Beginner’s Guide to eFoiling — Why the Hydroflyer Is in a Category of Its Own
This guide is here to help you understand the fundamentals and art of eFoiling — and why the Hydroflyer isn’t just another eFoil. It’s the easiest and safest eFoil to learn on, but also the most advanced model ever built. It doesn’t just belong in the eFoil category — it expands it.
Riding the Hydroflyer feels more like mountain biking on water than traditional hydrofoiling. It brings control, power, and freedom in a way that’s unlike anything else on the market.
If you're looking for advanced eFoil tips, check out our blog on jumping with an eFoil or eFoil trick tips. But if you’re just starting out, this guide is designed to give you a clear understanding of how eFoils work, what makes different models unique, and how to figure out if the Hydroflyer is the right fit for you.
Even if you decide to go with a different board, you’ll come away from this knowing what to look for, how to get started, and how to make your first ride a great one.
1. How Hard Is It to eFoil?
eFoiling appears futuristic, but it's surprisingly accessible. Most beginners can transition from kneeling to standing within 30–90 minutes. The Hydroflyer's design, featuring stability-focused wings and intuitive throttle control, accelerates the learning curve so you're standing up from the very first moment.
"Is it hard to learn how to ride an eFoil if I’ve never surfed or skateboarded?"
You don’t need any board sport experience to ride an eFoil — especially not the Hydroflyer. Most people get up and ride within their first session. The handlebars give you balance and control from the start, while the large, stable board keeps you above the water and out of the wobble zone. Unlike traditional eFoils that require you to shift your weight just right, the Hydroflyer lets you focus on throttle and steering while your balance catches up. It's more intuitive than it looks.
"How long does it take to stand up on an eFoil for the first time?"
Most first-timers are up within 30 to 90 minutes. With the Hydroflyer, we’ve seen people standing within the first 10. The combination of high-lift wings, ergonomic throttle, and optional handlebars cuts the learning curve way down. You’re not fighting the board — you’re working with it. This is one of the reasons it’s so popular at demo events and with schools: beginners leave the water feeling like riders, not students.
"How long does it take to learn how to eFoil?"
Most people can get from zero to standing in under an hour — even faster on the Hydroflyer. The handlebars give you instant balance and control, which means you’re not spending the whole session just trying to stand up. You’re learning how to ride. That’s a big difference.
Traditional eFoils usually have a steeper learning curve because they rely entirely on weight shift and balance. With the Hydroflyer, you’ve got stability built into the board, and the controls feel intuitive right away. So instead of falling repeatedly, you’re actually progressing — and enjoying it — within the first 30 to 60 minutes.
2. Electric Surfboards vs. eFoils: What’s the Difference?
While both are electric watercraft, eFoils lift you above the water for a gliding experience, whereas electric surfboards skim the surface at higher speeds. The Hydroflyer is bridges both in the sense that it’s easy to use, implements a hydrofoil and speaks to riders looking for a fun weekend or those interested in helping develop a new sport.
"What’s the difference between an electric surfboard and an eFoil?"
An electric surfboard stays on the surface of the water, using a jet or propeller to push you forward at speed — think motorized surfboard. An eFoil, on the other hand, lifts out of the water using a hydrofoil wing underneath. The sensation is quieter, smoother, and completely different. You’re not skimming waves — you’re floating above them. The industries have very few parallels as foils have a culture behind them while electric surfboards are more of a weekend adventure where tourists book from rental locations. That’s not to say there is no culture but its far less developed that eFoils.
"Is an eFoil better than an electric surfboard?"
Depends on what you want. Electric surfboards are faster and more aggressive, but they’re harder to control and burn through battery quickly. eFoils are more efficient and offer more freedom of movement. The Hydroflyer is in its own category — it gives you the lift and smoothness of an eFoil, with the control and power of a jetboard. It rides like nothing else.
"Which is easier to learn — electric surfboard or eFoil?"
