In this episode, we sit down with Annelous and Maurits, a dynamic couple whose love for wind, waves, and adventure has shaped their lives both on and off the water. Broadcasting from Maui, we dive into their inspiring journey, from meeting at Natural High Surfshop in the Netherlands to Annelous’ incredible bronze medal win in kite foiling at the Olympics.

- Love at Second Sight: Annelous and Maurits share the story of their reconnection after years apart, sparked by a chance encounter during a COVID-era detour. From their early days at Natural High’s kite school to building a life together, their shared passion for water sports and adventure is the heartbeat of their story.

- Annelous’ Olympic Journey: Annelous takes us through her evolution from a freestyle kiteboarder to an Olympic kite foiler. Starting at 16, she chased her passion to Brazil, dirtbagging her way to sponsorships and eventually competing on the global stage. Learn how she made the daring switch to the Olympic formula kite discipline, mastering speed and tactics to secure a podium finish.

- Maurits’ Mountain-to-Sea Adventure: Maurits opens up about his roots in backcountry snowboarding and splitboarding, drawing parallels to foiling’s freedom. He shares how he transitioned to water sports, joining Annelous in wing foiling and prone foiling sessions, and the joy of supporting her Olympic dream while carving his own path with brands like O’Neill and North.

- Behind the Olympic Podium: From the electric atmosphere of the opening ceremonies to the high-stakes races in Marseille, Annelous recounts the emotional and physical marathon of competing at the Olympics. Maurits shares his perspective as her biggest supporter, balancing work with cheering her on during a scorching heatwave.

- The Grind and the Glory: The couple breaks down the mental and physical demands of kite foiling, from mastering race strategy to staying calm under pressure. They also share how their Dutch Sailing Federation’s innovative coaching and teamwork helped Annelous overcome a shaky start to claim bronze.

- What’s Next: Post-Olympics, Annelous and Maurits are savoring more time on the water together, from downwind runs to wing foiling sessions. With new career ventures and a shared love for adventure, they hint at future plans that might include big air or even another Olympic run.

Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with tales of passion, perseverance, and partnership. From gritty beginnings to Olympic glory, Annelous and Maurits’ story is a testament to chasing dreams and riding the waves of life together. 

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Pilgrim and Tom Court, two athletes pushing the boundaries of action sports, as they share their journey from mountain biking to wing foiling. Broadcasting from the UK, Sam, a renowned mountain biker and YouTube sensation, and Tom, a kiteboarding and wing foiling veteran, dive into their shared passion for shredding on land and water.

Epic Wing Foiling Adventures: Sam and Tom recount their wild experiences, from snapping leashes in “Wing Foil Disaster” to towing wake bikes and breaking boats, showcasing the chaos and excitement of their collaborative sessions.

From Bikes to Boards: Sam shares his transition from landing backflip double tail whips on a mountain bike to chasing 360s and backflips on a wing foil, while Tom reflects on how kiteboarding’s intensity paved the way for his love of foiling.

Isle of Wight Challenges: The duo discusses their record-setting wing foil circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight, tackling brutal tides and open swells in a grueling five-hour, 20-minute journey, and their plans for future stunts like backflips and combo tricks.

The Art of Progression: From mastering wind awareness to embracing the “special meter” flow state, Sam and Tom break down the mental and physical grind of learning new tricks and how foiling’s nuance has reshaped their approach to action sports.

Audience Q&A: The guys answer fan questions, from Sam’s infamous missing tooth and TV dating show fame to their dream yard woes and plans for gnarly new stunts, offering a glimpse into their off-the-cuff, high-energy lifestyles.

Join us for a high-octane conversation packed with laughs, epic wipeout stories, and insights into blending mountain biking’s raw stoke with wing foiling’s limitless potential. Follow Sam’s boundary-pushing content and Tom’s kite and foil adventures for more shred-tastic action. Stay tuned for their next Isle of Wight mission, where backflips and foils collide.

In this episode, we reconnect with Matt Lennert, a dedicated waterman from Wilmington, North Carolina, as he dives into the exhilarating experience of foiling during Hurricane Erin. Broadcasting from the vibrant East Coast, Matt shares his adventures towing into massive swells, the growth of the local foiling scene, and his passion for teaching at NC Foil School.

