Coffs Coast eFoiler riding the wave of new surf technology

A NEW wave of ocean enthusiasts are taking to Coffs Coast beaches on high-tech surf gear called electric hydrofoils (eFoils).

eFoiling is a fast-paced water sport growing rapidly in popularity, and involves riding a foilboard powered by an electric motor.

Key to the uniqueness of the sport is the use of a hydrofoil, a winglike structure attached below the board that works to lift the rider out of the water, similar to the effect of aerofoils used by airplanes.

The combination of the propeller and the lack of drag allows the rider to travel above the ocean at great speed, both in flat water and surf conditions.

Leading the charge locally is Karen Jackson, who began her journey on the water at the age of 10 when she learned to sail.

At 15 Karen took up the challenging sport of windsurfing, eventually becoming a surfer with a life-long commitment to the ocean.

Having loved watersports for close to 60 years, she shows no signs of slowing down.

In the last several years Karen has become enamoured with eFoiling and can often be seen at Emerald Beach or Arrawarra literally gliding across the horizon and taking on long lines of swell.
“I love the amazing feeling of foiling rising up above the water,” she said.

“The speed and the smoothness of slicing through turns with almost no friction is mind-blowing.

“I enjoy the freedom of being able to find space in the line-up, avoiding the crowded areas among surfboard riders.

“On the foil there is very little down time and so much room to move.”

Karen has become something of an ambassador for eFoiling and gained sponsorship from Future Movement Co (also Foil Drive and North Foils) in Woolgoolga.

She is currently recovering from shoulder surgery, but plans to use social media to help eFoiling gain a wider audience upon her return.

By Kim SATCHELL