Etiquette for Motorized Foil Surfing

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Over the past week, I’ve navigated lineups as a paddle foiler alongside motorized devices such as foil drives, eFoils, and jet skis, with tow boogies also prevalent over the summer. These motorized tools offer significant advantages, allowing riders to catch waves before they break and potentially monopolize wave access, altering the dynamics of shared surf spots.

In sports like soccer and golf, even seemingly arbitrary rules promote fairness—no hands in soccer and golf, no motors in competitive cycling or sailing. Surfing also has established norms for safety and fairness. However, the increasing use of motorized devices demands a renewed commitment to adapting and enforcing these core rules:

  1. Wave Priority
  2. No Interference
  3. Maintain Distance
  4. Limit Usage in Crowded Areas
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When using motorized devices like:

  • Foil Drives
  • Propeller or Jet Drive Assist
  • Tow Boogies, etc.

it’s crucial to follow proper etiquette to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all surfers, particularly when sharing the lineup with paddlers. These guidelines help prevent dangerous situations and foster harmony in the surf zone.

  1. Respect Wave Priority
    Always yield to the surfer paddling and closest to the wave’s peak. Motorized surfers using foil drives or other powered devices must give priority to paddlers to avoid dangerous situations and ensure fair wave distribution.

  2. Avoid All Lineups
    Motorized surfers have an advantage in catching waves earlier and with less effort, so using these devices in crowded lineups is discouraged. Competing with paddlers in such conditions is unfair and increases the risk of collisions and conflicts.

  3. Maintain Safe Distance
    After a tow-in, the motorized device should promptly exit the impact zone and stay at a safe distance from the lineup. This precaution ensures that paddlers can surf without the threat of close-proximity collisions.

  4. Limit Usage in Crowded Areas
    Tow-in surfing and foiling are best practiced at less crowded, advanced surf spots. In popular areas with more paddlers, limit motorized activity or avoid it during peak times to maintain respect and safety within the community.

Related Links here:

(Billabong) ​(FilSurf) ​( Jet Tech)

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My guess in the next 12-36 months you’ll see efoils and drone tow specifically banned. I see too many foil drive riders going to crowded places. It’s only a matter of time. They’re technically breaking the law already. PWCs are already illegal too close to shore in Florida. Florida State Regulations: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) enforces statewide regulations for boat operation near the shore. Typically, motorized vessels are required to stay at least 300 feet (offshore) away from designated swimming areas and beaches on the ocean side.

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come and get me copers - Google Search.jpeg
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Come and get me coppers!

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Really tough to enforce a ban along the entire FL coast, but I could see something happening. You would hope the threat of a ban would keep foil drive/ efoilers out of the line up but I suspect the ones that are terrorizing line ups just don’t realize it.

Either way if FD is banned at the crowded spots it will just drive them to the uncrowded spots where they belong. I love my FD but it definitely makes me feel antisocial as I try to ride on the outside or away from the line up. Guessing even with that I manage to annoy others. Which is why I usually just ride my local spot which I usually have all to myself.

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Ebikes are also banned. It’s future we live in. just hope people are smart enough to use them wisely.

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I 100% agree with your points @Beasho.

I have a FD and have also noticed other FD users getting too close to the surf line up even when there is a mile of open water and good waves just 50 yards down the beach. If you have a FD Max, you can spare the few % of battery it takes to motor to another area. I’m not sure what drives (haha) the impulsive behavior to FD close to others. Maybe the need to be seen or validated that what your doing is fun? Any psychologists who can explain this?

And if your area requires you to FD in the same vicinity as others, don’t take a line toward people. If you can’t go in a direction where there are no people, then it’s probably too crowded to FD in that spot. The drag from the pod can force you out of your intended line which may take you too close to another surfer or even a FD user. A few times a fellow FD user has buzzed by too close to me thinking I’m ok with it because I’m also on an FD but I don’t want to be anywhere close to that thing!

Also, get a thick leash for bigger days. There’s an 8mm Kaohi waste leash that’s great. And don’t ride a board you can’t duck dive if you’re going out in waves more than 3 feet if you’re even remotely (haha again) close to other water users.

These may all sound obvious but I see people riding these devices doing dumb things.

I also see SUP foilers riding too close as well. Those canoes can get out of control and do damage to near by water users when the waves get bigger. Not @Beasho though; he stays well clear of others when paddling out or riding!

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Awesome episode from Foildrive where the founder Paul chats with Josh Ku about its experience.
They are discussions every aspect of motorized foiling etiquette and Paul gives guidelines on how to be accepted on the spot without frictions.

