Foiling is changing—and the FLITElab AMP Jet might be the clearest sign yet. In this episode, Tucker from MACkite dives into how jet-assist technology is opening up a whole new era for riders. From effortless takeoffs in light wind to the idea of a true “one-board quiver,” the AMP Jet is more than just another piece of gear—it’s a glimpse into the future of watersports.

We’ll unpack what makes this system different from traditional Foil Drives, what it means for accessibility and progression, and whether we’re seeing the birth of a new discipline altogether: jet foiling.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just curious about where the sport is headed, this conversation will get you thinking about what’s next on the water.

In this episode, we sit down with Brendan Healy, Sales Manager at Cabrinha, to dive deep into the design and development of the 2026 Cabrinha Mantis Apex wing. Brendan shares the story behind Cabrinha’s first Aluula wing, explaining how the team found the perfect balance between performance, flex, and cost. We talk about material choices, boom compatibility, rigid handles, fiberglass battens, and why the 4m, 4.5m, and 5.5m sizes made the cut for this limited-edition release. If you’re curious about what makes the Mantis Apex a standout in Cabrinha’s lineup—and what might be coming next—this conversation has it all. Whether you're chasing swell, freeriding, or just wing-curious, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Cole from MACkite talks with Chris Reynolds, founder, and product designer at FLITELab, for an inside look at one of the most innovative foil assist systems on the market—the AMP Jet. Chris shares the origin story behind the concept, starting with his early sessions at Bells Beach and the challenges that led him to rethink how assistive propulsion could be integrated into a foil board without compromising performance.

They dig into the details of the design process, from hundreds of impeller and stator prototypes to the decision to house the jet motor entirely within the board’s tail. Chris explains how this low-drag, high-thrust system changes the experience for surf foilers, downwind explorers, and wing riders alike.

Whether you're a gearhead, a foil addict, or just curious about what’s next in performance design, this conversation offers a rare peek behind the curtain of cutting-edge foil innovation.

In this episode of Foil Fridays, Tucker from MACkiteboarding is joined by industry insider and longtime wind sports writer Bowen Dwelle to explore the fast-evolving world of wing foiling and parawinging. From early kite foil setups to cutting-edge parawing design, the conversation covers real-world gear testing, riding style comparisons, and how different environments like Lake Michigan and San Francisco Bay influence gear choice.

They dig into the top parawings on the market—like the F-One Frigate, Ozone Pocket Rocket, BRM Cloud, Flysurfer POW, and more—offering hands-on impressions and honest assessments of what works best for different conditions, skill levels, and budgets. Along the way, they tackle topics like safety best practices, the importance of building habits and pre-flight checklists, and how the sport can grow in an inclusive, adventure-friendly direction.

Whether you're a foil-curious beginner or a seasoned waterman, this episode offers insights, gear tips, and a vision for where wind-powered riding is heading next.

In this episode, Jeff and Skip from MACkite break down one of the best wind days of the season on Lake Michigan. With gusts pushing 30+ knots and waves rolling in, they took full advantage—testing everything from the Cabrinha AER wing and Code S foils to North’s SF lineup and the KT Super K board. They share honest impressions of what worked, what surprised them, and what they'd do differently next time. Whether you're dialing in your foil setup or just stoked on high-wind sessions, this one’s packed with firsthand insights, gear comparisons, and a few good laughs.

Topics Covered:

• Code 720S vs 850S foil performance
• Cabrinha AER wing review in waves
• North SF 680 foil first impressions
• Starboard vs KT board feel
• Stabilizer tuning tips
• Wave vs flatwater riding benefits
• And why crashing is a sign of progress

In this episode, we sit down with Nigel Thompson, from Waka, and Tucker from MACkite, to dive into one of the most innovative products to hit the wing foiling world in years: the Waka Glide Folding Wing Foil Board. Designed for high-performance riding and proper travel convenience, this board folds in half—literally—without compromising stiffness, durability, or on-water feel.

Nigel walks us through the two-year development journey behind the Waka Glide, from the early challenges of prototyping to the breakthrough moment that led to their flexible composite hinge system, inspired by aerospace materials like carbon and Kevlar. We unpack how the board folds, how it's reinforced internally, and why it feels stiffer than many traditional solid boards.

Tucker shares his first impressions after unboxing and handling the Waka Glide, highlighting its ultra-lightweight construction, premium materials, and clever design features, such as recessed deck pads, long foil tracks, and dual-purpose cutouts that serve as both structural fasteners and handles. We also discuss real-world benefits for travelers, including smaller rental cars, compliance with checked luggage policies, and eliminating the compromise of inflatables.

Whether you're a seasoned wing foiler looking for a go-anywhere solution or a gearhead interested in the latest innovations, this episode offers an exciting look at how portability and performance are finally coming together. We also discuss sizing strategies, use cases for various riding styles (including prone, parawing, and Foil Driving), and what's next for the Waka Glide lineup.

