Hey, I am new to this forum and to this whole efoil community. Been doing a lot of reading and learning lately, and I’ve got a bit of a design/build curiosity I’m hoping to get some input on.
I know most boards out there are carbon or fiberglass with foam cores, but I’ve been wondering if anyone here has experimented with alternate materials for DIY builds? Stuff like drop-stitch inflatables, wood, or even plastic kayak-like material for boards?
I’m especially wondering if it’s even possible to make an inflatable efoil that’s still kind of sporty—something that feels pretty responsive or handles better. If so, any tips on how to go about doing that?
Not trying to reinvent the wheel, just trying to understand the trade-offs and learn from people who know more than me. Would love to hear about any builds, failures, or tips!
Yeah, something like the flite inflatable board, I wanted to see if I could build a 4.9 efoil that inflated. Ideally, something somewhat sportier than the current inflatable options.
I don’t think an inflatable drop stitch board is possible as a diy.
However Gong makes a range of inflatable wingboards that you could use a FD type setup on.
Well the board isn’t too big a factor imo in that aspect if you are foiling. Board length and weight can affect this but it’s fundamentally a platform you stand on.
The foil is the part that would have the biggest impact once you’re foiling.
I would suggest some more reading and actually get out in the water in an efoil before you spend much time designing something.
I’ll second that. If you’re new to foiling, stab and wing choice will make more difference than the swing weight reduction of a smaller board, and smaller boards are harder to learn on. Smaller looks nice, i’ll agree to that😄
On the short side of things, a thumbie board I built is roughly 100-110cm, it’s fun, but it’s considerably harder to get onto foil with it than my longer board.
I’ll go for 145cm next build, it’s a nice balance.
Sorry I completely disagree here. I have efoil boards with an all up weight of 27KG (a Lift 4’9") and then custom setups that go all the way down to 10Kg. With the same identical wing the difference in performance and ease of use is huge.
With the weight reduction you are way more connected to the actual foil and get way less “twich” from heel to toe. For a beginner thats massive when it comes to learning hence why some schools now teach efoil on foil drive instead to start.
If you want to take it further, there’s a reason some pump foilers refuse to ride 3kg boards and only want 1.5kg boards.
I get your point but the comparison is extreme. There isn’t 17 kg to gain by using a smaller board, it’s more like 1-2kg, all other things equal (and pumping isn’t efoiling).
Same thing, different angle, it’s nicer with less weight but not the main thing in my opinion, the right wing and stab comes before. Super slow/stable wing fitted on a light mini pump board will still be super slow and boring, but an extra kilo with the right wing is not a deal breaker. Don’t you agree?
Actially ive got a board with an all up bare weight of 6kg vs my lift which is 11.5kg. The the lift battery and ebox enclosure are 5kg on their own. I run my battry and esc bare. So for me its 10kg just on that.
Its about ratio. An extra kilo on a 4kg pump setup is noticeable. An extra kilo on a 24kg efoil build not as much. But simply put, i havent ridden my lift in over a year because the weight is just frustrating in every way.
You’re right the Lifts aren’t a benchmark for weight, but the OP question is about a first efoil build
Where do you find the goldilocks length for efoiling? To me, 130-150 cm.
Shave 20 cm off a 7kg board doesn’t get you 7x20/150 in weight loss since the part you cut is the front with less reinforcement. Mast area has to remain roughly the same to take forces and electronics.
I’ve really tried the “all things being equal” route since i’ve cut one of my boards down in three steps now, this is the reason i’m being persistent
I think we might do different riding, mine is mostly flat water, rare surf. Surfing, wanting to skim the lip of a wave and pumping is different. I doubt that’s what the newbies do though.
Funny enough my lightest board is 156cm. I am planning on trimming it down to ±135 though as then its easier to travel with. The main reason for the weight saving is the construction technique used. It has standard foil tracks with HD foam insert. The remainder of the board is std polystyrene with a skin of HD XPS and then the battery housing is 5mm XPS. Then board is glassed in carbon.
I also have inflatable boards which without housing they’re only 2.4kg. I just havent been bothered to glass up the inserts yet.
Weirdly enough with the right tools really easy and fast.
EPS is super easy to hotwire and shape. PVC or PET skin vacuums down easily. Then carbon with a light layer of Fibreglass (for sanding) vacuums easily enough too.
I’m busy looking at a new technique now though with EPS and Paulownia which should be light and more environmentally friendly with WAY less finishing than carbon. Look at Wawa wooden boards on Instagram
