Evolution: A Brief History of the Electric Hydrofoil

You’ve probably seen people gliding over the water on an electric hydrofoil — either at the beach or on social media. For those unfamiliar with hydrofoil boards, it’s often a surprise to see what looks like a flying hoverboard above the water. Even seasoned board riders may wonder where these electric foils came from and how they suddenly became so popular.

Let’s take a look at the history of the electric hydrofoil — from its early pioneers to its modern evolution, and the milestones that made it one of the most exciting boards ever created.

We won’t retell humanity’s fascination with flight — you already know that story. But it’s safe to say that people have always sought new ways to experience it. In the early 2010s, enthusiasts in hydrofoil technology, kitesurfers, wakeboarders, and even engineers began experimenting with adding electric propulsion to small hydrofoil boards.

Although not yet an eFoil, in 2009, professors Jakob Kuttenkeuler and Stefan Hallström from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm published a project called Exifoil. It was designed as part of a marine architecture study and became an early step toward electric foiling boards. In 2016, they built a single-person board powered by an underwater propeller called Jetfoiler. While very different from modern designs, the experiment proved the concept could work.

Around the same time in Australia, David Trewern — former world speed record holder in kitesurfing — asked himself, "What if I didn’t need the wind?" That question sparked his journey toward developing his own board.

In 2018, he launched Fliteboard — a revolutionary design blending elegance, hydrodynamics, and innovation. It became the foundation of the modern eFoiling industry.

Since 2018, the eFoiling community has grown rapidly, attracting enthusiasts from surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and other water sports. Advances in materials, batteries, and brushless motors have made boards faster, safer, and more accessible. Today, eFoils are used not only for recreation but also for lessons, water tours, and competitions. Brands like Fliteboard and Lift continue pushing innovation with each new generation of boards.

Electric hydrofoils continue to evolve — becoming more efficient, eco-friendly, and quiet. Advances in technology now allow their use in passenger transport, including electric boats and ferries with hydrofoil systems. Today, small and mid-sized hydrofoil boats are already available for purchase, with pilot programs testing large-scale electric passenger vessels.

At its core, eFoiling is about the passion for flight and freedom — a unique blend of speed, silence, and connection with nature that delivers an unforgettable sense of weightlessness.