A New Sport Is Born: The Next Revolution in Surfing & Foiling

Every major shift in wave riding started with a breakthrough.

Tow-in surfing allowed surfers to ride waves once thought impossible.
Wing foiling opened up a new world of wind-powered gliding.
Now, the Hydroflyer is redefining what is possible in the surf, creating a new category of high-speed powered wave riding.

For decades, surfers and foilers have been limited by one thing—needing the right wave or wind conditions to ride. The Hydroflyer eliminates those limitations, blending the best of foiling, surfing, and high-performance eFoiling into an entirely new sport.

This isn’t just another evolution of eFoiling. It’s a complete shift in what it means to ride waves.

Meet JP the Coo of Hydroflyer: 

A rider-driven brand, our team is dedicated to the sport and the movement. 

I’ll always remember this day as being an ‘aha’ moment, like a lightbulb went on in my head. 

I actually had to be talked into riding at that location that day because we were at a famous surfing wave, and it felt strange launching an electric hydrofoiling craft there. Plus it's always a bit tricky launching off a beach and timing the sets. I wanted to use the easier route and launch from a ramp a kilometer away and ride it back to the surf. I was with Vasco Vellez from eFoilgc, and his words were, “I have to ride this in the surf JP, so we’re going”. I had no choice ha ha

It wasn’t until the next day at Currumbin that I really saw the potential of this craft in the surf. There were lines of empty waves stacked up and the launch was easy in the Currumbin Alley right beside where the surf life saving jet ski was attached to a mooring in the calm waters. It was a very short trip through the Alley to the surf, which was a little crumbly from the onshore wind, although perfect for the hydrofoil to slice through.

The waves were only a metre or so but they consistently lined up in rows, I started by heading out negotiating the onshore wind shop and surfing waves - both whitewater and blue wave faces and the Hydroflyer handled them both with ease. The foil underneath me took away all the chatter from the ruffled water plus the power at my finger tips gave me a lot of confidence as I could put myself exactly where I wanted to be.

I was riding with two selfie sticks, and two cameras so wasn’t able to really get loose but it was enough to see the great potential in the craft. Riding waves was super fun. I was able to make the world's longest bottom turns well out in front of the wave face, when I tripped up in the whitewater or on the wave face I was usually able to either stay with the handlebars or grab the carry handles on the stern of the board, pull myself back on the board, meanwhile the board was still caught in the wave because it has so much volume. Plus the powered keel righted itself automatically because of the ballast in the electric motor 80cm down on the bottom of the keel, whilst providing a lot of directional stability which kept the bow pointed toward the shore.  

The instant acceleration afforded by the trigger throttle on theHydroflyer was also a game changer. I was able to recover in the surf, and get going before the next wave came through.

Here’s what stood out for me:

✅ Jumping & punching through whitewater on the way out: The Hydroflyer powered through with ease, making every wave feel like a launching ramp.

✅ Re-Entries & soft recoveries: Thanks to the powered keel, the Hydroflyer always self-righted, giving me a smooth recovery and pointing the bow perfectly toward the beach.

✅ Waver riding & control: With instant acceleration, unmatched stability, and precise control, riding waves felt like flying—long, fast, drawn-out turns and complete confidence.

✅ Efficiency: Three of us rode for 3 hours on and off, shooting from every angle, and we only used one battery.

The Hydroflyer’s stability, instant acceleration, and directional control made every moment a blast. It felt like an entirely new way to experience the surf.

• John Philp 

Why the Hydroflyer Is a Game-Changer for Surfing & Foiling

Instant Acceleration: Ride Waves Without Waiting

Traditional surfing and foiling require the right conditions—waiting for a wave, finding the right wind, or generating enough speed to stay on foil. The Hydroflyer eliminates those restrictions.

With instant acceleration, riders can:

• Get back up and riding immediately after a wipeout.

• Reach sections of the wave that are too far for traditional foils.

• Maintain continuous speed without relying on wave power.

This changes how surfers and foilers interact with waves. Instead of waiting, positioning, or paddling, Hydroflyer riders can go anywhere, anytime.

Breaking Through Whitewater with Power and Control

One of the biggest challenges for traditional foils is navigating whitewater. Most eFoils lack the stability and power to push through breaking waves, and wind-powered foils struggle when conditions aren’t ideal.

The Hydroflyer is designed to handle these challenges with:

• Dual control points (handlebars and foot steering) for increased stability.

• Powerful thrust that allows riders to push through waves effortlessly.

• Predictable handling, making it easier to navigate chaotic surf zones.

Unlike other eFoils, the Hydroflyer gives riders full control, whether carving on clean waves or pushing through heavy whitewater.

Jerry’s Experience: 

Jerry is the CEO and founder of Hydroflyer. 

To me riding a Hydroflyer in waves is all about using the power of the craft to supplement the power of the wave. In the same way that a dirt bike is more fun when you’re on the gas, the Hydroflyer is more fun when you’re giving it some throttle. Whether you’re racing sideways across the waves, carving into them or racing out to jump off them, the fun is adding speed to the experience. If your looking to just ride the power of the waves I’d go with a manual foil board, but in same ways that a mountain bike and and dirt bike are totally different experiences but both a great time. The Hydroflyer provides a totally different experience in the waves and I’d say it’s probably my favorite thing to do at the moment!

