Foil Life Podcast

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.

Looking to learn about new gear at AWSI? Donate a few bucks!

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

On this episode, we talk with Ranja Schlotte, a German athlete who rips down Alpine lines and carves Mauritius’ fiercest waves. From skiing at three to mastering kitesurfing on a family trip, Ranja’s hunger for adventure led to sponsorships with Slingshot, Alpina Sports, Meier Skis, Ride Engine and many more through relentless freestyle competitions. She reveals how she juggled a mathematics and economics Degree and a Degree in Software Engineering with chasing storms and snow, tests cutting-edge gear like Slingshot’s OneLock system, and tackles the legendary One Eye wave. Whether staring down a near-vertical ski line in Gstaad or outsmarting Mauritius’ brutal currents, Ranja’s stories pulse with grit and stoke.

Episode Highlights: 
•⁠  ⁠Skiing before she could walk and kitesurfing Mauritius’ waves from her early twenties 
•⁠  ⁠Heart-pounding descent of a Gstaad ski line she spies from her window 
•⁠  ⁠Battling One Eye’s waves and testing Slingshot’s game-changing OneLock 
•⁠  ⁠Balancing university exams with competitions across the Alps and Oceans around the world 
•⁠  ⁠Savoring Mauritius’ tuna steaks and Indian curries between sessions 
•⁠  ⁠Pro tips for landing sponsors and thriving in multiple sports 

Follow Ranja: https://www.facebook.com/ranja.schlotte or https://www.youtube.com/@ranjaschlotte

In this episode, we reconnect with Erwan Jauffroy to celebrate his latest world record: an astonishing 156.5-kilometer downwind foiling journey without restarting, completed in six and a half hours. Erwan shares the inspiration behind this feat, the meticulous safety preparations, and the mental and physical challenges of staying focused on the water. From navigating past ferries to enduring severe cramps, Erwan’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep connection to the ocean. He also reflects on his previous France-to-Corsica crossing, the future of foiling in marine transportation, and his vision for inspiring human creativity through the sport.

Episode Highlights:

• Erwan’s record-breaking 156.5 km foiling run along the South France coast
• Safety gear essentials, including a sealed parawing and PLB3 device plus many others
• Overcoming paralyzing cramps and maintaining focus bump after bump
• The role of “sens marin” (ocean sense) in navigating challenging conditions
• Future aspirations for foiling crossings in extreme and tropical waters
• How foiling can drive innovation in sustainable marine transportation

Follow Erwan: https://linktr.ee/watersportszone

In this episode we catch up with Tom Hartmann about the Atlanta Foil Fest at Lake Lanier’s Olympic Park. Tom dives into the three-day event, featuring E-Foil, Pump Foil, Wake Foil, and Airchair foiling competitions, alongside demos and clinics. From Justin Chait dominant performance to Nick Leason’s E-Foil legacy and the innovative Betafoil Enduro, the event united foilers from the US, Europe, and beyond. Tom also teases upcoming Surf World Tour events at Lake Garda and Abu Dhabi, promising bigger competitions and live streams.

Episode Highlights:

• Atlanta Foil Fest’s debut as a foiling mecca with a custom-built start dock
• High-level E-Foil and Pump Foil races, plus the return of Airchair
• Meeting foiling pioneer Nick Leeson and testing Betafoil’s massive wings
• Lake Garda’s Foiling Week and Abu Dhabi’s massive prize purse on the horizon
• Growing the global foiling community through passion and connection

Follow Tom & SFT: @surffoilworldtour on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
Website: surffoilworldtour.com

On this episode, we sit down with Jack Ho, a Waikiki-raised waterman and professional foiler, to explore his journey from surfing small waves at age five to becoming a sponsored athlete with F-One Foils and Patagonia Surf. From his roots in a historic family home to chasing perfect swells in Hood River and New Zealand, Jack shares how foiling bridges ocean sports and his passion for storytelling through YouTube. This episode dives into the aloha spirit, sustainability, and his dream of becoming a Waterman Hall of Fame inductee.

In this episode, you’ll discover: 

• Origin Story: Jack learned to surf at five in Waikiki, driven by a family legacy and the ideal coastal setting. 
• Foiling Journey: A $500 used foil ignited his love for “foiling,” leading to sponsorships with Lift and F-One Foils. 
• Hood River Appeal: The river’s consistent swells and lively community make it a top surf trip destination. 
• Sustainability Efforts: Jack’s role with Twinfin Hotel and Parley for the Oceans promotes eco-friendly practices in Waikiki. 
• YouTube Passion: Collaborating with friend Kainoa to create videos as a digital legacy for his future kids. 
• Waterman Aspiration: Inspired by Duke Kahanamoku and Kai Lenny, Jack strives to live the Hawaiian waterman values of respect and versatility. 
• Cultural Mindset: Adopting a Hawaiian approach of honor and respect to connect deeply with his community.

Follow Jack’s journey at youtube.com/@JackfromTown or on Instagram @JackfromTown 

On this episode, we sit down with Alex Mertens, a windsurfing and wing foiling enthusiast from the San Francisco Bay Area, to dive into his journey from elite soccer to mastering wind sports. From his early days hating windsurfing to competing on the European Freestyle Pro Tour and creating the YouTube series Secrets of the Send, Alex shares his passion for foiling, safety tips, and the vibrant Bay Area wind scene. This episode uncovers the grit, creativity, and community fueling his water sports evolution.

In this episode, you’ll discover: 

• Origin Story: A soccer injury led Alex to windsurfing as physical therapy, sparking a lifelong passion. 
• Learning Process: How video analysis and gymnastics training helped Alex master freestyle moves like Spocks and backflips. 
• Safety Tips: The critical omega-shaped foot strap setup to prevent injuries like Lisfranc fractures while foiling or windsurfing. 
• Bay Area Scene: Why Sherman Island’s tidal river and Chrissy Field’s boat wakes make the Bay a wind sports mecca. 
• European Edge: The accessibility of windsurfing centers in Europe compared to North America’s smaller scene. 
• Creative Ventures: Alex’s custom Duotone board design and plans for a video exploring the artist-athlete connection. 
• Dream Project: A wild idea for a wing foil “Escape from Alcatraz” film, Clint Eastwood style.

Check out Alex’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@AlexMerts. 

On this episode we sit down with Mike and Steff from North Actionsports in New Zealand, diving into the rise of parawinging and their game-changing Ranger parawing. From a daring Cook Strait crossing to decades of kiteboarding roots with pioneer Peter Lynn, they share how the Ranger was born for downwind foiling with safety and ease in mind. This episode uncovers the passion and innovation driving North’s foiling revolution.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Origin Story: A 2022 Cook Strait foil sparked a single-skin wing for self-rescue, inspired by Mike’s kiteboarding past.
• Ranger’s Design: Easy to use, durable, and powerful (2.2m to 5.2m), perfect for beginners to advanced downwinders.
• Key Features: D-Rib tech for less drag, a depower tab for strong winds, and a harness line for upwind ease.
• Safety Backpack: Stores multiple wings, straps on for offshore trips, and doubles as a safety device.
• Material Choice: Ripstop nylon with a strong coating for longevity in harsh conditions.
• Downwind Edge: Grunt to get on foil without paddling, plus board and foil tips.
• Community Drive: A passion project with North’s team, fueled by New Zealand’s wild swells.

Check out the Ranger at https://northactionsports.com. Join the foiling community and ride the next wave!