eFoil has a “easy” reputation because most people fly in their first session. That’s true. But there’s a short list of mistakes that double the cost of that first session. Here’s the avoidable.
1. Weight forward (cause #1 of falls)
When you lift off, instinct pushes you forward, fearing a back fall. Nose dives. Solution: feet on the rear taper of the deck pad, eyes on horizon. Falling forward? Move feet 5 cm back.
2. Throttling before balance
The remote is tempting. More throttle, more speed. But more speed without balance = harsher fall. Work balance prone and kneeling first. Only when comfortable, raise throttle.
3. Side fall with loose board
If you fall while flying, the board can shoot out and hit you. Correct reflex: controlled backward fall (not sideways), arms wide, push board with leg. If board ends far, wait for the battery cutoff (3 s) before swimming to it.
4. Looking at the wing instead of horizon
Like learning to ride a bike: looking at the wheel = you fall. Same here. Look 30-40 m ahead. Wing is controlled with body, not eyes.
5. Bad battery management
Starting at 100% but burning it in 30 min by going full throttle skips the important practice (stable flight at low-medium speed). Plan: progress gradually, keep 30% for the last minutes when you really get the feel.
6. Foil-height fear
Flying 70 cm above water feels high. It isn’t: it’s a single step. If you fall, you simply land in water. Fear vanishes after 2-3 flights.
7. Ignoring wind
The motor moves you without wind, but wind affects manoeuvring. Over 12-15 knots makes start-up hard and adds instability. First session: under 10 knots.
8. Skipping the briefing
If your instructor puts you in the water without explaining remote, kill switch and fall behaviour, that instructor isn’t good. Reset and start again. Safety is base.
9. Big group without 1:1 attention
eFoil needs 1:1 or 1:2 max. Groups of 4+ with a single instructor are inefficient and unsafe. A mass class is marketing, not eFoil.
10. Not hydrating
60-90 min of water, sun and focus dehydrate. Drink before and after.
Wrap-up
Mistakes are predictable. Your instructor should brief you on every one before launch. If not, re-read this while gearing up.
At El Niño Surf Center we cover all 10 points in every initial briefing. Book through lessons or contact.
Related: first session step by step.