 - Jerry McArthur

The Birth of a New Sport: Hydroflyer Surfing

Why Hydroflyer Riding Is Different from Surfing & Foiling

Hydroflyer riding isn’t just an evolution of eFoiling or an alternative to surfing—it’s a completely new way to experience waves.

• Not just surfing: Traditional surfing requires paddling, wave selection, and waiting for the right conditions. The Hydroflyer eliminates those barriers with powered acceleration.

• Not just foiling: Most foils rely on wind or wave energy. The Hydroflyer has independent power, allowing riders to move freely in any direction, even through whitewater.

• A unique skill set: Hydroflyer riding introduces a new set of techniques that combine elements of foiling, surfing, and motocross-style control.

This new discipline requires:

• Acceleration control to navigate the lineup and adjust speed instantly.

• Carving precision similar to foiling, but with added power dynamics.

• Wave reading skills from surfing to choose the best lines.

• Jumping techniques to launch off waves.

Unlike surfing or foiling, Hydroflyer riding doesn’t depend on conditions. Riders can train and progress in almost any environment, making it more accessible and scalable as a sport.

The Competitive Potential of Hydroflyer Surfing

With its speed and maneuverability, the Hydroflyer opens the door to new types of competitions and challenges.

• Hydroflyer racing: Riders can compete for the fastest lines through a wave zone.

• Wave attack challenges: Combining jumps, carving, and high-speed maneuvers in the surf.

• Freestyle events: Tricks, aerial moves, and creative riding styles.

As more riders adopt Hydroflyer surfing, new styles and techniques will emerge, shaping it into a distinct discipline with its own professionals, influencers, and pioneers.

Who Will Dominate the Sport?

The Crossover Athletes: Which Background Translates Best?

Hydroflyer riding introduces an entirely new skill set, but some athletes will have a natural advantage based on their background.

• Surfers – Strong wave-reading skills and experience carving on water will help, but they’ll need to adapt to powered acceleration.

• Foilers – Used to balancing on a foil at high speeds, but most foilers lack experience handling whitewater and rapid directional changes.

• Wakeboarders & Wakesurfers – Familiar with powered riding and handlebar control, but they’ll need to adjust to hydrofoil dynamics.

• Motocross & Snowmobile Riders – Handlebar athletes used to high-speed control may adapt quickly to the Hydroflyer’s dual-input steering.

• Big Wave & Tow-in Surfers – Already accustomed to speed and power, making them strong candidates for pushing the limits of Hydroflyer riding.

• WIngfoilers - The crossover is undeniable! 

Each discipline brings valuable skills, but Hydroflyer surfing requires a unique combination of balance, control, and wave strategy. The best riders will be those who adapt quickly and develop new techniques.

The First Generation of Hydroflyer Athletes

Since Hydroflyer riding is still in its early stages, the first adopters have the opportunity to define the sport. The pioneers of this movement will be the ones shaping the riding style, pushing the limits, and proving what’s possible.

• Who will land the first aerial tricks?

• Who will develop the fastest racing lines?

• Who will set the standard for Hydroflyer surf competitions?

The first serious riders will go down in history as the founding athletes of this new sport.

Rider interview here? 

The Future of  Hydroflyer Riding

More Pro Riders Testing the Limits

The Hydroflyer is still in its early stages, but as more top athletes get their hands on it, the sport will evolve rapidly. Some key trends to watch:

• Progressive riding styles – Riders will start pushing the boundaries, finding new ways to carve, jump, and maneuver.

• First big-wave Hydroflyer session – Who will be the first to take the Hydroflyer into massive surf?

• Hydroflyer surf zones – Dedicated locations where riders can test their skills in ideal conditions.

As more top-tier surfers, foilers, and extreme sports athletes join in, Hydroflyer riding will cement itself as a recognized discipline.

The First Hydroflyer Competitions

A new sport means new formats for competition. Some early event concepts:

• Hydroflyer Racing – High-speed sprint races through the surf.

• Wave Challenges – Riders compete to carve the best lines and make the most aggressive drops.

• Freestyle Expression Sessions – Aerial tricks, smooth carves, and creative riding styles.

Competitions will set the standard for what’s possible, creating Hydroflyer legends in the process.

Hydroflyer Communities & Global Expansion

As Hydroflyer riding grows, expect to see:

• Local meet-ups and group rides – The first step toward making it a community-driven sport.

• Hydroflyer academies and training programs – Instructional sessions to help riders progress faster.

• Expansion to new markets – More riders in Australia, Hawaii, California, and Europe pushing the limits.

The future is wide open, and those who get in early will be the ones shaping it.

Closing Thought: Be Part of the Revolution

The Hydroflyer isn’t just an innovation—it’s a movement. This is the moment when a new era of wave riding begins.

The only question is—who will be the first to master it?