Hydroflyer Transport Guide: How to Move Your eFoil in Cars, Trucks, and Across Sand

One of the first questions new riders ask is, "How am I going to get this to the water?"

It is a fair question. eFoils look substantial, and many people assume they need a dedicated truck, a roof rack, or a second person just to get a session in. But the Hydroflyer was designed with modularity in mind.

In the video below, Hydroflyer founder Jerry demonstrates exactly how portable this system really is. He breaks down the simple routine he uses to fit the board into a standard car, load it into a truck, and launch solo across soft sand, all without heavy lifting.

Watch the full guide here:

Why Confident Transport Matters

Mastering the logistics of moving your board changes how you ride. When you know you can load up in minutes and launch without a struggle, you ride more often and explore more spots.

Jerry’s approach proves that transporting a Hydroflyer is fast, safe, and completely manageable, even if you are riding alone. Below, we break down the specific techniques from the video so you can apply them to your own vehicle and local spot.

The Golden Rule: Safety First (Always Use Covers)

Before moving the board anywhere, whether it is five feet or five miles, Jerry’s first rule is to put the foil covers on.

In the video, you see him do this immediately. While the Hydroflyer is built for durability, the hydrofoil wings are precision-engineered carbon fiber. They are incredibly strong under water pressure, but the leading and trailing edges can be vulnerable to impact on land.

Why this step is non-negotiable:

• Edge Protection: A small nick in the wing can create turbulence or whistling in the water. Covers keep your edges pristine.
  
  
• Personal Safety: The wings are sharp. If you are carrying the board through a public parking lot, down a narrow dock, or past families on the beach, the covers ensure you don't accidentally injure anyone or scratch a parked car.

Pro Tip: Make it a habit to put the covers on before you even detach the mast from the board.

➥ To explore how the different Hydroflyer models compare in size and handling,: Hydroflyer Cruiser vs Sport

The Hydroflyer Transport Routine (4 Quick Steps)

In the video, Jerry follows a simple order of operations when packing up. This rhythm keeps the equipment protected, reduces the weight you have to carry, and prevents sand from getting into your vehicle.

1. Rinse Before You Breakdown

Right after your session, before opening any hatches, give the board a quick rinse with fresh water. Jerry uses a small portable sprayer to wash salt and sand off the mast, wings, and deck. This keeps your hardware smooth and ensures you aren't dragging grit into your foil bag or car interior.

➥ Learn more: Hydroflyer Maintenance Guide: How to Clean, Charge & Store Your eFoil Daily

2. Remove the Battery (The "Weight Hack")

This is the single most important tip for easy transport. The battery is the heaviest component. Removing it immediately makes the board lightweight and easy to balance.

• Why it matters: Without the battery, the board’s center of gravity stabilizes. It won’t tip forward or backward, making it effortless to carry solo or lift into a truck bed.

3. Disassemble for Your Vehicle

• For Cars: Remove the upper mast. This instantly lowers the profile, allowing the board to slide into hatchbacks or sit on roof racks without being top-heavy.
  
  
• For Trucks/SUVs: You can often leave the mast attached. Just ensure the board is stable and not resting on the wings.

4. Safety First: Covers On

Never move the foil assembly without covers. The edges are precise and sharp. Jerry’s rule is simple: “Anything sharp gets covered before I move the board.” Slip the wing covers on immediately after disassembly. This protects the carbon fiber from chips and protects you (and passersby) from the foil edges while walking through parking lots or docks.

Cruiser vs. Sport: Which Model Fits Your Car?

When planning your transport, it is helpful to know exactly how much space you need. The Hydroflyer comes in two main sizes, and the difference matters for interior loading.

1. The Hydroflyer Sport (5'0")

• The Size: At just 5 feet long, the Sport is highly compact (similar to a shortboard surfboard).
  
  
• Car Fit: This model fits inside almost any vehicle. With the rear seats folded down, you can slide the Sport straight into a hatchback, station wagon, or compact SUV with room to spare.

2. The Hydroflyer Cruiser (7'5")

• The Size: The Cruiser is significantly longer to provide maximum stability and flotation (similar to a funboard or longboard surfboard).

• Car Fit: Because of the extra length, the Cruiser typically requires a roof rack for sedans and small cars. It will fit inside minivans, trucks, and large SUVs, but standard car owners should plan to use the roof.

The Good News: Both models use the exact same modular mast system. No matter which board you ride, the breakdown process below is identical.

Will a Hydroflyer fit inside a standard car or hatchback?

Yes. This is one of the biggest myths in the eFoil world.

There is a common assumption that buying a high-performance board means you also need a Sprinter van or a pickup truck to haul it. But the Hydroflyer was designed to fit into the life you already have.

Whether you are behind the wheel of a hatchback, a sedan, or a compact SUV, the logistics are surprisingly simple because of the modular mast system. Since the tall, awkward part of the foil detaches completely, the board transforms from a "vehicle" into something that packs down as easily as a surfboard.

Option 1: Can I use a roof rack? (The "Clean Car" Method)

In the video, you will see Jerry opt for the roof. This is the preferred method for riders who want to maximize interior space for friends or family.

By removing the upper mast and packing the foil assembly into the protective bag, the setup becomes streamlined. You simply strap it to the crossbars with the foil facing down. It cuts through the wind aerodynamically, and importantly, keeps the salt and sand outside your vehicle.

Option 2: Can I put it inside the car? (The "Interior" Method)

If you don't have a roof rack, the Hydroflyer fits comfortably inside most compact cars.

• Drop the Seats: Fold your rear seats flat to open up the pass-through from the trunk.
  
