Taking hydrofoil surfboards to the next level with eFoils

We won't dwell on how boring a yacht cruise can get without the presence of water toys. Rather than doing that, we’ll show you one more way to inject excitement into your trip.

Cruising in a yacht around waves is probably not something you're considering. That means traditional surfing isn't much of an option, right? However, like most things, surfing has not been immune to innovation.

Modern foil boards, which have been around since the early 2000s, have increased the thrill and adrenaline rush of riding waves. This evolution of the surfboard added a hydro fin to the board and lifted it into the air. This provided a new way of experiencing the ocean's power.

While that sounds exciting, you'll quickly find that mastering the use of a foil board comes with a steep learning curve. eFoils, on the other hand, represent the next step in the evolution of foil boards, but what exactly are they?

What is an eFoil?

At the first sighting of an eFoil, you will be forgiven if you ask yourself: "Is the Silver Surfer real"? Seeing a surfboard glide a few inches above the surface of the water with seemingly no effort from the surfer and in the absence of waves may leave you puzzled and wondering if your imagination is getting the best of you.

Our editor certainly felt that way when he saw one for the first time while we were filming on a yacht in South Beach, Miami. It's hard to look away from something that literally appears unreal.

eFoils are essentially traditional foil boards equipped with an electric motor that powers the board through the water. Unlike foil boards or surfboards that largely rely on wind or waves, the electric propeller on an eFoil generates enough thrust to allow the board to reach speeds of up to 30 mph while reducing reliance on nature. All that considered, few will argue that eFoils represent the next level for hydrofoil surfboards.

Lift Foils

Founded in 2010 by Nick and Micheal Leason, Lift Foils is the original creator of eFoils and the market leader in the electric hydrofoil surfboard market. A passionate surfer and engineer, Nick Leasion designed and developed the eFoil with the vision of creating a surfboard that could "fly above the water."

Based in Puerto Rico, Lift Foils offers a wide range of products that include; the Lift4 and Lift3 F. The Lift4 is the flagship product, while they designed the Lift3 F for newcomers. This product line can help surfers of all skill levels get the most out of surfing.

Lift4

The Lift4 is arguably the most advanced eFoil on the market. Made from lightweight carbon fiber, it features an extra-durable construction, a slew of performance upgrades, a ride time of up to 2.5 hours, and a lineup of accessories for some extra functionality and personalization.

With newly designed wings, the Lift4 maximizes aerodynamics and maneuverability. At the same time, its Quiet Ride Technology, as the name suggests, ensures the smoothest and quietest rides using the latest technology available in the electric mobility industry. Instead of listening to the sound of their eFoil, surfers can now enjoy a board with reduced vibrations and better appreciate nature's sounds while surfing.

The new Gen4 battery gives the Lift4 the ability to charge faster and last longer, with an endurance rating of up to 2.5 hours for the full-range version and up to 1.5 hours for the light version. Both come with a new rugged housing that Lift Foils created to raise the bar further for safety and durability.

With a starting price of just under $12,000, three board sizes, and up to ten color options, the Lift4 offers a customizable high-performance eFoil board that caters to diverse preferences and needs.

So, before your next yacht cruise, do yourself a favor and stop by one of many dealers to try an eFoil and decide if there's a need to create space in your tender garage for your new toy. We'll be taking the plunge soon, so look out for our thoughts on the "Silver Surfer" experience.