Surfing vs Hydrofoiling: Which Board is The Best?

This is a bit of a loaded question because to ride a hydrofoil, you must learn the fundamentals of surfing.

Surfing hailed from humble beginnings in ancient Polynesia where hydrofoils came from years of testing and engineering from scientists and militaries.

Hydrofoiling is a hybrid of surfing and sailing technology coming together to create a lightning quick floating surfboard. We went more in depth on the history of the hydrofoil and how it came to fruition in an earlier post.

Both hydrofoils and surfboards can be dangerous and hurt yourself, or others if you’re not mindful of what you’re doing.

Warning: Surfing and hydrofoiling are dangerous sports that can result in injury or even death. Please respect the ocean and proceed with caution.

What is Surfing?

Surfing is a water sport where people ride on special boards called surfboards on the waves of the ocean. The surfer stands on the surfboard and uses their body and the shape of the board to cruise down the line of the wave.

Surfing is a fun and exciting way to enjoy the ocean and the power of the waves.

To Surf you need:

• Surfboard 
• Wetsuit (if necessary)
• Leash
• Wax
• Basic skills and knowledge of how to ride the waves. 

Surfing can be a challenging and physically demanding journey, but it is also one the most  humbling and rewarding ways to enjoy the ocean. It’s significantly less expensive than Hydrofoiling.

Discover the Fascinating History of Surfing: From Ancient Hawaiian Roots to Pop Culture Phenomena

Surfing is a popular water sport that originated within Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures.

The ancient Polynesians used boards to ride the waves of the ocean for recreation and as a means of transportation. The sport of surfing was introduced to the Western world in the early 20th century, when Hawaiian surfers began to demonstrate their skills to visitors to the islands. It did not go well.

When European settlers first arrived in 1820 the native Hawaiian population was about 300,000 strong by the late 1853 there were only estimated to be 70,000 left.

Calvinist missionaries nearly eradicated the sport, seeing it as “barbaric”. The dislike for surfing paired with disease brought by European travelers nearly killed surfing and the population altogether.

“The decline and discontinuance of the use of the surfboard, as civilization advances, may be accounted for by the increase in modesty, industry or religion.” 

– Hiram Bingham, Calvinist Missionary and massive Kook.

Fortunately for us, surfing survived through the Hawaiian families dedicated to preserving their history.

The Renaissance of Surfing

The renaissance of surfing was spearheaded by George Freeth and Duke Kahanamoku when the two traveled to mainland USA and spread the wonders of surfing. We’ll have to cover these two in a separate post. If it wasn’t for these two the sport of surfing may have never grown in popularity.

In the decades that followed, surfing became increasingly popular, and today it is enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities around the world.

It wasn’t until the 1960s when popular culture and surfing began to blend together for the first time. In the early 1960s, surfing experienced a surge in popularity thanks in part to the release of the iconic surf film “Gidget,” which introduced many people to the sport.

The 1960s also saw the emergence of professional surfing competitions, as well as the development of new surfboard designs and technologies like the twin fin that allowed surfers to ride bigger and better waves.

Surf culture of the 1960s was characterized by a laid-back and carefree attitude, and it had a significant influence on fashion, music, and other aspects of popular culture.

What is Hydrofoiling?

Hydrofoiling is one of the newer kids on the block in surfing.

A type of surfing where the surfer rides a board with a special attachment called a “hydrofoil” underneath. The hydrofoil is a wing-like structure that lifts the board out of the water and allows the surfer to glide over the surface of the water. Much different from traditional surfing, where the surfer rides the wave on the surface of the water. 

Hydrofoiling is a more advanced type of surfing and requires more skill and physical ability than traditional surfing. It is also a more exciting and exhilarating experience, because the surfer feels like they are “flying” above the water as they ride the waves.

To try Hydrofoiling you may need:

• Hydrofoil 
• Wetsuit (if necessary)
• A boat for towing (optional but preferred when learning)
• Basic surfing skills

In traditional surfing, the surfer rides a wave on a board, using their own physical ability and the shape of the board to navigate the wave and perform various maneuvers. In hydrofoiling, the surfer rides a board with a hydrofoil attached underneath, which lifts the board out of the water and allows the surfer to glide over the surface of the water.

One of the key differences between traditional surfing and hydrofoiling is the way the surfer interacts with the wave. In surfing, the surfer paddles to “catch” the wave and ride it, using their own physical ability to maneuver and perform tricks.

