Foil Life Podcast

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_/

In this episode, we catch up with Tom Hartmann – tour manager of the GKA Kite World Tour, Wingfoil World Tour, and founder of the brand-new Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) – fresh from the biggest water sports spectacle the Middle East has ever seen in Abu Dhabi and now chasing the final Kite World Tour stops in Brazil.

Tom takes us behind the scenes of the massive nine-day Abu Dhabi event on the soon-to-be “Miami Beach of the Gulf” (Fahid Island), where kite big air, wingfoil racing, e-foil, and wakefoil all shared the spotlight, 2,500+ spectators showed up on weekends, and the whole thing was broadcast live on TV across the region. With €10,000 prize money per SFT discipline, perfect glassy morning conditions, and a level of organization that left athletes speechless, this was the perfect season finale for the inaugural Surf Foil World Tour.

- Abu Dhabi deep dive – why foiling (e-foil, wakefoil, wing, kite, surf, pump) is exploding in the Gulf and how the event showcased every flavor of the sport.
- E-foil racing at the highest level yet – Justin Chait remains undefeated in 2025, Agnes takes the women’s division, and we talk 3G corners, wingtip-out carving, and why technical skill still beats raw speed.
- Wakefoil’s breakout moment – first fully independent SFT wakefoil comp, drone + boat broadcasting magic, and why wakefoiling could be the most spectator-friendly foiling discipline out there.
- The massive growth nobody saw coming – from a hopeful start to nine events worldwide in year one, with a 2026 calendar dropping in the next couple weeks.
- What’s next for SFT in 2026 – more surf foil, downwind, wakefoil, the return of the epic indoor Düsseldorf pump & wing event, and a brand-new Foil Assist discipline that mixes propulsion take-offs with pure pumping sections.
- Plus Tom’s love for açaí bowls at Brazilian sunset and maybe sneaking in some surf trips to Nicaragua or Costa Rica before heading home.

Year one of the Surf Foil World Tour is officially in the books and it’s safe to say foiling just went global – big budgets, big crowds, and bigger stoke. Here’s to 2026 being even wilder.

Follow the Surf Foil Tour → https://www.surffoiltour.com 

In this episode, we sit down with Sascha Lange, the 41-year-old German windsurf coach, personal trainer, and author of the brand-new wind bible called "Never Not Windsurfing – Defeat Age & Keep the Stoke Alive". Fresh off a one-year writing marathon (and still hand-packing and shipping every single copy himself), Sascha joins us to talk about why he poured his soul into the ultimate fitness and longevity guide for windsurfers over 40 – and why even the youngest PWA pros are already using it.

From his beginnings as a passionate windsurfer in 1997 to becoming one of the most sought-after coaches in the sport, Sascha explains how analyzing YouTube clips of his clients at midnight led to hyper-specific training programs that fix exactly what’s holding riders back on the water. With contributions from over 50 of the biggest names in windsurfing – Björn Dunkerbeck, Sarah-Quita Offringa, Marcilio Browne, Ricardo Campello, Victor Fernandez, Gollito Estredo, and an epic foreword from Captain Paul Watson, plus extra-long contribution from the godfather himself, Balz Müller – this isn’t just another fitness book.

• Why “Never Not Windsurfing”? Turning 40 sparked the idea: Sascha is fitter now than ever and wanted to prove age is just a number if you train smart.
• Book Structure & Philosophy: From decade-specific body changes to mobility, functional strength, balance & coordination, breathing techniques, biohacking (sleep, sunlight, cold plunging), and a full chapter on designing your own success plan – pick what you need, when you need it.
• Who It’s For: Primarily the 40+ crew (weekend warriors, parents, people with real jobs and no trade winds), but young pros are already stealing the advanced stability, endurance, and mental-game tools. Works for wing foiling too.
• Real-Life Impact: How 10–15 minute targeted sessions beat three-hour gym marathons, why your core is the “transmission” between sail and board, and how small consistent wins stop you starting every season from scratch.
• Cold Plunging, Breathing & Biohacking: Sascha’s daily reset rituals, why nasal breathing through an ice bath is the new meditation, and how to use cold exposure without freaking out.
• The Captain Paul Watson Foundation: €1 from every book goes straight to ocean protection – plus Paul Watson himself wrote the foreword because the oceans are our playground and the animals’ living room.
• Behind-the-Scenes Madness: Self-publishing both English and German editions, hand-writing dedications, midnight post-office runs, and why the book is stitched (not just glued) so it literally lasts forever.
• What’s Next: Online “Fit for Surfing” programs, windsurf retreats (Vancouver Island anyone?), and maybe… a wing-foiling version one day.

