On this episode we sit down with Edan Fiander, the young Swiss powerhouse and reigning SFT Pump Foil World Champion. Fresh off his dominant win at the BOOT Düsseldorf event to kick off the 2026 season, Edan opens up about his rapid rise in the emerging world of competitive pump foiling—from his roots on Lake Geneva to claiming multiple Swiss titles and the global crown.

Episode Highlights:

- Edan's journey from a skateboarding background (with plenty of injuries) to discovering pump foiling as the perfect no-wind, no-wave solution for Switzerland's Lake Geneva—turning a casual try into daily obsession and a full community at Tropical Corner with around 250 yearly pass holders

- Why pump foiling stands out as one of the toughest foiling disciplines to start (needing pure self-generated power and balance) yet offers endless accessibility—no wind or waves required—and cross-training benefits for wing foiling, surf foiling, and beyond

- Training secrets behind his success: consistent dock starts, explosive full-range strength work, strapless sessions for feel, high-level coaching (physio, massages, and prep), altitude mask breathing drills for respiratory power, and handling turbulence from other riders in tight races

- Competing in the SFT: from a rushed debut in Düsseldorf (finishing 5th after a foil issue) to winning the event this year; key factors like lightning-fast starts, energy management, risk calculation in heats, mindset, and avoiding common falls (toe slips in straps, speed wobbles, buoy touches)

- Gear insights: riding the Lift HA 120 (775 cm², ~10.2 aspect ratio) for its perfect balance of glide, speed, playfulness, and tight turns—ideal for technical SFT courses—plus how modern high-aspect foils have evolved for racing vs. all-around use

- Life as a 19-year-old multi-time champion: balancing a gap year of intense training with upcoming university studies in business management, staying motivated to defend his title, and the joy of growing a small but passionate sport

- Bonus vibes: Swiss community spirit, why pump foiling opens doors for flat-water riders everywhere, quick tips for aspiring competitors, and even a taste of Swiss desserts (meringue with double cream from Gruyère—rich, not healthy!)

If you're into pump foiling, competitive foiling scenes, training deep dives, gear geekery, or stories of young athletes pushing limits in non-wind-powered sports—this episode is packed with motivation, technique breakdowns, and pure stoke!

Catch the full conversation and stay tuned to the Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) for more pump foil action in 2026.

Follow Edan Fiander on Instagram @edan.fndr for clips, training, and updates, and check out the Foil Life Podcast channels for the episode drop. Listen now!

On this episode of the Foil Life Podcast, we sit down with Eric, the talented videographer and photographer behind North's upcoming film featuring pro wing foiler Noé Cantaloube. Eric shares the story of teaming up with his friend Noé — a Nazaré big-wave charger and "Island Boy" from French Polynesia — for an epic month-long journey back to Noé's roots in Tahiti and Bora Bora.

Episode Highlights:

• How Eric and Noé connected in Nazaré while chasing massive waves, leading to the idea of a personal homecoming project with North — capturing Noé exploring his heritage, family life, and introducing wing foiling to spots he’d never ridden before
• Behind-the-scenes adventures in Tahiti: scouting uncrowded reef breaks, navigating localism and currents, SUP missions to distant points, drone scouting shallow reefs, and dealing with shifting seasons that affected marine life sightings
• Wildlife magic and connection to nature — close encounters with breaching humpback whales (Eric's first time in the water with them!), turtles, rays, and sharks; the unique way wing foiling allows silent, low-impact gliding alongside dolphins and other sea creatures
• Eric's evolution from wildlife photography roots to pro sports shooting (CrossFit, big waves), transitioning to videography during COVID, and why his multi-sport background helps him anticipate action for killer shots
• Shooting challenges in paradise: drone perspectives revealing shallow reefs and dry landings, underwater housing vibes with whale bass vibrating through the camera, horse-powered wakeboarding sessions for laughs, and off-road Hilux explorations across Tahiti
• Nazaré insights — from swimming in heavy conditions to jet ski, land, and drone angles; Eric's own progression toward bigger waves (tow-ins at 15-20ft+), training for hold-downs, and the tight-knit big-wave community
• Bora Bora realities: flat lagoons with no surf, why all wave riding had to happen in Tahiti, and how global changes are shifting animal patterns and seasons

If you're into wing foiling, surf foiling, big-wave culture, wildlife connections on the water, cinematic filmmaking in remote paradise spots, or just love stories of friendship and exploration — this episode is loaded with stoke, adventure, and inspiration!

