The Debate Splitting the Lineup
For years, surfing has been a community steeped in tradition. From the legends of Waikiki to the cold-water warriors of Bells Beach, surfers have shared a sacred connection to the waves—and to the unwritten rules that govern them. But now, a new player has entered the lineup: eFoils, the motorised hydrofoils that glide effortlessly above the surface of the water. Loved by some for their innovation and hated by others for their disruption, eFoils are stirring up a lively debate among surfers and watersports enthusiasts alike.
Will eFoils change surfing as we know it? Or will they remain a niche activity, a futuristic cousin of traditional surfing? Let’s dive into the arguments, the friction, and the opportunities for sharing the waves.
The Traditionalist’s View: “Keep the Lineup Sacred!”
The surfing community has a long history of resisting change. It’s not just about tradition—it’s about protecting the unique experience of catching a wave. Many surfers see eFoils as an intrusion on their playground, raising concerns like:
- Wave Encroachment: The most heated argument is about territory. For surfers, the lineup is a carefully managed space. Adding eFoilers into the mix is seen by some as overcrowding an already competitive scene, particularly on popular breaks. Waves are finite resources, after all, and every added body means one less wave for someone else.
- Localism: Local surfers have always had a protective streak over their home breaks. For decades, locals have clashed with newcomers or outsiders over perceived rule-breaking or “snaking” waves. Now, some locals see eFoilers as outsiders in a more fundamental way—not even “real surfers” but high-tech interlopers.
- Authenticity & Respect for Tradition: Purists argue that surfing is about connecting with the ocean in a way that’s raw and primal. Paddle power, reading the wave, timing your pop-up—these are the skills that define surfing. For some, the motorised propulsion of an eFoil feels like a shortcut that betrays the essence of the sport.
Crowded Lineups, an everyday reality
The Foiler’s Perspective: “The Ocean Is Big Enough for All of Us”
Foilers, on the other hand, argue that their craft isn’t a threat to traditional surfing—it’s an evolution of the sport and an entirely new way to connect with the water. Here’s what they say:
- eFoils Expand the Possibilities: Unlike traditional surfers, eFoilers don’t need a breaking wave to have fun. Thanks to their electric motor and hydrofoil design, they can carve turns on rolling swells or even flat water. This opens up new areas for riding, taking the pressure off crowded surf breaks.
- Sharing Is Key: Many foilers are also surfers, so they understand lineup etiquette and the importance of respect in the water. While eFoiling and surfing have different styles, they argue there’s no reason the two can’t coexist peacefully with clear rules and mutual respect.
- Pioneering a New Frontier: Innovation has always been part of water sports. Just as shortboards once revolutionised surfing in the 1960s, some see eFoils as the next evolution. The thrill of flying above the water, feeling like you’re defying gravity, offers a new kind of stoke that’s just as valid as catching a traditional wave.
Surfing vs. Foiling: What’s the Difference in Riding a Wave?
One of the key sticking points in the debate is how differently surfers and foilers approach waves.
Traditional Surfing:
- Relies on paddling to catch the wave and the perfect timing to pop up.
- Surfers stay on the face of the wave, carving turns and chasing the pocket (the sweet spot of the wave).
- The sport is defined by the dynamic interplay between the surfer, the wave’s power, and gravity pulling them down the face of the water.
eFoiling:
- Requires little to no paddling, as the electric motor propels the rider into the wave.
- Instead of staying on the wave’s face, the hydrofoil lifts the rider above the water, skimming along silently.
- While it shares similarities to surfing in its flow and rhythm, the experience is fundamentally different—it’s about gliding and carving with unparalleled smoothness, almost like flying.
The Objectives: Respect and cooperation
Sharing Waves: Can Surfers and Foilers Coexist?
One of the most contentious issues is whether surfers and eFoilers can share waves without conflict. While some surfers fear foilers encroaching on their space, many believe coexistence is possible with clear etiquette and communication.
Here are a few solutions:
- Separate Breaks: Given that eFoilers can ride waves in places traditional surfers can’t, designating specific zones for foiling could help avoid conflict. Offshore swells, deeper waters, and less crowded breaks are ideal for eFoils.
- Education & Etiquette: Just as beginner surfers are taught not to “drop in” or snake waves, eFoilers should understand traditional surfing rules and give surfers priority on crowded breaks. Respect goes a long way.
- Wave Sharing: Some waves, particularly long, slow-breaking point breaks, could potentially accommodate both surfers and foilers on the same wave. A surfer can ride the wave’s face while the foiler glides farther out, taking a different line. It’s about recognising each craft’s strengths and finding harmony.
- Technology as a Solution: Some foilers suggest using eFoils’ tech advantages, like GPS or app-based wave maps, to identify remote or underutilised swells. This approach would unlock new “playgrounds” for foilers without stepping on surfers’ toes.
Will eFoils Change Surfing?
The short answer: Yes—but maybe not in the way purists fear.
eFoils are unlikely to “replace” surfing, just as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) didn’t take over traditional surfboards. Instead, they’re expanding the possibilities of what it means to ride a wave. For some, they’re a way to experience the ocean differently; for others, they’re a tool to access uncrowded breaks or ride swells that would otherwise go unridden.
The key is mutual respect and a willingness to adapt. Just as surfers once debated the arrival of shortboards, tow-in surfing, or even SUPs, this moment of tension is an opportunity to grow the community—and the sport—as a whole.
So, will eFoils change surfing? Yes, but maybe it’s time we asked a better question: How can surfers and foilers come together to share the stoke?
Final Thoughts
Innovation often meets resistance, but the best outcomes come when we find ways to coexist. With the ocean as big and open as it is, there’s room for everyone—traditionalists, innovators, and everyone in between. Whether you’re riding a classic longboard, a high-performance shortboard, or an electric hydrofoil, we’re all chasing the same thing: that elusive, magical feeling of riding a wave.
In the end, isn’t that what matters most?
What’s your take on the eFoil vs. surfing debate? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the discussion rolling! 🌊
author, Foil Coach - Vasco Vellez
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Additional Advice
For a successful foiling experience, always prioritize safety. Invest in quality protective gear, including a helmet, life jacket, and suitable wetsuit. Take the time to understand the basics before hitting the waves, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from experienced instructors at eFoilgc School of Foiling.
A seasoned foiling pioneer and an exceptional coach, Vasco Vellez leads the eFoilgc School of Foiling. With more than 12 years of experience under his belt and the well known as the first Kitefoiler (Sep 2013) and eFoil rider (April 2018) on the Gold Coast, Vasco brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to every session. His dedication to the sport and commitment to nurturing talent make him the perfect guide for your foiling adventure.
Where to Learn – Learning to Foil
Embark on your foiling journey with eFoilgc School of Foiling, a renowned institution dedicated to teaching the art of hydrofoil surfing. With state-of-the-art equipment and expert instructors, the school ensures a safe and enjoyable learning experience for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Book Your Lesson Here