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That episode is 1 hour 15 minutes. Here is the summary:

Tow Foiling Etiquette: Insights from Josh Ku and Paul Martin

In a recent discussion, both Josh Ku and Paul Martin shared valuable insights on etiquette for tow foiling, aiming to create a harmonious environment in the surf lineup and ensure safety for all ocean users. Their recommendations focus on respect, communication, and minimizing conflict with other surfers, particularly those paddling under their own power.

Conclusion

Both Josh Ku and Paul Martin agree on the importance of setting a positive example and maintaining respect for traditional surfers. By prioritizing paddlers, communicating openly, and minimizing noise, tow foilers can coexist peacefully with other surfers. They also emphasize the need for self-regulation within the tow foiling community to ensure that this new technology enhances, rather than disrupts, the ocean experience. Respecting the space and rights of all ocean users is key to building a harmonious surf culture as motorized foiling continues to grow in popularity.

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Josh Ku’s Etiquette Recommendations

  1. Prioritize Traditional Surfers (Paddlers)
    Josh Ku emphasizes that tow foilers must prioritize paddlers, especially in crowded lineups. He explains that paddlers, who rely on human power, have a smaller window of opportunity to catch waves. Tow foilers, aided by motorized assistance, should yield to paddlers and avoid taking waves in areas designated for traditional surfing. Instead, tow foilers are encouraged to catch groundswells and waves further offshore, which paddlers cannot reach, thereby minimizing interference and reducing tensions. (Timestamp: 2:00 - 4:12)*

  2. Clear Communication
    Ku stresses the importance of communication with other surfers to reduce any potential friction. He advocates for a direct approach, suggesting that tow foilers speak to paddlers before entering the water to clarify their intentions and ensure they aren’t competing for the same waves. This helps avoid misunderstandings and builds camaraderie in the lineup. Ku often reassures paddlers that they can take waves without worrying about his presence, as he can catch waves they may not be targeting. (Timestamp: 17:30 - 18:39)*

  3. Respect the Environment by Minimizing Noise Pollution
    Another key point from Ku’s recommendations is the importance of minimizing noise pollution. Tow foilers should ensure that their motors remain submerged to reduce excessive noise, which can disrupt the peaceful ocean environment and annoy other surfers. He emphasizes that operators should use the throttle efficiently, avoiding rapid changes in power that cause the motor to breach the surface and create unnecessary noise. This also enhances the efficiency of the foil drive and extends battery life.(Timestamp: 34:00 - 36:10)*

Paul Martin’s Etiquette Recommendations

  1. Responsibility as Early Adopters
    Bill Martin highlights the responsibility that tow foilers have as early adopters of new technology. He encourages tow foilers to set the standard for behavior in the water, advocating for a self-policing approach to ensure that the growing community adheres to common-sense rules of etiquette. He points out that, as the first to adopt motorized foil technology, tow foilers are setting an example that others will follow, making it crucial to demonstrate respect and responsibility from the outset. (Timestamp: 1:18 - 1:41)*
  2. Balancing Technology and Tradition
    Martin stresses that the introduction of new technology, like foil drives, often causes tension because it changes the dynamics of the surf lineup. However, he argues that technology itself is not the issue; rather, it’s about how it is used. Tow foilers should find ways to coexist with traditional surfers by using their technology responsibly. Martin recommends finding areas outside of the primary lineup where traditional surfers gather, allowing both groups to enjoy the waves without conflict. (Timestamp: 5:04 - 6:39)*
  3. Group Etiquette and Avoiding Showboating
    Martin also touches on the issue of group etiquette when multiple tow foilers are out together. He cautions against the temptation to show off or aggressively compete for waves, especially when foiling in groups. This behavior can increase tension and lead to accidents. Instead, he advises tow foilers to exercise restraint, respect the rules of wave-sharing, and avoid overcrowding popular surf spots, particularly when other surfers are present. (Timestamp: 40:00 - 41:04)*
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People have been advocating “self regulation” on various podcasts, mostly presented by the owners of motor-assist products.

But Self regulation amounts to Doing WTF you want.

There are Rules for driving cars, surfing, boating . . . that are mutually understood to keep peace and keep people safe.

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It’s simple: if you’re having to consider priority, you are in the wrong place.

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I agree with your etiquette rules. It seems so obvious but some people are wired differently.

I’m pretty sure it’s Paul Martin

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I have a FD and use it almost every time I foil.

I think it’s accepted amongst the FD community, if you’re powered, give way to anyone who’s not. But that doesn’t mean an FD/Tow Boogie can’t enjoy the waves that are going unridden.