• Hurricane Aaron Highlights: Matt recounts the thrill of towing into clean, 8-foot hurricane swells, sharing insights on the gear, techniques, and safety measures that made this epic session possible.
• Foiling Progression: From deep water starts to mastering high-speed tow-ins, Matt discusses his transition to smaller foils like the Lift HAA 90 and how the right equipment transforms big wave experiences.
• Wilmington’s Foiling Scene: Explore the diverse conditions of Wilmington, from beach breaks to offshore shoals, and why this East Coast gem is a hotspot for foiling, winging, and windsurfing.
• NC Foil School: Matt shares the mission of NC Foil School, offering immersive clinics that introduce newcomers to e-foiling, winging, and SUP foiling, helping students find the perfect discipline for their lifestyle.
• Multi-Sport Passion: From windsurfing to winging and tow foiling, Matt reflects on the joy of embracing all water sports, pushing back against the “cool kid” culture that pits new disciplines against the old.

Join us for an action-packed conversation filled with stoke, practical tips, and insights into the East Coast’s hurricane-driven foiling culture. Follow Matt’s adventures and check out NC Foil School at ncfoilschool.com for more on their clinics and the thriving Wilmington water sports scene.

In this episode, we catch up with Brandon, a passionate waterman from Hood River, Oregon, as he shares his journey with para-winging and life after a challenging accident. Broadcasting from the windy paradise of the Columbia River Gorge, Brandon dives into the evolving world of para-wings, his recovery, and the vibrant local foiling scene.

• Para-Wing Insights: Brandon breaks down his experiences with para-wings like the Ozone Pocket Rocket, FlySurfer Pow, and BRM Kanaha, discussing their upwind performance, low-end power, and stability for various conditions and skill levels.
• Gear and Progression: From big boards to small foils, Brandon shares his progression in para-winging, comparing it to switching from skiing to snowboarding, and highlights the advantages for wind sporters transitioning to this compact, stowable gear.
• Hood River Adventures: Discover the thrill of hour-long downwind runs from Biggs Junction to Rufus, with quick shuttles and powder-run-like excitement, plus insights into why para-winging is taking off in this wind sport mecca.
• Post-Accident Journey: Brandon reflects on his recovery from a life-changing accident, including time in Mexico, managing mental health challenges, and rediscovering joy in water sports and fatherhood.
• Community and Lifestyle: Hear about the tight-knit Hood River foiling crew, from upwind shredders to downwind shuttle runners, and Brandon’s family life with his one-year-old son, balancing water time with parenting.

Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with practical tips, gear talk, and the stoke of chasing wind and waves. Check out more para-wing insights and follow Brandon’s adventures in Hood River’s iconic water sports scene by following him on Instagram 

On this episode, we chat with Matt, host of the Up on Foil Podcast, sharing his passion for foiling from the breathtaking lakes of Silvaplana, Switzerland. Matt dives into his extensive testing of eight para-wings, offering practical insights for foilers of all levels, while reflecting on podcasting, local adventures, and the water sports community.

• Para-Wing Testing Breakdown: Matt reviews eight para-wings, including Ensis Roger V2, North Ranger, and Fly Surfer Pow, analyzing performance, stability, and fit for different skill levels and conditions.
• Hands-On Approach: From weighing wings to measuring leading edge thickness, Matt shares detailed findings on low-end power, upwind performance, and ease of handling.
• Gear Recommendations: Learn which wings suit beginners (North Ranger, BRM Maliko) or intermediates for downwinders, factoring in wind range and budget.
• Podcasting Across Time Zones: Matt discusses the challenges of scheduling recordings across a 12-hour time difference and the warm response from the foiling community.
• Silvaplana Adventures: Broadcasting from 1800m in Switzerland, Matt describes the stunning lake scenery and his commitment to eco-conscious local exploration.
• Community Connections: Hear about encounters with pros like Dave West and plans to return for the Swiss Optimist Championship, blending foiling with family time.

Explore Matt’s full para-wing comparison with detailed specs at www.uponfoil.com and follow his journey on YouTube at Matt on Foil.

In this episode, we dive into an exciting conversation with Robert Stehlik, founder of Blue Planet Surf and a veteran waterman, fresh off the 2025 summer racing season in Hawaii. Robert shares his experiences from the Maui to Molokai (M2M) and Molokai to Oahu (M2O) races, spotlighting the debut of the innovative Super Fly wing and the game-changing retractable leash system. From intense downwind challenges to the evolution of water sports, this episode explores the thrill, strategy, and community spirit of Hawaii’s ocean racing scene, with a focus on cutting-edge gear designed for performance and safety. 