Catch the full conversation and watch for North's new film dropping soon.

Follow Eric Wittkopf on his channels (check his website for stunning photography and videography work) and stay tuned to North Foils for the release featuring Noé Cantaloube.

Listen to the full episode on the Foil Life Podcast channels.

On this episode, we’re diving into the thrilling world of SFT e-foiling with Agnes Wicander — the Swedish powerhouse, Waydoo ambassador, sales & marketing rep, and standout women's SFT e-foil champion who dominated the scene in her debut racing season!

Episode Highlights:

- Agnes’s journey from a sporty Swedish family (kite foiling since 2015, yachting background) to becoming a top e-foil racer — spotting the Waydoo Kickstarter, starting with her dad in Sweden, touring Europe in a 6-meter camper van to build the brand, and shifting from chill cruising to high-speed, high-adrenaline racing
- Why e-foiling is the perfect complement to wind sports (wing foiling, kiting, paragliding) — ultimate accessibility in low-wind Sweden, tech appeal, silent exploration, and that addictive “foil throttle” rush that feels more like driving a fast car than anything else on the water
- Behind-the-scenes of competitive e-foiling: inaugural SFT & E-Foil Racing League seasons, technical courses rewarding skill over pure speed, prop wash battles, nerve management in sensitive-trigger racing, common falls (sharp turns & wing breaches), evolving rules, and how racing pushes brands like Waydoo to innovate (lighter batteries, better wings, upcoming Foil Boost for swell & wave riding)
- Gear talk & setup tweaks: Shimming madness (2 degrees too much = no lift!), custom wing choices for different riding styles, reverse mode for board recovery, GPS tracking, challenges in chop/swell without motor glide, and the dream of wing-breach capable foils
- Epic e-foiling destinations unlocked by wind independence: ultra-remote Papua New Guinea sugar-top islands, serene Norwegian fjords, canal cruising in Australia (coffee run on the board!), backcountry lakes, camping adventures, and exploring places a boat or jet ski could never reach
- The supportive women’s division vibe, growing female participation, ideas for making racing more accessible (battery rentals, event support), and why e-foiling delivers a unique adrenaline hit that’s hard, technical, and seriously addictive

If you’re curious about motorized foiling, the future of e-foil racing, silent exploration in any conditions, the massive progression from cruiser to competitor, or just want to feel that pure throttle rush — this episode is packed with inspiration and stoke!

Listen to the full conversation with Agnes on the Foil Life Podcast channels.

Follow Agnes on instagram @agneswicander

Welcome to Episode #2 of the Foil Life Travel Show. On this episode we’re heading to the wind-swept shores of La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico — the legendary kiteboarding and foiling mecca in the Sea of Cortez, famous for its warm turquoise waters, super-consistent thermal winds, sandy beaches, and that pure Baja desert-meets-ocean lifestyle. In this episode, dive deep with Marty from Strong Kiteboarding (originally founded by Dwayne Strong)

What we cover:

- How Marty (former mechanical engineer and journeyman welder) and his wife Jill took over the school, now in their 15th season running it in La Ventana — building it into a family-operated business with permanent roots, two kids, and a tight-knit, multilingual instructor team
- Why La Ventana is a foil & wing paradise: warm 29°C (83–84°F) water, early-season thermals that can start as soon as mid-October, flat-to-rolling sandy conditions perfect for beginners, and bigger Nortes swells that draw advanced wave riders — all with minimal crowds on northern semi-private beaches
- The standout teaching system: private 1-on-1 watercraft-assisted lessons (jet ski support right beside you for instant, real-time feedback, maximum safety, and way more time actually riding — no endless beach walking!), morning tow-foiling in glassy flats to get beginners feeling the foil fast (knees in minutes, standing often under an hour!), ground wing training, and new options like para-winging
- Lessons covering kiteboarding, wing foiling (massive growth area), tow foiling, kite foiling specialties, and para-winging — catering to every level from total beginners to advanced (including strapless freestyle with pros like head instructor Logan)
- Full-service perks: all gear provided (helmets, PFDs, harnesses, bars, boards, kites, wings, foils in every size from Ozone and Core), rentals available, flexible multi-day packages, group/family sessions (up to 10+ people), pick-up/drop-off options, and expert local knowledge on accommodations, whale watching, fishing, mountain biking, diving, and the incredible Sea of Cortez wildlife

If you’re looking for rapid foiling progress, warm water, uncrowded northern launch spots like Ventana Bay Resort or Fig Tree, a welcoming community, and full Baja adventure vibes — this is the spot.

