Efoil Lesson Review: Is it Worth It? (Experience & Tips)

So, you’ve probably spotted those almost futuristic surfers seemingly floating above the water and wondered what it is. Well, chances are they were riding an efoil, short for electric hydrofoil. I thought I’d see what they were all about so I recently took an efoil lesson, and I felt I had to share my experience with you.

What’s an Efoil, Anyway?

Essentially, an efoil is that board that’s like a surfboard with an electric motor and a hydrofoil. That hydrofoil is this fin-like structure that extends down into the water. When you get going fast enough, the hydrofoil generates lift, which then raises the board out of the water, allowing you to glide smoothly above the surface. It’s powered by a battery, and you use a handheld remote to control the speed. It really is a very strange sensation.

Anyway, the setup definitely looks intimidating, but the idea of effortlessly flying over the waves was definitely too tempting to resist, so I had to book a lesson.

Finding the Right Efoil Lesson

Locating the right efoil lesson can feel like a bit of detective work, at the start. A bit like finding a great, but also hidden, coffee spot. Anyway, location, that matters a great deal. Think about it, are you looking for a lesson on vacation, maybe close to your home, or someplace else entirely? Then, I had a quick peek online. That helps loads to get an overview of the efoil schools operating in your chosen area.

Look at Experience and Certification: I really wanted to make sure that the instructors had the correct certifications and a good bit of experience teaching, especially for newbies, a bit like me at the time. I wasn’t keen on hopping on a board and hoping for the best.
Read those Reviews: Reviews from previous students are also pure gold. They seem to offer you actual insights into the instructor’s teaching style, safety measures, and the overall lesson vibe.
Lesson Structure: How the lesson is structured is very key too. Does it involve that ground instruction before you actually hit the water? What about the instructor-to-student ratio? Small groups, in my opinion, generally mean far more one-on-one attention, which is what I was hoping for.
Check the Equipment: Confirm that the efoil school’s kit is well-maintained and seems up-to-date. Using gear that’s properly looked after is quite important, both for your safety and your overall experience. Also, I checked on that insurance and safety policy info to see that it was properly covered for anything unexpected.

My First Efoil Experience: Nerves and Excitement

Driving to the lesson, that nervous feeling bubbled up. I do wonder what I had let myself in for, but that buzz of excitement won out in the end. I did arrive at a very picturesque location – a calm bay near the coast, with crystal clear water – honestly, that seemed ideal for my very first go.

On-Land Training: Basics First

First, the instructor started us off with some basic on-land training. We went over safety procedures – which I was very thankful for – along with the efoil’s components and the remote control operation.
The main things I took in were:

How to hold the remote
How to control the speed
How to stop safely

The instructor explained the proper stance, how to balance, and gave a very, very, clear idea of what to expect once in the water. It all seemed straightforward. In the end I was eager to actually get on that board.

Getting Into the Water

Kitting myself up in a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, and helmet was next. We then headed into the water. The initial step involved getting comfortable kneeling on the board, just to feel its stability. To begin with, the instructor had the efoil remote. They then controlled the speed as I got comfortable with the feeling of moving through the water.
That very first sensation of the board moving beneath me was something. I started to get that little bit more comfortable, and soon enough, I was ready to grab the remote myself.

My First Attempts: Falling is Part of Learning

Okay, so it’s a slight learning curve from there on in, I will say that. Balancing on the board, controlling that speed with the remote, and attempting to rise onto my feet, well, that really proved trickier than it looked initially.
I had a couple of failed attempts, so I splashed down into the water, quite a few times. But, each time, I found I gained a better feel for the board and what adjustments I wanted to make.
That instructor gave clear feedback. So, I concentrated on making small adjustments to my posture and weight distribution.

The Moment of “Flight”

Then, on maybe my fifth or sixth attempt, it all seemed to click. I felt myself rising out of the water, and I was, for sure, flying above that surface. That feeling? Really is amazing. Suddenly everything seemed smooth, quiet, and almost effortless.
I felt quite in control of the board. Plus, I was subtly adjusting my weight to steer, just like the instructor told me. I actually cruised along for a pretty respectable distance before very gently coming back down. It was an amazing rush.
My initial flight didn’t last all that long, but after that I seemed determined. Before long I felt consistent at getting up and riding. I could, too, start to experiment with gentle turns.

What I Learned During My Efoil Lesson

Aside from the immediate thrill of gliding above water, that efoil lesson taught me a bunch of key stuff. Things, actually, that are well worth pointing out:

Balance is absolutely key: So, small adjustments in weight have a large effect on the board’s direction and stability.
Control comes from being gentle: Sudden movements equals falls. Very gentle, deliberate actions are best.
That the right instruction makes loads of difference: I had clear guidance from the instructor, that meant a faster, safer learning curve.
Falling is part of it: Really do not be afraid to fall. Accept you are going to and learn what you can from each wipeout.

Is an Efoil Lesson Worth It?

You may want to consider the question, ‘Is an efoil lesson worth the investment?’. Here is my honest opinion:

The Pros: Why You Might Love It

An amazing experience: Flying over the water is exhilarating, a one of a kind.
Relatively easy to pick up: That learning curve isn’t quite steep, even for beginners like myself.
Good Exercise: It really does work on those core muscles and improves that balance and coordination.
Accessible: Efoiling might be done in different aquatic environments, be they lakes, rivers, or open ocean.

The Cons: Things to Consider

Cost: Lessons might be a bit expensive. Plus, the gear itself, if you felt like buying some, would need an investment.
Location dependency: You do need access to a suitable body of water, and that isn’t convenient for people who don’t live near to them.
Weather-dependent: Really strong winds or rough water conditions can make it far too challenging.

My Verdict

So, considering the whole experience, I felt that the efoil lesson really was worth it. It’s something very different. Plus, you learn some new skills and have some serious fun out on the water. Yes, it comes with a cost. However, for something memorable and very thrilling, it ticks all those boxes. If you happen to be an adrenaline junkie and open to trying new things, then I totally would suggest giving an efoil lesson a try.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Efoil Lesson

Ok, if you go for a lesson, how about squeezing every drop of goodness from the session?

Pick a good school: Read reviews and find trained instructors.
Listen very closely: Pay particular attention to your instructor’s directions and ask when unsure.
Relax and stay calm: Try and relax. Tensing up can badly affect the balance.
Be patient: You’re unlikely to become a pro right away, but stick with it, and things will come together.
Have some fun!: Take a minute and enjoy being out there. That way you will take away positive vibes from the experience.

FAQ About Efoil Lessons

What do I need to bring to my efoil lesson?

Mainly, just bring your swimming stuff, a towel, and sunscreen. Schools normally supply all the other kit you will need like wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets.

Do I need to be super fit to try efoiling?

Efoiling actually needs good balance, some coordination, and general fitness, however, it’s actually not hugely taxing. Individuals of almost all fitness backgrounds can try it.

Is there a certain age limit for efoil lessons?

A lot of schools normally have age limits because of safety. It varies but generally is 12 or 16 years of age.

Are efoils hard to maintain?

Efoils can need proper upkeep that can involve checking/cleaning the motor, battery, and hydrofoil on a regular basis. Proper upkeep, however, means they should perform very well and last you a while.

Could I learn to efoil without any prior watersports experience?

For Sure! Efoiling, fortunately, is beginner-friendly and you don’t have to have previous experience in any watersports.

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