• Super Fly Wing Release: Launched in April 2025, the Blue Planet Super Fly wing (3.2m–7m) is a performance-driven marvel crafted after extensive prototyping. With high-visibility orange, red, and yellow colors, a rigid boom for precise control, durable Dacron construction, and a single-valve inflation with dual hoses for stability, it dominated with top 5 (M2M) and top 10 (2024 M2O) finishes. Features compact wingtips, high canopy tension, and includes a repair kit, wrist/waist leash, and free U.S. shipping.
• Retractable Leash System Launch: Robert introduces the new retractable leash system, a safety and performance game-changer. With a 14-foot extension, steel pin, and adjustable spring tension, it keeps boards and wings apart during wipeouts, preventing injuries and equipment damage in Hawaii’s powerful waves. Includes a waist belt, shock cord, and optional harness hook and wing tether.
• M2M Race Recap: Robert relives the Maui to Molokai race, overcoming a last-minute wing repair to finish in 1:52 with the Super Fly wing, just minutes behind top riders like Marley Franco and Livio Menelau, showcasing strategic foil choices and gear reliability.
• M2O Endurance Test: A raw account of the grueling Molokai to Oahu race, where Robert leveraged the 7m Super Fly wing to navigate the Ka’iwi Channel’s rough waters, sharing insights on managing foot soreness from footstraps and mental endurance tactics.
• Para-Winging vs. SUP Foiling: Exploring the rapid rise of para-winging, its narrow wind range, and comparisons to wing foiling and SUP foiling, with thoughts on its future in races like Paddle Imua and M2M.
• Ocean Challenges and Community: Tales of navigating wind holes, racing with escort boats, and the camaraderie of the water sports community, with respect for veterans tackling massive channels on traditional SUPs.
• Hawaiian Waterman Spirit: Reflections on competition, personal growth, and the thrill of downwind runs powered by the Super Fly wing and retractable leash, set against Hawaii’s unpredictable ocean conditions.

Follow Robert Stehlik and Blue Planet Surf at https://blueplanetsurf.com/ or scan the QR code on their site to check out the Super Fly wing, retractable leash, and more. 

On this episode, we chat with Zara Rozeboom, a driven young IQ Foiler from Curaçao now based in the Netherlands, chasing her Olympic dreams alongside her brother. From barefoot beach days in the Caribbean to mastering extreme winds in Europe, Zara opens up about her wind sports journey, the technical world of IQ Foiling, high-adrenaline races, and the family-fueled grind of elite training. She shares hilarious culture shocks, boundary-pushing sessions in 45-knot gales, and the mental edge needed for Olympic qualification. Whether you're into windsurfing, foiling, or stories of resilience and global adventure, this conversation captures the passion, strategy, and supportive vibe of the sport's rising stars.

• Island Upbringing to Global Racing: Growing up in Curaçao with school-to-beach routines, starting wind sports at age 8 with her brother, and adapting to Dutch winters, public transport, and wetsuits after moving at 16.
• IQ Foiling Essentials: A deep dive into the Olympic one-design class, including 7.3m sails for women, foils on 95cm masts, racing formats like upwind courses, downwind slaloms, and new upwind slaloms in winds from 6 to 45 knots—hitting speeds up to 50 km/h.
• Extreme Race Experiences: Thrilling recaps of events like Kiel with massive winds, waves, rain, and crashes; strategic racing at 80% effort to avoid time-sucking falls; and the chaos of 45-knot blasts where everyone swims but laughs about it later.
• Olympic Aspirations and Prep: Path to 2028 via upcoming Panam Junior Games in Paraguay (light winds on a current-filled lake); visualizing medals; recent wins for confidence; and competing in fleets of 25–79 girls against top Olympians.
• Training Grind and Family Bond: Daily routines of gym sessions, biking, rowing, and on-water practice; balancing university studies; traveling and pushing limits with her brother (who just scored a race win at Worlds); and the supportive, fun women's fleet that bonds off-water but competes fiercely on it.
• Life Lessons and Thrills: Reflections on pushing fear boundaries for growth, the excitement of high-stakes racing, how sport builds bonds and changes perspectives, and embracing the "easy" surf life amid hard work.

Follow Zara on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/zara_surf/ for more of her foiling adventures, training updates, and Olympic journey.

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On this episode we catch up with Steve, a dedicated Maui-based foiler and race. Fresh off the summer racing season in Hawaii, Steve shares his firsthand experiences from high-stakes downwind foil races, gear tweaks, and the mental grit required to conquer challenging ocean channels. From hilarious mishaps to profound insights on personal growth in the sport, this conversation dives deep into the world of foiling, para-winging, and the evolving landscape of ocean racing. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just ocean-curious, this episode captures the thrill, strategy, and community spirit of Maui's water sports scene. 

