eFoil vs Electric Surfboard: What's the Difference?

I get a lot of calls and texts asking about "electric surfboard lessons." Most of the time the person means an eFoil. Sometimes they don't. They're two different boards, and if you're booking a lesson or thinking about buying one, it helps to know which is which.

The short version

"Electric surfboard" is a loose name for any board with a motor. There are two main kinds:

• Jetboards stay on top of the water the whole time. A jet or propeller pushes you along, a bit like a jet ski you stand on.
• eFoils have a wing under the water. Once you get going, the wing lifts the board up and you ride a couple of feet above the surface.

We only do eFoils. Every board in our lessons is a SiFly eFoil.

What riding an eFoil feels like

Under an eFoil there's a mast, a long post that goes down into the water. At the bottom is the motor, the propeller and the wing. You hold a small wireless remote that controls your speed. Give it a little throttle and the wing starts to lift the board.

The moment the board comes up off the water, the slapping noise stops. That's the part people can't stop talking about after their first lesson. It gets quiet, the chop passes under you, and it feels like you're floating.

Steering is mostly your feet. Put a little weight on your front foot and the board comes down. Shift back and it rises. That's most of the skill right there.

What riding a jetboard feels like

A jetboard sits on the water, so you feel every bump. They're quick and a lot of fun if you like speed and spray. Because there's no wing to balance on, most people can stand up and go on one pretty fast.

Which one is easier to learn?

A jetboard is easier for the first few minutes. An eFoil takes a bit more practice because you're balancing on a wing, and that's why every lesson starts on land.

On the water you go in steps. First you ride lying on your stomach to get a feel for the remote. Then your knees. Then you stand up and let the board lift. Plenty of our riders are up and flying in the first hour. Some people need a second session, and that's normal. You'll be having fun either way.

Do you need waves or wind?

No. You don't need either one for an eFoil. That's a big reason it works so well here in Fort Lauderdale. A calm morning on flat water is about as good as it gets.

So which should you try?

If you want to go fast and get splashed, a jetboard is a good time. If you want that quiet, floating feeling, try an eFoil. I'm biased, but I've never had someone step off an eFoil and tell me it felt like anything else they've done.

Trying an eFoil in Fort Lauderdale

Our lessons are private and last 2 hours. We meet at the Sunrise Paddleboards dock at 2520 N Federal Hwy. Park anywhere except the Tuxedo shop spots. We bring the board, the helmet and the life jacket, and you get video of your session.

It's $350 for one person, $550 for two and $700 for three. No experience needed. You just have to be 12 or older, 250 lb or under, and a strong swimmer. If the weather isn't safe, we move your lesson to a better day, and if none of the new days work for you, you get a full refund.

A few more places to look:

• Everything about our eFoil lessons
• What your first lesson looks like
• Guided eFoil tours if you already know how to ride
• SiFly eFoils for sale if you want your own

Questions? Call or text me at (954) 480-3725.

Tyler