  Whether you’re chasing your first solid gybe, still ripping at 60, or a pro looking for that extra edge, *Never Not Windsurfing* is built to keep you on the water longer, stronger, and stoked for life.
  
  Follow Sascha → https://www.instagram.com/langepersonaltraining/
  Captain Paul Watson Foundation → https://www.paulwatsonfoundation.org/ 

In this episode, we sit down with Björn Dunkerbeck, the 56-year-old windsurfing legend with 42 PWA World Titles (more than any athlete in any sport), 32+ years with Red Bull, and a personal best of 103.68 km/h over 500 m. Fresh off double-hip surgery and pain-free for the first time in years, Björn joins Luc from Lüderitz, Namibia, where he’s chasing the outright windsurf speed world record during the month-long November window at the infamous Lüderitz Speed Channel. From the early days of 16-knot records in Weymouth to breaking 50 knots in a hand-dug Namibian trench, Björn walks us through the 50-year evolution of speed sailing, the physics of wind angle, water flatness, and why 8–10 m wide is now “as good as it gets” for a channel you can’t fall out of at 100 km/h.

• Channel Evolution & Record Progression: How speed sailing jumped from 30 knots in the South of France to 40 in Saint-Marie-la-Mer, 45 by Thierry Bielak, then exploded in Walvis Bay and finally Lüderitz—where a kitesurfer named Sebastien Cattelan dug the first trench, and six riders broke 50 knots in one week (2012–13).
• Lüderitz 2025 Setup: Björn’s first sessions in “perfect south-easter” conditions, why 45–50 knots of wind is the sweet spot before chop kills speed, and how a scratched fin or lack of starting-area depth can end your run before it begins.
• Post-Surgery Comeback: At 115 kg and 56 years young, how titanium hips have restored confidence, why Severne sails (5.2–5.7 m²), 40 cm Starboard speed boards, and custom fins are dialed, and the mental edge of knowing “I can still do this.”
• Gear & Technique for 100 km/h: Why boards are only 227 cm long / 35–45 L, how you rail the upwind third of the channel, and the art of body-position micro-adjustments to keep a 40 cm board from catapulting in full-power 5.2 conditions.
• Wipeouts & Safety: “Your day is over after a big one.” Helmet + impact vest = minimum; grit + not crashing = the real safety plan.
• Getting Into Speed Sailing: Download the WaterSpeed app (free), track your 100 m / 250 m / 500 m times anywhere, then upload to GPS-SpeedSurfing.com and join the Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge (50+ countries, 10th year running). Start on whatever gear you have—25 knots becomes 30, then 40…
  
  
• Family Legacy: Four kids, two girls, two boys. Son Liam (17)—triple U21 wave world champ, former U18 Lüderitz record holder (80+ km/h)—currently training on Maui. Youngest Daniel (13 next week) already ripping waves and speed. How Björn transitioned from pro dominance to proud dad without losing the fire.
• Bonaire & Dunkerbeck Pro Center: 10 years strong at Sorobon’s turquoise lagoon—Defi Wind Bonaire returns June 16–21, 2026 (111 spots only). From 5-year-olds in harnesses to 90-year-olds still planing, it’s the world’s safest speed playground.
• Foiling vs Fin: Björn’s light-wind foil arsenal (6.0–10.0 m² + Phantom 960/1950/910 wings) as low-wind speed training, why foils won’t touch Lüderitz (not enough depth, too much drag), and whether sub-40 cm masts could ever push foils past 100 km/h.
• The Limit? Björn’s take: 100 km/h average on 500 m is very possible; top speed >103.68 km/h likely. Beyond 105 km/h, cavitation theories split the experts—we’ll know when we get there.
• Red Bull Family: 32 years, 800+ athletes, from windsurfing’s early days to F1 and America’s Cup. Plus Björn’s long involvement with Wings for Life spinal cord research.

Follow Björn - https://www.instagram.com/bjorndunkerbeck
Dunkerbeck Speed Challenge - https://www.GPS-SpeedSurfing.com
WaterSpeed App - Free download
Lüderitz Speed Channel live updates all November!

Note: Tech Glitch -- My Audio is not the cleanest, Sorry! Guests came out great. (Luckily I don't talk a lot!)

