Surfing is cool and all, but continually paddling offshore and finding the right waves can be such a hassle. In the inimitable words of the late Billy Mays, “There’s got to be a better way!” Thankfully, there’s Waydoo Flyer: the world’s first mostly affordable electric hydrofoil.
If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, an electric hydrofoil or “eFoil” is like an electrically powered surfboard designed to propel riders above the surface of the water. Unlike conventional surfboards, the design works with or without waves.
By the numbers, the Waydoo Flyer bests any surfboard. A 6,000-watt brushless electric motor pushes the hydrofoil to a top speed of 35 kph (22 mph). The included lithium-ion battery pack charges in just two hours and lasts up to 60 minutes based on rider weight and how hard you push the Flyer. Riders control the eFoil’s speed and height with a wireless handheld remote. A built-in readout relays the eFoil’s status including speed and battery life via Bluetooth — no need to stop or even slow down. A slip-resistant textured wooden deck and removable rope provide added stability, especially for beginners.
In spite of its sizable footprint, the Waydoo Flyer is designed to maximize portability. At less than six feet long, it’s roughly the size of an average man. However, side handles and a two-piece design make it easy to transport for just about anyone. The carbon fiber composite shell reduces overall weight to 37 pounds without the battery or 60 pounds with. Broken down, it easily fits in the rear hatch of almost any mid-sized car or SUV.
Thanks to improvements in composite materials and battery technology in the last few years, we’ve seen a huge wave (get it?) of reasonably affordable personal electric pleasure crafts. Just this week, we discovered the FlyNano electric one-man seaplane, while 2018 brought the promise of 1,050-horsepower personal jetpacks and the hydrojet-powered Onean Carver X electric surfboard.
The Waydoo Flyer isn’t the world’s first electric hydrofoil; Fliteboard and Lift Foils’ eFoil both beat them to market. However, what sets the Waydoo Flyer apart is affordability. While most of its competitors top out north of USD $10,000, buyers can score a Waydoo Flyer for less than USD $8,000. The manufacturer is now accepting pre-orders and expects a delivery date sometime in spring 2019. That gives you two whole months to brush up on your Point Break quotes.