In hydrofoiling, the wave is used to provide lift to the hydrofoil, allowing the board to glide over the surface of the water. The hydrofoiler can ride smaller, weaker waves that wouldn’t be possible to surf on a surfboard.

If the wave ends and the hydrofoil has enough speed, the foiler can pump his/her way back out to the lineup and catch another wave!

What about an eFoil?

An eFoil is a hydrofoil that lets you fly!

Okay, maybe not fly exactly, but it does let you glide over the water using an electric motor and a hydrofoil. It’s like a mix between a jet ski and a magic carpet ride. Imagine gliding through the ocean like a dolphin, with nothing but the sound of the water and your own laughter. But it’ll cost you, more on why eFoils cost an arm and a leg here.

Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t forget. It’s like your hydrofoil strapped to a rocket. Just make sure you don’t get too carried away and try to surf the clouds.

That’s not quite within the eFoil’s capabilities (yet).

Hydrofoiling is Harder than Surfing

Another difference is the sensation of riding the wave. In traditional surfing, the surfer can feel the power and force of the wave underneath them, and the board will often “bounce” and move around as they ride the wave. 

In hydrofoiling, the board is lifted out of the water and the surfer is essentially flying above the surface of the water, which creates a different experience. We recommend towing your hydrofoil behind a boat in order to get a grip before taking it out to the line up.

In terms of the physical demands on the surfer, hydrofoiling is generally considered to be more physically challenging than traditional surfing. It also requires advanced coordination.

The hydrofoil adds extra weight and complexity to the board, which can make it more difficult to maneuver and control. Additionally, the surfer must be more precise in their movements, as the hydrofoil is more sensitive to changes in weight distribution and balance.

Putting Hydrofoiling and Surfing Together

Overall, hydrofoiling and surfing are both difficult water sports.

If you’re totally new to the water sports game, it’s best to start surfing first. We recommend hiring a qualified instructor first.

Hydrofoiling is a relatively new and exciting development in the world of surfing, and offers a unique and exhilarating experience for those who are interested in trying it out. We also recommend a lesson for this before you try it out.

While it may be more physically demanding than traditional surfing, the ability to ride smaller waves and the sensation of “flying” above the water make it an exciting and rewarding pursuit.

FAQ about Surfing

How do I start surfing?

The best way to start is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor. 

They will be able to teach you the proper techniques and safety measures, as well as provide you with the necessary equipment. This way you can discover if you actually enjoy surfing before spending $1,000+ on a board, wetsuit, fins, and leash.

What is the best time of year to go surfing?

The best time of year to go surfing depends on a variety of factors, such as where you live and your personal preferences. 

In general, the summer months tend to have the best weather conditions for surfing, with warm water and consistent waves. The summer is more suited for the casual surfer.

However, seasoned surfers don’t mind putting on a 5.4mm wetsuit and prefer to surf when the waves have more juice.

What are the best surfing spots in the world?

We would argue the best spot is your home break. However, some of the best surfing spots in the world include Hawaii, California, Australia, and Indonesia.

These places have excellent waves and beautiful scenery, making them popular destinations for surfers from around the world. But these spots can be subject to crowds.

However, there are many other hidden gems  all over the world, so it is worth doing some research and some exploring to find the best one for you.

FAQ about Hydrofoiling

How do I start hydrofoiling?

If you are interested in learning how to hydrofoil, the best way to start is to take a lesson from a qualified instructor or receive a demo. They will be able to teach you the proper techniques and safety measures, as well as provide you with the necessary equipment. 

It is also important to choose a body of water with conditions that are suitable for beginners, such as calm and flat water.

What Should I bring on a Hydrofoiling Trip?

When you go on a hydrofoiling trip, it is important to bring the necessary equipment, such as a hydrofoil board, wetsuit, and helmet. 

You should also bring sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. It is also a good idea to bring snacks and water to stay hydrated, as well as a first aid kit in case of any injuries.

When’s the best time of year to go hydrofoiling?

The best time of year to go hydrofoiling depends on a variety of factors, such as where you live and your personal preferences. In general, the summer months tend to have the best conditions for hydrofoiling, with warm water and consistent wind.

However, experienced hydrofoilers prefer to ride in the winter when there’s more swell.

Where are the best hydrofoiling spots in the world?

Some of the best hydrofoiling spots in the world include Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Australia, and Brazil.

These places have a combination of excellent conditions and beautiful scenery, making them popular destinations for hydrofoilers from around the world. 

However, there are many other great hydrofoiling spots all over the world, so it is worth doing some research to find the best near you.