Book your La Ventana kite/foil adventure at: https://strongkiteboarding.com/ 
WhatsApp: +1 (250) 813-0035 | Email: [email protected]

Read our article: https://foillifepodcast.com/blog/discovering-la-ventanas-foiling-magic-inside-strong-kiteboarding-with-marty-and-jill

Next stop… who knows? Drop your dream foil destination in the comments ⬇️

In this episode which is brought to you by Armstrong Foils, we sit down with Dr. Jørgen Vogt—Secretary General of the GKA, GWA, and the brand-new Global Foil Board Sports Association (GFA), plus co-founder of the rapidly growing Surf Foil World Tour (SFT). Fresh into 2026, Jørgen shares the exciting vision behind forming the GFA and what it means for the future of non-wind-powered foiling disciplines.

Episode Overview:

• Why a dedicated association like the GFA was needed → to give emerging brands (like Foil Drive) and passionate individuals a unified voice separate from wind-powered sports
• Protecting the sport from misguided bans and regulations → real-world examples from kiting and wing foiling, the power of one strong international body when facing politicians or environmental concerns, and educating authorities on why foiling belongs on our waters
• Representation at high levels, including potential IOC discussions → ensuring the community—not outsiders—shapes the sport if it ever reaches Olympic consideration
• Unifying disciplines under one umbrella → consistent rules, clear world champions, better sponsorship opportunities for young pros, and support for recreational riders at local spots
• How the GFA benefits everyday foilers → from gear innovation and community strength to fighting access restrictions and promoting safety/environmental harmony
• The inclusive board structure → bringing together diverse voices from surf foiling, e-foiling, foil assist, and more for balanced governance
• Jørgen's unique background as a lawyer (LLM/PhD) turned full-time watersports advocate → why legal expertise matters for building legitimate, respected associations
• Looking ahead to SFT Season 2 → a welcoming, fun-focused tour where amateurs and pros mix, no one should fear entering, and the spirit is all about community, gear talk, and pure enjoyment

From preventing future bans to empowering small brands and grassroots riders, this conversation reveals why unified governance is the key to keeping non-wind foiling free, growing, and true to its roots. If you're passionate about pump, prone, downwind, e-foil, wake foil, or any foil discipline—and want to protect access while watching the sport explode—this episode explains the big-picture moves happening behind the scenes.

To learn more about the Global Foil Board Sports Association (GFA) visit → www.gfafoilworld.com
To learn more about Armstrong Foils visit → www.armstrongfoils.com

In this episode we connect with fellow Canadian waterman Michael Pisarczyk—a dedicated foiler based in Sarnia, Ontario, right on the shores of Lake Huron. Recorded as fall conditions ramp up on the Great Lakes, these two passionate riders share stories from the water, celebrating the world-class (yet underrated) foiling potential hidden in these massive inland seas.

Episode Overview:

• Michael's backyard access to Lake Huron—convenient home sessions, epic downwind runs (30-50K along the coast or on the mini-Hood River-like St. Clair River), and why almost any wind direction works here
• His multi-discipline journey: from youth sailing and windsurfing, to high-school kiting obsession, strapless surfboarding, and how foiling (wing, prone, pump, downwind) reignited the stoke with lower-wind windows and endless glide
• Pair winging progression: starting rough, unlocking upwind tacks against river current, and the unique freedom (and challenges) of no lines or booms—just pure hand-held power on small sinker boards
• That unforgettable first committed prone downwind run: full-send on the industrial-lined river, no falls allowed, pure focus on older square boards with paddle starts
• Building the "Great Lakes Waterman" channels to showcase lake potential—inspiring more locals (and globals) with stunning drone footage, while growing a small but frothing community
• Family foiling fun: gently introducing his 9- and 7-year-old kids to e-foils (knees-first mastery turning to stand-up runs) and side-by-side cruising sessions
• E-foiling's role in scratching the itch on flat days, keeping skills sharp with endless turns, and the exciting growth of competitive tours like the Surf Foil Tour (SFT)
• Why the Great Lakes are tailor-made for modern foiling—long fetch for rolling swell in lighter winds, massive playgrounds, and those rare but magical "world-class" bangers that make the chase worthwhile

From cold-water commitment to uniting disciplines and dreaming of Canadian SFT events, this chat is a love letter to Great Lakes foiling—and a call to get more people out experiencing the magic.