It’s no problem pulling off the back with FD as you can access waves much further out, or at quieter spots along the beach. I’m happy to see a prone foiler get a good wave. I know I’ll get a good wave soon enough. Share the stoke.

I’m happy to use my FD with other paddlers in the water because I know I’ll pull off if they’re going for a wave, or I’ll ride waves they can’t catch.

For me, that’s not a problem.

I do think there’s some resentment around the numbers of waves FD foilers catch. But if these are waves that would otherwise gone through unridden (not taking waves off other water users), what’s the problem?

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It’s okay to dislike something simply for what it is—that’s a part of being human. Electric anything is super easy to hate.

This etiquette conversation, however, is older than surfing itself: people have always disliked what others do, and thus tried to manage it. I used to get frustrated when I’d get burned by longboarders, then by stand-up paddlers, and later by foilers. People are good at breaking rules for selfish reasons. A disrespectful foiler was once likely a disrespectful surfer. Surfing legislature won’t change that.

The best watermen let their surfing speak for themselves. Verbalizing what’s “unfair” in the lineup often does little more than create more division and foster negativity.

I love this sport, it’s been two years since I’ve ridden a surfboard. Now, I can downwind 20 miles one day, tow boogie the next, and enjoy a chip-in prone or sup session after that, usually solo, which never would have happened while surfing after the influx of New York, Boston, California money/crowds to my area.

I wholeheartedly agree with all the etiquette suggestions shared, but let’s remember that these principles have always been part of the surf culture, and often ignored regardless. People will be difficult, dangerous, reckless, whether it’s in the water or on the interstate.

However the unfortunate result in my community of such persistent negativity toward motor-assisted foiling has been creating unnecessary tension between surfers and ALL foilers—not just those with e-foils. It’s giving surfers an “us vs them” mentality, which we already didn’t need help with.

The best course of action is to let your surfing do the talking, one-on-one conversations if someone just doesn’t know the etiquette yet, but most importantly to build everyone up no matter how they are trying to enjoy the water.

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agree that there are a lot of constructive ideas here, and the educational outreach effort is a good thing (though a tough task, esp. early on…just like snowboards, downhill bikes, ebikes, uphill skiers, etc.)…

It seems like there are a couple different perspectives here…one based on seeking policies/practices to maximize both access and safety for all users, and a second based on a deference to surfing…

While there’s lots of overlap, I can see folks who don’t know surf etiquette thinking “we are all equal in trying to make use of a free public resource…how can these guys claim to own the break?”, and not taking to any rules that aren’t based in something that seems to be based on reasonably objective safety considerations for all

Meanwhile lots of surfers will continue to see anything that allows further encroachment on their breaks as disrespectful of surf culture and tradition and a nuisance not to be tolerated. While that understandably gets a lot of deference here, I’m not sure how that will fare in any broad-based public scrutiny in a policy making context (but “tradition” does tend to get some deference…as in horseback riders on trails here in the West)…

I don’t have answers, and more conflict seems inevitable…it also seems that similar cases have eventually worked themselves out for the most part, even if not to everyone’s (or anyone’s) particular liking…often enabled by some clear rules that get effectively enforced, along with some smart management of resources to reduce user conflict.

Meanwhile in SE Idaho…I have only seen one other foiler in two years of foiling here, and that was a French guy just passing through on a road trop who saw the spot on his iKite app…blows my mind when I go to the gorge and have to watch out for people landing on my head…

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I think “safe distance” should be 100 meters down the beach (unless it’s around your foil buddies and zero surfers). On foil it’s too easy to cover hundreds of feet on one wave

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On top of etiquette, what about actual rules for motorised craft? Does the USA have the same rules as we have in Australia and a lot of international waters of no more than 5 knots (e.g. whenever on foil) within 200m of shore and within 50m of other vessels or water users?

I can’t see rules being adapted quickly for efoils considering how much issue is apparently caused by ebikes and skateboards, so I assume efoils will be held accountable to the standard rules in most locations for some time. I am aware that NSW in Australia has some exceptions for efoils, but its mainly about licensing/registration and I believe the 200/50m rules still apply.

Its nice to see the ‘anti-crowd’ campaign from FD, and I understand the Zerotow boogie has some GPS limitations like Drones that prevent it from going into nominated problem zones. I don’t own any e-foil device, but the images that makes me want to buy one are the same that would encourage me to use it well - footage of people getting epic waves that arent accessible without a tow or e-device. Maybe if the stick isn’t working we need more carrot?

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This might be the most eloquently written position I’ve read on this. :clap:t3::clap:t3:

Agree with every word.

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This is spot on.