• Race Recaps: Paddle Imua and Voyager: Insights into the fun, charity-focused Paddle Imua event with its diverse participants (from SUPs to wingers) and tricky finish at Kanaha, plus how it ties into the Triple Crown series.
• M2M (Maui to Molokai) Experience: Steve breaks down the chaotic start, dealing with currents, and an exciting photo-finish sprint with a pack of riders, emphasizing strategic foil choices and the impact of improved gear.
• M2O (Molokai to Oahu) Grind: A raw account of the grueling Ka'iwi Channel crossing, including fatigue battles, cramps, a 30-minute struggle to relaunch after a fall, and the psychological role of escort boats—with a shoutout to legend Alan Cadiz as captain.
• Evolving Sports: Para-Winging vs. Paddle Foiling: Debating the future of para-wing racing, biases toward downwind-style events over kite-like speed runs, and ideas for rule tweaks to add strategy, like timed wing usage.
• Personal Growth and Community: Reflections on the immense difficulty of SUP foiling compared to other disciplines, racing against oneself for improvement, and the respect for veterans like Robert paddling massive channels on traditional boards.
• Hawaiian Ocean Realities: Tales of shark mind games while body-dragging, boat chaos in races, and the sheer endurance of prone paddlers in events like the M2O on "suffer sticks."

Follow Steve on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/steve_tobis/ for more of his ocean adventures.

In this episode, we chat with the legends behind Windance, the iconic board shop in Hood River, Oregon, that’s been fueling wind sports for over four decades. We dive into the shop’s storied past with founder Brian Carlstrom, former owner Dave Nunn, and current owner Nick Caccavo, tracing its roots from the early windsurfing days on Maui to its pivotal role in the Columbia River Gorge’s vibrant scene. From gritty beginnings in a dynamite storage building to riding the waves of kiting, wing foiling, and e-foil revolutions, they share wild stories, business savvy, and their passion for keeping the wind sports community thriving amidst retail challenges and industry shifts.

Episode Highlights:

• Brian’s origin story: Learning to windsurf in France, trying to live on the beach in Maui, and kickstarting Windance in 1984 as the Gorge became a windsurfing mecca.
• Maui’s golden era: Hanging with pioneers like Mike Waltze, Alex Aguera, and Craig Maisonville while crafting custom gear in windsurfing’s heyday.
• Dave’s revival: Taking the helm in 2007, introducing kiting during its wild early days, and boosting online sales while bringing back swap meets and consignment gear
• Foiling’s rise: Embracing wing foiling’s accessibility with early F-One wings and watching female participation jump from 5% to 40%
• Nick’s vision: Overhauling tech for e-commerce, navigating COVID booms and AI disruptions, and expanding into para wings, downwind SUPs, and versatile e-foils like Foil Drive
• Community vibes: Tales of chaotic swap meets, staff field trips to factories, and connecting inland lake riders to the Gorge’s wind sports culture
• What’s next: Teasing quick-connect foils, foil assist tech, and staying ahead of trends to inspire the next wave of wind sports enthusiasts

• Website: https://www.windance.com
• Instagram: @windanceboardshop

In this episode, we dive into the world of foiling with Tom Hartmann fresh from the 12th edition of Foiling Week at Lake Garda, Italy. Tom shares the thrill of hosting a groundbreaking event that brought together board sports and sailing under the banner of hydrofoiling. From orchestrating the first-ever downwind event on the lake to integrating pump foil and e-foil World Cups, Tom recounts the logistical challenges and epic moments of racing amidst the Alps’ stunning scenery. He also reflects on his recent trip to San Francisco, wing foiling under the Golden Gate Bridge, and the vibrant water sports community there. With insights into the future of foiling, the rise of foil assist technology, and the infectious energy of young athletes like 11-year-old Liam Calo, this episode is packed with stoke and innovation.

Episode Highlights:

• Chasing perfect north winds for a downwind run at Lake Garda, with whitecaps and mountain backdrops
• Hosting pump foil and e-foil World Cups in Malcesine’s marina, with athletes carving turns meters from spectators
• Bridging board sports and sailing through foiling, with top sailors trying wing and pump foiling
• Wing foiling under San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, chasing ship wakes and riding waves
• The rise of foil assist technology and its game-changing potential for downwind and pump foiling
• Inspiring the next generation, with young foilers like Liam Kahlo stealing the show
• Pro tips for event logistics, securing sponsors, and fostering collaboration in the foiling community

Follow Tom Hartmann and SFT:

• Instagram: @surffoilworldtour