If you've ever chased lake swell, battled commitment points in downwinders, or wondered why these massive freshwater oceans deserve way more foiling love… this is it.

Follow Michael Pisarczyk → @great.lakes.waterman (YouTube/Instagram) | https://www.greatlakeswaterman.com

In this special Christmas episode, we catch up with Maui-based Emmy-winning filmmaker and passionate waterman Stephan Boeker—recorded remotely from opposite sides of the world (Canada and Japan)

The old friends reminisce about their first meeting at the 2013 ALOHA Classic windsurfing event on Maui, where they teamed up to run the live stream (Stephan's first non-wedding webcast and Luc's intense introduction to pro windsurfing behind the camera).

We go deep on:

• Stephan's unlikely path: from teenage windsurf obsession on Long Island Sound, to ditching a "serious" post-college career for a one-way ticket to Maui 25 years ago
• Hustling early days—busboy to resort manager, moonlighting wedding gigs, restaurant photo sales, and creative side projects (including touring Europe with Olympic skier Julia Mancuso)
• Pioneering wedding webcasts in the dial-up era with car batteries and duplexed broadband, evolving into cinematic storytelling that captures raw love and emotion
• Showing up "zen" on wedding days—leaving baggage behind to truly see and preserve those fleeting signs of love
• The surprise Emmy win for his documentary "Trilogy: It’s in the Heart" (a 50th anniversary film for Maui's iconic sailing family), rejections turned validation, and the profound life lessons that followed
• Windsurfing as a lifelong passion: starting at 12, Ho'okipa shorebreak humility, mythic mystique of the spot, and that memorable pep talk helping Luc battle through pounding sets to finally ride waves
• Parallels between presence on the water (reading chop, feeling equipment) and presence in life/filmmaking—letting go, respect, and embracing conflict as the story's engine
• Future stoke: wing foil lessons at Kanaha harbor, summer uppers sessions, and why foiling's low-impact glide could be the perfect addition for wave-snobs

From raw beginnings in windsurfing and weddings to Emmy stages and near-misses, this heartfelt holiday chat celebrates love, presence, perseverance, and the unbreakable pull of the ocean.

If you've ever chased windy dreams, battled shorebreak, or wondered what goes into crafting timeless stories of love and adventure… this is it.

Follow Stephan Boeker → https://stephanboekerfilms.com/

In this episode we catch up with Slingshot's wind division powerhouse duo: Elliott Tauscher (brand manager and Hood River local) and pro rider/engineer Trent Carter (fresh from endless downwind sessions in Oahu).

Recorded remotely as the seasons shift—fall hibernation in the Gorge and peak downwind season in Hawaii—the guys kick things off with life updates, snowboarding war stories, and how their roots in skiing, snowboarding, and lake waterman antics shaped their paths into foiling pros.

We go deep on:

• Trent's journey from ditching high school classes for secret Tahoe downwind runs on an Infinity 84 to pitching epic film projects and joining the Slingshot team
• How Slingshot pairs elite athletes like Trent with designers to push boundaries, from early kite innovations to the game-changing One-Lock screwless foil system
• Drag as the ultimate enemy: why eliminating screws, optimizing masts/fuselages, and quick-swapping wings/tails unlocks efficiency, stiffness, and endless setup tweaks
• The evolution of downwind foils: insane glide with consistent range, high-aspect designs that now carve like surf foils, anhedral/dihedral for maneuverability, and profile tweaks for lift distribution
• Real-world testing in ocean swell vs. Gorge swell, gear optimization for every condition, and why no single setup rules everywhere
• Wild future ideas: self-adjusting stabilizers, adaptive foils, and how innovations like One-Lock make swapping (and progressing) effortless for everyone
• Foiling's magic in connecting disciplines—kite, wing, prone, pump, downwind—and bringing the whole watersports community together

From raw athlete feedback driving R&D to the sheer joy of making foils faster, smoother, and more fun, this is an unfiltered look inside one of foiling's most innovative brands—and why the best is still yet to come.