In this episode, we catch up with Josh Ku and Dane Wilson, accomplished foilers, surfers, and creatives pushing the boundaries of ocean adventures. Joining Luc from their respective locations amid busy travel schedules, Josh and Dane recount their daring foil crossing from Uluwatu in Bali to the iconic G-Land in Java, the raw survival moments that unfolded, and the making of their film "The Strait Path." From near-disasters at sea to epic surf sessions on a vintage Jerry Lopez board, they dive into the spirit of exploration, the Waterman ethos, and the thrill of turning an uncharted journey into a captivating story.

Episode Highlights:

- Origins of the Idea: Josh and Dane discuss how the project sparked from shared creative vibes, Josh's inspiration from Dane's prior adventure film with Zane, and the goal to blend foiling with classic surfing in Indonesia's wild waters—pitching a high-stakes crossing that aligned perfectly with swell and wind forecasts.

- Planning and Launch: The duo reflects on committing to the trip just a week out, Josh's background in downwinding and island traversals, and Dane's hands-off approach to filming, relying on a support boat for safety and shots in an unpredictable ocean playground.

- The Crossing Drama: A deep dive into the 92km foil journey turning chaotic—getting off course, the boat snagging debris and vanishing, Josh navigating solo by wind, watch, and stars while battling dehydration, currents, and wildlife, and Dane's tense hour-plus search feeling utterly isolated without comms.

- Survival and Reunion: Josh shares the mental shift to survival mode, ignoring ground swell to follow wind direction, spotting whales and debris, and the massive relief of reuniting; Dane recounts the crew's frantic scans, aligning rescue plans, and capturing the emotional finale with jungle backdrops.

- Surfing Legacy at G-Land: Wrapping the adventure with perfect waves, Josh riding a single-fin Jerry Lopez Lightning Bolt board for a bucket-list tube session, paying homage to surf pioneers like Lopez and McCabe, and how it tied into the film's theme of exploration beyond crowded breaks.

- Filmmaking Challenges: Dane opens up on the pressure to capture the trip's raw magic in editing—focusing on audio, story flow, and visuals without over-stylizing—while emphasizing the foil as a tool for adventure, not the sole focus, in a nod to historical ocean tales.

- Reflections and Growth: Insights on embracing uncertainty, learning from mishaps like inadequate safety plans, the addictive "have a go" spirit of true adventure, and how the experience reinforced their Waterman perspectives without modern tech crutches.

- Premieres and Next Horizons: Details on upcoming screenings in Sydney (November 7, 2025, at Collaroy Cinema) and potential LA showings, plus teases for future collaborations blending Josh's athletic pushes and Dane's filmmaking prowess.

Follow Josh - https://www.instagram.com/joshku/
Follow Dane - https://www.instagram.com/dane___wilson/

In this episode, we catch up with Jake Kelsick, a seasoned kitesurfer, wing foiler, and content creator from the beautiful island of Antigua. Joining Luc from his island paradise, Jake shares his lifelong passion for water sports, his journey from early kiting days to running a successful school, and the evolution of foiling in a tropical haven. From epic adventures in Bora Bora to dissecting ideal setups for beginners and pros, Jake offers an authentic glimpse into island life, the thrill of progression, and the joy of sharing the stoke with newcomers.

- Island Roots and Early Days: Jake reflects on growing up in Antigua, getting hooked on kitesurfing since 2003, and how the island's warm waters, reefs, and consistent winds made it a dream spot. He discusses the shift from kiting to wing foiling, the local culture's relaxed vibe, and standout locations like Half Moon Bay for rolling waves.

- Building a Water Sports School: Jake dives into starting Kelsick Kiteboarding (now expanding to water sports) in 2020 amid COVID, transitioning from pro freeriding to teaching 50/50 kiting and winging. He shares insights on demographics (mostly 30-50+ adventurers), the forgiving conditions for learning, and why Antigua strikes a balance between beginner-friendly and progression-focused—plus tips on affordability compared to spots like Bonaire.

- Adventures and Pro Journey: From a wild birthday invite to Bora Bora's aquarium-like lagoons (saved by kite foiling in light winds) to competing in Russia and demo tours, Jake recounts standout trips that expanded his horizons. He talks about the realities of pro life—cool perks but tricky monetization—and how content creation bridged the gap, evolving from DVDs to YouTube gems like "Cruise Mode."

