E-foil is the water activity that has been talked about the most in recent years, and Barcelona is one of the best places in the world to try it. But if you’ve never been on one, you probably have a lot of questions. Here we answer them all.
What is an e-foil?
An e-foil (or efoil) is an electric surfboard with a hydrofoil mounted on the bottom. The hydrofoil is a structure with wings that, as the board gains speed, generates hydrodynamic lift and raises the board —and the rider— above the water surface.
The motor is completely electric, silent and emission-free. It is controlled with a wireless remote in the rider’s hand that regulates the speed.
How does it work?
The mechanism is simple in theory:
- Lying on the board, start the engine slowly
- The board gains speed
- The hydrofoil generates lift and the board rises
- Once elevated, adjust body weight to control height and direction
In practice, it takes some practice to find balance, but the learning curve is surprisingly fast.
Is it difficult to learn to e-foil?
This is the million-dollar question. The honest answer: it’s not easy at first, but you learn fast.
Most people who try e-foil for the first time manage to rise from the water in their first 1-hour session. In the second session you can already start turning and controlling the direction.
Factors that accelerate learning:
- Good sense of balance (surfing, skateboarding or snowboarding help a lot)
- Calm water
- Good instructor
- Not being afraid to fall (water is soft)
Is it dangerous?
E-foil has its risks if not practiced with the appropriate measures, but with an instructor and safety protocol it is a very safe activity. At Nautiq Barcelona:
- There is always an instructor in the water accompanying
- Life jacket is provided
- The session begins in areas without nautical traffic
- The remote has an emergency stop system
The most frequent falls are simple dives into the water. The hydrofoil has protections and the motor stops automatically if the rider falls.
How much does an e-foil session cost in Barcelona?
At Nautiq Barcelona, a 1-hour e-foil session costs €90 per person and includes:
- Certified instructor in the water during the entire session
- E-foil board (Lift Foils, the industry standard)
- Life jacket
- Wetsuit if necessary
- Prior safety briefing
Where is e-foil practiced in Barcelona?
We practice in the Bogatell beach area, next to Port Olímpic. It is an ideal location because:
- The waters are relatively calm
- There is little boat traffic in the practice area
- The views towards the city are spectacular
- Easy access by metro (Line 4, Poblenou station)
What should I bring?
- Swimsuit or swimwear
- Desire to have fun
- (Optional) Lycra or wetsuit if the water is cool
We provide the rest.
Who is e-foil for?
E-foil is suitable for:
- Adults and young people from 14 years old
- No previous experience in water sports
- People with experience in surfing, kite or snowboarding who want a different challenge
- Groups of friends looking for an original activity
We do not recommend e-foil for people with serious balance problems, knee or back injuries, or pregnant women.
Is e-foil better than surfing or kite?
It’s not a question of better or worse, but different. E-foil has unique advantages:
- Does not depend on wind or waves: you can practice it any day
- Faster learning than surfing or kite
- Unique sensation: there is nothing comparable to flying over the water in silence
- Eco-friendly: electric motor without combustion
If you want to live this experience in Barcelona, book your e-foil session with us. Few places left in high season.