HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new kind of surfboard is changing how people in Hawaiʻi ride waves, and it doesn’t need waves at all. It’s an innovation that’s opening avenues to access surfing that have not existed before.
An eFoil is a motorized, electric surfboard that rises above the water using a hydrofoil wing. The board lifts and glides smoothly over flat water and gives riders the feeling of flying.
“Our mission is to share the freedom and fun of eFoiling,” said Paul Lowchareonkul, CEO of XFoil. “We believe everyone should have access to this experience, not just elite riders.”
And with the M2O Sup Foil and Wing Foil Race coming up on Saturday, July 20, KHON2.com thought it a good time to explore this emerging sport.
How to ride an eFoil
eFoils are powered surfboards that let people ride on water even without waves or wind. They’re fun, quiet, and don’t hurt the environment, explained Paul Lowchareonkul, XFoil CEO. He said that in Hawai‘i they’re becoming popular because they work in many conditions and help riders explore more places. eFoils make ocean sports even more exciting.
There are several resources that provide training and experience for those who are wanting to learn how to ride these futuristic surfboards. But how does it work?
Riders stand on the eFoil board and use a handheld remote to control its speed. The board’s electric motor powers the ride and lifts the board several inches above the water once enough speed is reached.
Because it doesn’t need waves or wind, it can be used in calm conditions. Balance, control and body position matter most when eFoiling. While it may look like magic, riding an eFoil is accessible to beginners with the right instruction and equipment.
Lowchareonkul also explained that safety is very important at the eFoil Extravaganza. Riders wear helmets and life jackets, and the boards have features that shut off power if someone falls. Experts are there to help. Riders also learn to protect ocean life, like coral and animals, so everyone can enjoy the water safely and responsibly.
A first for Hawaiʻi
On Friday, Aug. 1, XFoil will host the first-ever Hawaiʻi eFoil Extravaganza at Keʻehi Lagoon Beach Park, which was chosen for its calm conditions. The free event will feature live racing and demos. Riders of all levels can try an eFoil, join a timed trial and watch experts fly across the water.
“The eFoil Extravaganza is more than just a showcase of cutting-edge water sports,” said Lowchareonkul. “It’s about bringing our community together to celebrate innovation, ocean stewardship, and the thrill of trying something new.”
The event will also debut two new products: the XFoil Escape, an electric foil board priced at $2,999, and AI-powered dynamic wings, which adjust automatically to improve balance and control.
“Whether you’re riding for the first time or just here to watch, the eFoil Extravaganza offers an unforgettable experience,” added Lowchareonkul. “It’s a chance to see the future of water sports in action, right here in Hawaiʻi”
While hydrofoiling is already popular across the islands, this will be the first time electric hydrofoils compete in a race here.
You can click here to learn more about the event.
Foil race across the Kaiwi Channel
On Saturday, July 20, a different kind of foil race will take place. The Molokaʻi 2 Oʻahu (M2O) race will feature solo SUP foil and wing foil athletes crossing more than 40 miles of open ocean. The course begins at Kepuhi Beach on Molokaʻi and ends at Kaimana Beach on Oʻahu.
The M2O race, now known as one of the world’s most challenging paddleboard competitions, began in 1997 thanks to the vision of top Hawaiʻi-based paddler Dawson Jones. After racing the 32-mile Catalina Classic, Jones was inspired to create a similar event across the Ka’iwi Channel that links the islands of Molokaʻi and Oʻahu.
With support from fellow watermen Garrett MacNamara and Mike Takahashi, who became the race director, M2O was born. It attracted local media attention and gave surfers a new summer challenge. Today, the event draws athletes from around the world
You can click here to learn more about the race.