- Gear Evolution and Teaching Tips: Jake breaks down his North gear loyalty, from beginner setups to high-performance foils (like the SF series), and how tech advancements made winging accessible. He emphasizes board sizing, foil progression behind boats, and why winging lowers barriers vs. kiting—allowing safer self-practice and quicker stoke moments, even for cold-water riders.

- Community and Future Vibes: The conversation explores winging's explosive growth, its potential to rival windsurfing by attracting foil newcomers, and the addictive "rep game" of foiling. Jake highlights family life (with his wife and young daughter joining the fun), the transformative power of sessions for mental reset, and Antigua's long season (November-July) as a home base for camps and content.

- Looking Ahead: Jake teases more island explorations like the Cook Islands, gear tweaks for evolving sports, and growing his school—while keeping the focus on fun, safe progression for all ages.

Follow Jake - https://www.instagram.com/jakekelsick/  

In this episode, we catch up with Kiran Verma, a passionate pro wing foiler and content creator from Australia's Sunshine Coast. Joining Luc from across the globe, Kiran shares his inspiring journey into the sport at age 37, his recent switch to North gear, and the highs of pushing limits in a rapidly evolving industry. From mastering foil slides to dissecting his favorite setups, Kiran offers an honest look at what it takes to progress, the joy of community connections, and the transformative power of foiling at any age.

• Journey into Foiling: Kiran reflects on starting wing foiling later in life, now at 41, and how it changed everything—from traveling to places like Cape Verde, Fiji, Mauritius, Brazil, and Chile, to embracing rejection and training harder. He emphasizes the mental freedom of pursuing passion without caring about judgments, and how foiling has brought happiness despite life's demands.
• Switching to North Gear: Kiran details his transition to North after positive experiences with their foils, highlighting the SF-530 for tight turns and the SF-680 for versatile light-wind performance. He praises the brand's receptiveness, community support (like backing Max Robinson and We Can Foil), and gear like the 55L Swell board, while sharing how video analysis helped refine his riding.
• Gear Breakdown and Tips: Diving into his go-to setup—a 680 front wing, 145 stabilizer, 60cm fuse, and 85cm mast—Kiran explains why he sticks to minimal changes for consistency. He discusses foil slides inspired by riders like Cash Berzolla, the appeal of short boards for prone foiling, and why foiling appeals to the 40-70 age group with its technical, accessible nature.
• Community and Growth: The duo explores the sport's potential to go mainstream, comparing it to golf for its niche appeal and inclusivity. Kiran stresses the need for more entry-level programs to grow foiling beyond the elite, the role of small brands in innovation, and how sessions clear the mind like nothing else.
• Future Plans: Kiran teases upcoming trips, possibly to Morocco for right-handers or Cape Town for King of the Air, plus content on learning new tricks like one-hand grabs. He hints at deeper involvement with North's R&D and a desire to see foiling explode in popularity.

  Follow Kiran - https://www.instagram.com/kv_foil/

In this episode, we dive into the world of parawings with Matt On Foil, a dedicated watersports enthusiast and content creator from Switzerland. Broadcasting from opposite sides of the globe, Matt joins us to share his meticulous testing process, honest reviews, and insights from the hyper-competitive watersports industry. From the F-One Frigate to the Gong Lowkite Plus, Matt walks us through his comprehensive para wing comparison, offering a candid look at what works, what doesn’t, and the challenges of staying unbiased.

• Parawing Rankings: Matt unveils his detailed infographic, ranking 18 parawings based on metrics like bar weight, bridle length, pre-flight behavior, pumpability, and upwind performance. The F-One Frigate takes the top spot, while the Gong Lowkite Plus impresses as a budget-friendly standout. Matt explains why some wings, like the FlySurfer Pow, shine in specific conditions but require skill to master.
• Testing Challenges: Matt shares the behind-the-scenes effort of measuring and testing parawings, from weighing canopies at a local shop to battling inconsistent wind at Lake Silvaplana. He discusses the difficulty of giving honest feedback, especially when brands provide free gear or personal support, and the importance of staying authentic for the community.
• Gear Evolution: From depowering innovations to material durability concerns, Matt and Luc explore how parawings are evolving. Matt questions whether ultra-light canopies are worth the trade-offs and highlights unique designs like the 777 PT Skin’s integrated harness system.
• Safety and Accessibility: The duo discusses the physical demands of parawinging, cautioning beginners about the learning curve and potential risks, especially for those with prior injuries. They look ahead to future innovations that could make pair wings more accessible and user-friendly.

Follow Matt - https://www.instagram.com/mattonfoil/