In Canada as of today, efoils with propellers, shrouded or not are not legal for use anywhere in the country, potential $300 fine if caught using one, however they can be legally sold, you’ll just need to use it in another country ha! If propulsion is a true jet pump impeller design, no problemo to use. Current law is under review … don’t hold yor breath.
So my custom diy build will have a jet pump so i don’t get fined and can use to my hearts content!
Only problem with fully submerged pumps are that they lose tons of efficiency. They are designed to be most efficient at waterline or just above. Props definitely have the advantage here in terms of efficiency. But if you locate the pump on mast at the average waterline point, and not close to foils, it should help with that issue,
Something I’ve noticed is that there are some rental / lesson operations in canada using efoils. Wonder what their liability insurance is like for coverage of something illegal to use in Canada?
I’ll bet a mishap on a prop driven efoil with a customer would be a very bad thing for the company, and not be covered, possibly bankrupting the operation.
I was wondering what the situation was for tow boogie in lakes, specifically in Lake Zurich. I’m guessing they would see it the same way. I was thinking it could be argued that its an RC boat or sorts…
Here’s how it is: The law here says you’ve got to register your efoil, pay taxes, and slap a unique number on both sides of your board. But in reality, no one bothers. My friend got caught e-surfing by the cops, and all they did was tell him to wear a life jacket, nothing about registration. So, while the rules are strict, they’re barely enforced.
It would surprice me if swiss water police would let it through as an rc boat. Swiss regulation is strict, a vessel, board, etc. shorter than 2.5m is not allowed to be motorized, not even with an electric motor.
I’m from Canada and so have this stupid propeller law issue. I just cannot see why its such a big deal. There are way more dangerous open slicing things in our normal lives, chainsaws, lawnmowers, blenders, woodworking tools etc and on a and on.
I have not even come close to getting cut but if I do it is likely to be the TE of the foil.
Meanwhile jetskiis and speedboats rip and around drunk and reckless close to shore.
Have people been getting cut and sent to hospital at all???
I believe it’s intended for animals, not for humans.
Its simply that its easier to legislate new technology than older tech that’s been used for years. There’s also less risk of alienating voting supporters that way.
It makes no sense that a boat with a prop is allowed to run, but an efoil with a prop and shroud can’t. But its easier to stop the efoils because there are less of them.
What other countries have this stupid rule? As far as I know the USA is ok with it.
In Israel you have legislate everything with a motor. But for that you have to pass laboratory tests - not something that an individual will do.
So the choice comes to staying under radar.
Because the US has more relaxed gun laws and a culture that often challenges regulations, while Canada is known for its advanced, orderly society with stricter rules and regulations
Hi, great thread. Does anyone know the regulations for Gran Canaria? I was planning to bring an easy foil (self built) on vacation. I guess Gran Canaria = Spainish law but do not know if legal without registration/licence?
For information, I am based in Sweden and here no registration is needed for motorized efoils. It is seen as a small boat so be smart and stay away from swimmers. I have been observed by the water police but no intervention from them.
How will you get your battery to Cran Canaria?
hi, was planning to carry it onboard as hand luggage. It is a good question, if that is allowed. I think it is but will need to cross check it.
I don’t think that will be possible.
you are right 
the efoil battery is way over the capacity limit for EATA 2.3 that guides the regulations on batteries in planes. Max is 160Wh and my battery is at 1600Wh 
Case closed.
in Bulgaria, it’s free so far. Just behave properly. This summer i went around whole Blacksea coast ~250km = ~20hops by 12-18km x2 ; visited maybe 20-30 sand beaches with them tourists. Met/saw only one other e-foil-er, trying to sell some SiFly (btw a Bulgarian brand). Rather lonely, and low interest from people.
Same for the dams and other waterways… Except some specific “reserve” places, which have weird rules (or rather, plain corruption), like "noone can ride anything in there - even SUPs - but these few 3tonn passenger boats are allowed 
Also went to Greece, from Keramoti across to Thassos, seems similarly free - but i don’t know for sure.