If you've ever wondered what goes into building the foils dominating downwind runs and beyond … this is it.

Follow Slingshot → https://slingshotsports.com/pages/foil
Trent Carter → @trent.carter
Elliott Tauscher: @elliott_stays

Welcome to the very first episode of the Foil Life Travel Show! Your go to series series dedicated to the world’s best foil destinations, schools, accommodations and hidden gems.

We’re kicking off the journey in style with Carl from The Launch Pad Windsurf & Foil Academy on his private island in Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada — hands-down one of the most stunning and unique teaching spots on the planet.

In this premiere episode you’ll discover:

- Why a 45-year windsurfing veteran bought his own island and turned it into a full-time foil & windsurf academy
- How Georgian Bay delivers Caribbean-looking water and surprisingly consistent summer breeze (thanks to Canadian Shield thermals + the biggest wind farm in Ontario nearby)
- Carl’s insanely effective (and fun) teaching system: the world’s wobbliest land simulator, BB Talkin’ headsets, tow-foiling, dry-land drills, and post-session island beers
- Lessons in windsurfing, wind-foiling, and wing-foiling — with wing-foiling now ~50% of bookings
- Crazy traveler-friendly pricing: only CAD $175 for a 2-hour private lesson (everything above costs gets donated to Toronto Windsurfing Club)
- Water-access-only adventure: boat rentals, water taxis, nearby lodges & campsites all linked
- Duotone & North-supported gear fleet including the magical iRig for kids and beginners

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to foil (or level up) surrounded by crystal-clear Canadian wilderness that feels like the BVI but with zero crowds… this is your spot.

Book your island foil adventure at: https://www.launchpadwindsurfacademy.ca/

View Listing: https://foillifepodcast.com/the-launch-pad-windsurf-foil-academy

Next stop… who knows? Drop your dream foil destination in the comments ⬇️

#FoilTravelShow #001 #WingFoil #WindFoil #Windsurf #GeorgianBay #CanadaFoiling #LearnToFoil #PrivateIslandVibes #TheLaunchPad

In this episode, we sit down with the newly crowned 2025 E-Foil Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) World Champion – the undefeated e-foil racer who took the title in the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Fresh off dominating the inaugural SFT season, the Florida-based ripper (and Flightboard early adopter) joins us to break down what it actually feels like to turn a five-year hunch into a world championship, how e-foil racing went from “nice idea” to a full-blown global tour in record time, and why this sport is exploding faster than anyone predicted.

We go deep on:
- From kite-smash accidents to building one of the first e-foil schools in South Florida 
- The wild Atlanta Foil Fest Enduro with Brian Grubb, Nick Leeson, and 20 riders dodging submerged trees at full throttle 
- Unsanctioned full-send dawn patrols through Amsterdam’s canals (don’t try this at home) 
- Gear geek-out: custom shims, chopped tails, 900 Flow vs 707 Flux wings, aftermarket race props, and why everything is still basically stock… for now 
- Why full-face helmets and downhill MTB armor are becoming mandatory at 33–35 mph 
- Mental warfare on the beach, prop-wash tactics, hot launches, and pulling 3+G turns 
- Traveling the world with boards but no batteries (and how the Flightboard rental network saves the day) 
- The massive progression from the first dealer races in 2022 to riders now training full-time and closing the gap second by second 
- Where e-foil racing is headed: open-ocean courses, city canal sprints, Everglades gator-chasing, and boards that will eventually hit 50 mph 

Year one of the Surf Foil World Tour is in the books, prize money is real, brands are paying attention, and the level is skyrocketing. The champ gives us the unfiltered look at what it took to stay on top — and why 2026 is about to get even crazier.

If you’ve ever wondered what the cutting edge of foiling actually looks, sounds, and feels like… this is it.

Follow the Surf Foil Tour → https://www.surffoilworldtour.com
Justin Chait → https://www.instagram.com/_justinchait_/