Electric surfboards are harder to balance on, especially at low speed. Most beginners struggle to stay up unless they’re already comfortable with wakeboards or surfing. eFoils give you more control at slower speeds — and the Hydroflyer, with its handlebars and large board size, is the most beginner-friendly of the bunch. If your goal is to get riding on Day One, eFoils win — and Hydroflyer makes it even easier.
3. What Happens When You Fall Off an eFoil?
Falling is part of the learning process. The Hydroflyer enhances safety with features like automatic motor shutoff, a propeller guard, and handlebars that help control falls, making remounting straightforward.
"Does falling off an eFoil hurt?"
Usually? No. You’re moving at moderate speeds and landing in water. Most falls are more awkward than painful. The real risk comes from falling onto the board or getting near the propeller — but that’s exactly where design matters. The Hydroflyer includes a built-in prop guard, soft edges, and a high-visibility deck to keep you safe, even in sloppy falls.
"What safety features do eFoils have if you fall off?"
On most eFoils, the motor shuts off the second the controller hits the water. The Hydroflyer goes a step further — the throttle is intuitive and automatically disengages if you let go, so there’s no chance of the board taking off without you. Add in the handlebars, and you have more control during both the ride and the fall.
"How easy is it to get back on an eFoil after falling?"
With the Hydroflyer, remounting is simple. The board sits high in the water, so it doesn’t sink under you like smaller eFoils can. You can climb back on from a kneeling position without struggling to find your balance again. No drama. No learning curve.
4. Why Handlebars Are the Future of eFoiling
Handlebars aren't just for beginners; they offer more control, stability, and the potential for advanced maneuvers. The Hydroflyer's handlebars are adjustable and detachable, catering to various riding styles.
"Do eFoils with handlebars make a difference?"
Yes — a huge one. Handlebars give you instant control, especially at low speeds where balance is the hardest. Instead of relying entirely on shifting your weight, you get a physical point of stability. That means less falling, faster progression, and way more confidence on your first ride. This is why most people who try the Hydroflyer with handlebars never want to go back.
"Are handlebars just for beginners?"
Not at all. Beginners benefit most early on, but handlebars also open up new possibilities for advanced riders — faster turns, sharper carving, even jumping with more control. The Hydroflyer’s handlebars are detachable, so you can ride both ways. Some pros prefer them for higher-speed riding or technical trick runs.
"Why don’t all eFoils have handlebars?"
Because most eFoils weren’t built for accessibility — they were made for riders with board sport experience. The Hydroflyer took a different approach: build a platform that opens up the sport to more people, without sacrificing progression. Handlebars are a key part of that. They’re not training wheels. They’re a control system.
5. What Is the Safest eFoil?
Safety is paramount for new riders. The Hydroflyer stands out with features like a high-volume board for stability, soft-edged wings, and a hydrodynamic hull design, ensuring a safer eFoiling experience.
"Are eFoils dangerous?"
They can be — especially if you're on a poorly designed board with no safety systems. You’ve got a motor, a foil wing, and open water. But with the right design, eFoiling can be one of the safest watersports out there. The Hydroflyer was built from the ground up with safety in mind — it doesn’t just meet the basic standards, it goes beyond them.
"What safety features should I look for in an eFoil?"
Look for a propeller guard, automatic motor shutoff, and a board that’s easy to remount. The Hydroflyer has all three. It also gives you the option to ride with handlebars, which drastically improves stability and reaction time. The deck is wide, the edges are soft, and the throttle is intuitive — all small things that add up to a much safer experience.
"What’s the safest eFoil for beginners?"
Hydroflyer. It’s not just marketing — it’s the combination of its size, design, and built-in control systems that make it stand out. Beginners don’t just need balance; they need predictability. And this is one of the only boards designed specifically to remove the “surprise factor” that leads to panic falls or wipeouts.
