FOILERS

On this episode of the FOILERS Podcast, we chat with Pat McHale from F4 Foils Australia about his journey from chasing downwind runs in Maui to bringing F4 Foils to Australia.After struggling in lighter Maliko conditions, Pat jumped on the F4 Orca for the first time — and instantly knew something felt different. We dive into that experience and explore what makes the Orca range stand out, from its impressive glide and early lift to the feeling of flow and control on the water.Pat also shares insights into F4’s background in high-performance wind and wing foil racing, before talking us through their foil and mast ranges (i.e., including the new skinny AK Mast) and the conditions, disciplines, and riders they are best suited to.We also discuss the continued growth of downwind foiling, the emergence of parawinging, and why sometimes the best gear isn’t just about numbers and specs — it’s the gear that creates the biggest smile.Whether you’re into downwind, prone, SUP, winging, parawinging, or simply chasing endless ocean bumps, this is a great conversation about design, progression, innovation and the pure joy of foiling.

This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, adventure, fear, progression, and finding confidence in the ocean.How does someone who grew up in the remote outback of Western Australia — with no pool, no ocean, and a fear of water — become a King of the Cut winner and complete the legendary Maui to Molokai crossing?In this episode of the Foilers Podcast, Pete sits down with WA downwind foiler and Code Foils team rider Krystal Cotterill to unpack her incredible journey from Leonora to some of the wildest ocean runs in Australia and Hawaii.Krystal shares:Growing up in the desert with zero water sports background\Learning to foil during COVID while stranded on a sailboat in the CaribbeanThe brutal early days of foiling and why she almost wrote the sport offMassive downwind runs in WA’s southwest and NingalooScary moments offshore and the safety gear she relies onEntering foiling competitions in Australia and Hawaii Why more women aren’t getting into foiling — and what the industry can do about itWhether you’re into wing foiling, downwind SUP foiling, or just love stories of people pushing themselves outside their comfort zone, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Enjoy

There’s a new player in the foil assist space—and it’s doing things very differently.In this episode, I sit down with the AMP Jetboard designer and developer, Chris Reynolds, to unpack the thinking behind this new take on foil assist systems. From a backyard prototype to a fully engineered product, this is a story of curiosity, persistence - and a completely different approach to getting up on foil.But here’s the thing - this isn’t just about technology.It’s about how we ride, where we ride, and who this kind of system is actually for and what is coming down the pipeline. We get into:Why this design took a totally different pathWhere it shines (and where it doesn’t)The reality vs expectation for everyday foilersWhat’s coming next—and why it mattersIf you’ve been watching the evolution of foil-assist systems or wondering where things are headed next, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear. Enjoy!

In this episode of the FOILERS Podcast, we go deep into the all-new Cabrinha Union foil system — a complete rethink of their foil design built around stiffness, simplicity, and performance.Joining me are John Modica (Chairman of Cabrinha) and Lars Moltrup (Product Development Manager) to unpack:Why the Union system was built from the ground upThe thinking behind the Mike’s Lab inspired connectionHow stiffness, drag reduction, and design choices impact real-world riding feelWhat makes riders say it feels “buttery smooth” on the waterHow to choose between the 760, 905, and 1150 front wingsWhy the 905 is the ultimate all-rounderThe role of stabilisers (and why they matter more than most riders think)A sneak peek at the upcoming Tweaker stabliser and Whippet foilWe also dive into the balance between engineering and rider feel, the realities of building a new foil platform, and Cabrinha’s philosophy of high-performance simplicity without the BS.If you’re into wing foiling, prone, downwind or just want to understand how modern foil systems are evolving — this is one not to miss.

In this episode of the Foilers Podcast, Pete Walmsley sits down with Western Australian foiler Hugh Mitchell—one of the most inspiring young riders in the sport today.Hugh’s journey into foiling started in 2019 with his dad’s first foil setup on the Swan River. Just a few years later, he’s chasing adventures across Australia downwind, competing in the legendary Molokai-to-Oahu race in Hawaii, coaching new foilers, running 'The Foil Project' podcast, and producing the adventure film 'Desert Winds'.In this conversation, Hugh shares the full story behind his rapid rise in foiling—from working at the Foil Shop in Perth to embarking on a 300km remote downwind expedition along Western Australia’s coastline, encountering sharks offshore, and pushing his limits in some of the world’s toughest downwind conditions.We also dive into:How Hugh discovered downwind foilingLessons from working in the foiling industryThe making of the Desert Winds filmTouring the film around AustraliaRacing in the Hawaii Downwind Race SeriesCreating and running the 'Project Flow' foiling eventCoaching foilers in PerthBecoming a sponsored riderIt’s a story about passion, pushing boundaries, and building community in one of the fastest-growing watersports in the world.If you love foiling, adventure, and the people driving the sport forward, this episode is packed with inspiration.