Topics Covered:

– Why travel boards have always required compromise — until now

– The hinge tech that makes folding possible without sacrificing performance

– Real-world applications for wing foilers, prone riders, and more

– Sizing tips and who this board is (and isn’t) for

– Why Tucker believes this could be a true one-board travel quiver

– What’s included: day bag, travel roller bag, and thoughtful design extras

– How this board could save you money on flights and car rentals

– What’s coming next for Waka Boards

Tune in to hear how Waka is redefining what’s possible in wing foiling travel gear—without giving up the performance you’ve come to expect.

In this episode, Jeff and Ryan sit down with fellow MACkite teammate Skip, whose path into wing foiling is anything but ordinary. From the early days of two-line kiteboarding to stepping away from wind sports for Ironman triathlons, Skip brings a unique perspective on coming back to the water later in life—and tackling one of the fastest-growing sports out there.

He shares the ups and downs of learning to wing foil from scratch, what gear helped him progress, how he balanced training with family life, and the tips he wishes he knew before he started. You’ll hear stories about crashing, hooting, and finding joy in the journey—even when you’re knee-deep in the learning curve. Skip also highlights the stoke and camaraderie of riding with a tight-knit local crew and why wing foiling is as much about the people as it is the wind.

Whether you’re brand new to winging or deep in the game, this conversation is packed with relatable moments, laugh-out-loud stories, and hard-earned advice from someone who's lived it.

If you love foiling or are just getting started, this episode is packed with insight! Join Tucker and Jeff from MACkite as they dive deep into the world of Wing Foil, Foil Drive, and Parawing—three of the most exciting ways to get on foil today.

They’ll break down the differences, who each style is for, and how these foiling disciplines are shaping the future of riding. Is Wing Foiling still king when it comes to versatility? Does Foil Drive make foiling more accessible? And is Parawing the next big thing for downwind and wave riding?

Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your foiling game or just want to geek out on the latest trends, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for an engaging discussion that will help you decide which ride is right for you.

The discussion revolves around foiling in waves and swells, particularly the different foil choices for breaking waves versus rolling swell. The conversation is led by Jeff, Ryan, and Tucker from MACkiteboarding, who break down how different foils perform in various conditions and how riders should choose their gear based on their intended style of riding.

They start by differentiating between rolling swells and breaking waves. Rolling swells, typically found in deeper water, maintain their shape and move steadily, requiring efficient, high-aspect foils to maintain glide and chase the swell downwind. On the other hand, breaking waves fold over and generate more power, demanding foils that are more maneuverable, allowing for tighter turns and more dynamic riding in critical sections.

When discussing foil selection, they emphasize the importance of aspect ratio. Higher aspect foils (9-10 range) provide better glide and efficiency, making them ideal for downwind rolling swells where speed and momentum are crucial. Lower to mid-aspect foils (7-8 range) are better suited for breaking waves, as they allow for tighter turns and more control in steeper, more powerful conditions. They also point out that while lower aspect foils can be easier to turn, they introduce more drag and have a limited speed range.

Specific foil models are mentioned, with Ryan noting his preference for the Axis ART V2 for downwind swells and the Spitfire or similar mid-aspect foils for powerful breaking waves. Tucker highlights that his go-to choices for surf-style riding include the Code S series (750-850 range) and the F-One Eagle series for efficient downwind gliding. The general consensus is that the best foil choice depends on the conditions, and many advanced riders keep multiple foils in their quiver to cover different scenarios.

The conversation also touches on fuselage length and stabilizers. Shorter fuselages and surf-oriented stabilizers are better for carving in breaking waves, allowing for quick, snappy turns. Longer fuselages, paired with flatter, more efficient stabilizers, improve glide and pumpability for chasing downwind swells. However, they note that fuselage length is a smaller factor compared to the advancements in front wing design.

A key takeaway is that many riders underestimate their ability to size down. Some assume they need a larger foil when transitioning to waves, but the team encourages intermediate riders to experiment with smaller, more efficient foils, as they often provide a better experience in waves. Higher aspect foils, despite requiring more skill to turn, offer superior glide and efficiency, making them more intuitive for wave riding once a rider adjusts to them.

In this episode, Ryan and Aaron dive into the ultimate Foil Drive battery debate: Max vs. Slim. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy entry into foiling or an advanced rider seeking a lightweight, high-performance setup, this conversation has you covered.

They break down the key differences in size, weight, runtime, and use cases, offering practical insights to help you choose the right battery for your foiling adventures.

Discover how your experience level, riding style, and goals factor into the decision, and hear firsthand tips on optimizing your sessions. From maximizing battery efficiency to understanding how each unit performs in real-world scenarios like prone foiling, wake foiling, and downwind SUP, this episode is packed with everything you need to know.

Tune in for expert advice and honest opinions to get the most out of your Foil Drive experience!