6. What Kinds of eFoils Are There?
eFoils come in various designs tailored to different skill levels and preferences. The Hydroflyer introduces a new category, blending elements of mountain bikes, jet skis and traditional eFoils. Think of it as a new sport.
"What different types of eFoils are there?"
Most eFoils fall into a few main categories: surf-style boards (smaller, agile, harder to learn), cruiser boards (larger, more stable), and performance models built for tricks and speed. Some brands focus on speed, others on portability. But most of them are still built on the same core idea — you stand on a flat board, balance, and steer by shifting your weight.
"What kind of eFoil is best for beginners?"
Look for a cruiser-style board with a bigger volume (more float), wider stance, and predictable throttle control. Add a detachable handlebar and you’ve got something that removes most of the early learning curve. That’s where the Hydroflyer lives — technically a cruiser, but with a ride feel that’s more like a dirt bike on water than a traditional surf-style foil.
"Is the Hydroflyer a different type of eFoil?"
Yes. It doesn’t really fit into the standard categories. It combines the lift and flow of a cruiser-style eFoil with the control and stability of a personal watercraft. You can ride it standing, seated, or kneeling, with or without handlebars. That makes it accessible for beginners, but still interesting for advanced riders who want to push what an eFoil can do.
7. eFoils vs. The Hydroflyer
While traditional eFoils offer a unique experience, the Hydroflyer elevates it with enhanced stability, safety features, and the option for advanced tricks, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders.
"Is the Hydroflyer just another eFoil?"
Not really. Most eFoils follow the same formula: a flat board, a handheld remote, and a foil underneath. The Hydroflyer breaks that mold. It adds optional handlebars, more stability, more control, and a completely different ride feel. If traditional eFoils are like balancing on a tightrope, the Hydroflyer is more like riding a trail bike — grounded, responsive, and built for progression.
"How does the Hydroflyer compare to other eFoil brands?"
Compared to boards like Lift or Flite, the Hydroflyer is more beginner-friendly and more versatile. It’s easier to learn on thanks to its larger deck, smoother throttle response, and safety features. But it doesn’t cap your ceiling — it’s also trick-capable, fast, and modifiable. You’re not buying a starter board — you’re buying something you can grow with.
"Why would I choose the Hydroflyer over a regular eFoil?"
Because you want to actually enjoy learning. Most eFoils take hours (or days) to figure out. The Hydroflyer gets you riding on your first day, and it doesn’t punish you when you make mistakes. Plus, it offers a different kind of ride — less twitchy, more aggressive, more fun. Whether you're in it for exploration, speed, or future trick sessions, it gives you more ways to ride.
👉 Compare eFoils and Hydroflyer
eFoil FAQ
Do I need lessons before riding an eFoil?
No — most people don’t. Especially with the Hydroflyer, which is built to be intuitive from the first ride. Lessons can help with confidence, but this board is designed to make self-teaching possible for anyone who can swim and follow basic instructions.
Is eFoiling physically demanding?
Not for simple riding. If you get advanced, It’s more about balance than strength. The Hydroflyer’s handlebars and wide stance reduce the effort it takes to stay upright. You don’t need to be athletic or have prior board experience to enjoy it.
How much maintenance does an eFoil require?
Very little. Rinse with fresh water after use (especially in saltwater), charge the battery, and check for wear every few rides. The Hydroflyer’s modular design makes cleaning and storage simple.
Can you travel with an eFoil?
Yes, but the battery must be shipped separately due to airline restrictions. The Hydroflyer is designed for modular breakdown and comes with a travel-friendly setup, but always check local rules.
Is eFoiling allowed in all lakes and beaches?
Regulations vary. Most places allow eFoils, but some regions restrict motorized craft. Always check local waterway rules. Hydroflyer runs nearly silent, which helps in lower-noise zones.
Can kids or teens ride an eFoil?
Yes — with supervision. The Hydroflyer’s handlebars and stable deck make it suitable for younger riders (typically 12+), as long as they meet weight and safety requirements.