  
• The Slide: With the mast removed, the vertical height vanishes. You can slide the board in rear-first.
  
  
• Peace of Mind: Because the sharp wings are safely zipped inside the Hydroflyer bag, you don't have to stress about the hardware snagging your upholstery.

What is the best way to load an eFoil into a truck?

If you drive a pickup truck, a Sprinter van, or a large SUV, you have a distinct advantage: you can skip the breakdown.

In the video, Jerry shows that when he uses his truck, he leaves the Hydroflyer fully assembled. This is the fastest way to get from your driveway to the water. However, lifting a fully rigged eFoil can be heavy, which is why Jerry uses a simple "weight hack" to save his back.

The "Battery First" Rule Before lifting the board into the truck bed, Jerry slides the battery out. It takes seconds, but it changes the entire feel of the lift.

• The Physics: The battery is the densest part of the board. By removing it, you aren't just dropping pounds; you are stabilizing the center of gravity.
  
  
• The Result: The board stops feeling top-heavy. It becomes easy to guide into the truck bed with one hand, giving you total control even if you are loading up solo.

Your loading strategy ultimately comes down to cargo depth. Because many SUVs and trucks offer ample clearance, you often have the luxury of sliding the Hydroflyer in without breaking it down at all. As for orientation, there is no single "right" way, some riders prefer sliding it in flat (foil-down), while others rest it securely on its rail. The priority is simply stability.

Crucially, Jerry never skips the protection. Even in a truck bed, he keeps the foil assembly zipped inside the Hydroflyer bag. This ensures that while the board is secure, the precision wings are cushioned against road vibration.

Do You Need Special Gear to Move a Hydroflyer Across Sand?

If you launch from a dock, moving the board is straightforward. But if your local spot is a beach, you face a different challenge. Soft sand is notorious for trapping standard hard-plastic wheels, turning a short walk to the water into a grueling workout before you even start riding.

In the video, Jerry demonstrates the ultimate fix: the Hydroflyer beach wheels.

These feature large, low-pressure balloon tires designed specifically to displace weight. Instead of digging into the terrain, they "float" on top of the sand, gravel, or grass. The difference is immediate, you aren't fighting the weight of the board or dragging it through ruts, you are simply guiding it with one hand.

The Amphibious Launch the system really shines when you hit the water. Because the wheels are buoyant, you don't have to stop at the shoreline. You can roll the setup straight into the surf until the board floats on its own.

From there, the routine is effortless: flip the board over, pop the wheels out, and walk them back to dry sand. You save your energy for the ride, not the walk.

How to Carry the Board Without Wheels (The "Suitcase" Technique)

If you are parking close to the water and don't need the beach wheels, carrying the stripped-down board is straightforward. Once the mast and battery are removed, the Hydroflyer hull is lighter than many standard paddleboards.

The best way to move it is using the "Suitcase Carry" method:

1. Locate the Recessed Handles
Unlike a standard surfboard where you have to stretch your arm across the wide deck, the Hydroflyer features deep ergonomic grab handles recessed directly into the rails.

• The Grip: Stand next to the board. Reach down and lock your fingers into the recessed rail handle.
  
  
• The Lift: Because the battery (the heavy center weight) is gone, the board is perfectly balanced. You can lift it with one hand against your hip, exactly like carrying a heavy suitcase.

2. Manage the Foil Separately
Since you have removed the mast, your foil assembly is likely packed in the protective bag.

• Pro Tip: Sling the foil bag strap over your shoulder before you pick up the board. This allows you to carry the entire setup in one trip, board in hand, foil on back, without the components banging into each other.

3. The "Surfboard" Carry (Alternative)
If you have a longer walk and wide shoulders, you can lift the board up to your waist and carry it under your arm. However, most riders find the "Suitcase" method using the recessed handles to be far less fatiguing on the forearms.

Quick Transport Checklist: The Jerry Routine

If you want a simple overview of how to move the Hydroflyer efficiently, this checklist covers the basics. Think of this not just as a set of rules, but as the rhythm you will fall into every time you head to the water.

1. For Cars (The "Compact" Method)

• Strip the Masts: Remove both the upper handlebars and the lower foil mast to get the board perfectly flat.
  
  
• Bag the Wings: Place the foil assembly into the Hydroflyer bag immediately. This protects your car interior from sharp edges and salt.
  
  
• The Slide: With the rear seats folded, slide the hull in rear-first. Use a blanket or yoga mat to keep it from shifting.

2. For Trucks & SUVs (The "Ready" Method)

• The Battery Hack: Even if you leave the board fully assembled, always remove the battery before lifting. It saves your back and stabilizes the board.
  
  
• Secure the Load: Place the board in the bed. You can lay it flat or on its rail, just ensure it isn't rubbing against wheel wells.
  
  
• Protect the Foil: Even in a truck bed, keep the foil wings zipped in their bag to cushion them against road vibration.

3. For Crossing the Sand (The "Amphibious" Method)

• Float, Don’t Drag: Use the balloon-tire beach wheels. Let them float on top of the soft sand so you can push with one hand.
  
  
• Wet Launch: Don’t stop at the water’s edge. Push the wheels straight into knee-deep water until the board floats.
  
  
• The Flip: Once floating, flip the board over, pull the wheels out, and walk them back to the beach. You never have to dead-lift the gear.
  

Talk to Jerry

If you want real guidance from someone who rides these boards every week, you can talk directly with Jerry. He is the founder of Hydroflyer, the designer behind the system, and the person who has spent more time carrying, loading, and transporting this board than anyone.

Jerry works with first-time riders, experienced foilers, schools building their fleet, and families who want to understand what everyday ownership feels like.