers and wind whisperers, we’ve surfed the full spectrum of hydrofoil types—from the playful surf foils that dance on unbroken waves to the speed demons tearing up the race circuits. Whether you’re eyeing a Slingshot Hover Glide for your first foiling fling or dreaming of the precision and speed of an Armstrong FG 680, there’s a perfect foil out there waiting to launch you into the magical world of flight on water.

Positives across the board:

  • Modularity lets you upgrade parts without buying a whole new setup.
  • Material choices give options for every budget and performance level.
  • Discipline-specific designs ensure you get the right tool for your foiling passion.

Negatives to keep in mind:

  • Carbon gear can be pricey and fragile if mishandled.
  • Aluminum is heavier and flexier but more forgiving on a budget.
  • The learning curve can be steep without the right gear and guidance.

Remember our teaser about mixing and matching? That’s no myth! Brands like Axis and Slingshot have made modularity a reality, so you can swap wings, fuselages, and masts as your skills evolve. And if you’re wondering about that “breaching” issue Sam had on the Miami docks—longer carbon masts like the North Sonar 95 cm are your best defense.

So, what’s the final verdict? Start big, stay stable, and upgrade smart. Your first hydrofoil should be a forgiving giant that lets you fly without fear. Then, as you master the glide, shrink your wingspan, lengthen your mast, and carve your own path.

Ready to take off? Your hydrofoil adventure is just a click away.

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Hydrofoil Questions Answered

a close up of a skateboard on a surface

What materials are commonly used in hydrofoil construction?

Hydrofoils are primarily made from carbon fiber, aluminum, and sometimes fiberglass. Carbon fiber offers the best strength-to-weight ratio, providing stiffness and lightness essential for high-performance foiling. Aluminum is heavier and more flexible but is durable and budget-friendly, making it ideal for beginners or rough conditions. Fiberglass is less common but offers a middle ground in weight and cost.

Why does this matter?
Carbon foils respond faster and feel more “alive” underfoot, but they require careful handling to avoid cracks. Aluminum foils tolerate bumps and scrapes better but can flex, which may reduce efficiency and control.

How do electric hydrofoils differ from traditional hydrofoils?

Electric hydrofoils, or e-foils, integrate a battery-powered motor that propels the rider without wind or waves. Traditional hydrofoils rely on external forces like wind, waves, or boats.

Key differences:

  • Control: E-foils come with handheld remotes to adjust speed instantly.
  • Accessibility: Great for flatwater lakes and beginners who want to skip the learning curve of kite or wing foiling.
  • Weight: E-foils are heavier due to batteries and motors, affecting portability and handling.
  • Maintenance: Requires battery care and motor upkeep.

Brands like Lift Foils and Fliteboard dominate this niche with sleek designs and reliable powertrains.

Read more about “Hydrofoiling Behind a Boat: 15 Pro Tips & Gear Reviews (2025) 🚤🌊”

What are the best hydrofoils for beginners in foil boarding?

Beginners should look for foils with large front wings (1400–1600 cm²), short masts (60–75 cm), and modular systems for easy upgrades. Stability and forgiveness are key.

Recommended models:

  • Slingshot Hover Glide FKite V6 – durable and easy to learn on.
  • Liquid Force Flite 120 – comes as a complete package with lessons.
  • GoFoil NL160 – surf-specific but very stable for new riders.

Read more about “What Is Hydrofoiling? 🚀 The Ultimate Guide Explained (2025)”

How does the size of a hydrofoil affect its performance?

The size of the front wing primarily dictates lift and speed:

  • Larger wings (1400+ cm²): Provide more lift at lower speeds, making them ideal for beginners and light wind or small wave conditions. They offer stability but sacrifice top-end speed.

  • Smaller wings (800–1000 cm²): Require more speed to generate lift but allow for sharper turns and higher top speeds. Favored by advanced riders and racers.

Mast length also affects performance: longer masts allow foiling in choppier, deeper water but require better balance; shorter masts are more forgiving in shallow or wave conditions.

Read more about “Mastering Hydrofoil Board Design: 12 Secrets to Soar in 2025 🚀”

Ready to fly? Remember, every champion was once a beginner who dared to take off. 🌊🚀

Review Team
Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

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