Chris Doerfel — founder of Hydrofoil Academy Australia at the Woollahra Sailing Club in Sydney — joins the FOILERS Podcast to break down what actually helps people learn wing foiling (and prone foiling) faster.Originally from Austria, Chris has spent 20+ years in ocean sports (windsurfing, kiting, surfing) and explains how COVID kicked off his wing foiling obsession — to the point of doing multiple sessions a day — and how that momentum turned into a coaching program built around making foiling accessible, safe, and fun.In this episode we get into:How the foiling scene in Sydney evolved from a tiny crew to a fast-growing communityWhy beginner gear has changed massivelyThe real reason beginners struggleChris’s approach: tow behind a boat vs Foil Drive assist (who should do what, and why)The underrated skillsThe most common mistake Chris seesWhy prone foiling is booming in AustraliaGear trendsBig-picture - what foiling can learn from the windsurfing boom If you’re a beginner, an intermediate chasing cleaner gybes/takeoffs, or you’re just frothing on where foiling is going next — this one’s packed with practical insight and plenty of stoke.🎧 Subscribe to FOILERS for more interviews with the people shaping foiling — from designers to coaches and riders.

Chris Porter, aerospace engineer and founder of Crisp Foils unpacks the science, experimentation, and rider feedback behind high-performance foil design — with a deep dive into why stabilisers play such a critical role in how a foil feels and performs on the water.Chris explains how his background in aerospace engineering and CNC machining led him to focus on one of the most overlooked components in foiling setups: the stabiliser. While most riders obsess over front wings, Chris breaks down how changes to stabiliser size, aspect ratio, flex, foil section and trailing-edge finish can dramatically affect pumping efficiency, carving feel, speed range and overall control.The conversation covers:Why stabilisers deliver the biggest performance gains per dollarChoosing stabiliser size based on rider height, weight and disciplineThe role of stabilisers in pump foiling, downwind foiling, winging and proneHow poor trailing-edge finishing causes foil noise — and how to fix itShimming, foot pressure and tuning your setup for different speed rangesDesigning stabilisers for everyday riders vs elite athletesChris also shares his journey from backyard prototyping to working with Armstrong Foils, collaborating with Code Foils, and designing stabilisers ridden by elite foilers — including Oscar Johansson’s world-record pump foiling session.If you’re an intermediate or advanced foiler looking to tune your setup, or you’ve ever wondered why a simple stabiliser change can completely transform your ride, this episode will change how you think about foil performance. Enjoy

ENSIS has a comprehensive range of quality foiling products, but it’s not a brand that shouts from the rooftops. In true Swiss style, they’re quietly confident, letting their gear speak for itself.In this episode, Karl Müller—founder and managing director of ENSIS—joins the FOILERS Podcast to unpack how their “Swissness” enables them to stand out in the market with high-quality, precise, and reliable foiling products that withstand rigorous testing by the likes of Balz Müller, a team rider, known for pushing products to their limits.We rewind to 2019, when Karl, Balz Müller and designer Damien Girardin kicked off ENSIS. From there, we dive into the ENSIS product development program, their focus on customer service, and why they actively build a team with a strong female presence.Karl also breaks down what makes their new Maniac foil system stand out and what riders notice most when they try them. We also discuss what’s changed in their latest wings, including their popular Top Spin wings, walk through their foil board range, and discuss parawing products in development. We finish with quick-fire topics: dream foiling spots (yes—Western Australia gets a mention), the moment Karl loves most in the product development process, and much more. Enjoy.

Join designer Adrian Roper from AXIS Foils at The Foil Shop as he breaks down the design thinking behind the Tempo downwind lineup, titanium fuselage, and the new Surge surf wings – with real-world feedback from Axis rider Luke and others at the event.This talk goes way past marketing and straight into engineering: ultra-thin, high-aspect front wings, titanium expansion-plate fuselages, unidirectional carbon (Uni) layups, mast stiffness, and why foil area is a terrible way to compare wings. If you’re into downwind foiling, prone foiling, wing foiling or dock starts, this is gold.In this video you’ll learn:- How AXIS developed the Tempo titanium fuselage and ultra-thin high-aspect front wings- Why traditional aluminium fuselages are too draggy for modern, narrow-chord foils- How switching from woven carbon to unidirectional carbon made the wings ~25% stiffer- The thinking behind the Surge surf wing: "moustache” tips, straight median line & tip-breach behavior- Why span and foil section matter more than area when choosing a wing- Real mast stiffness numbers: aluminium vs Power Carbon vs Ultra Pro vs Fatty mast- Sizing advice: moving from ART V2 & Spitfire into Tempo and Surge- Anti-corrosion details, NFC tags for authenticity, and updated AXIS fuselage designYou’ll also hear race-proven feedback from Maui, M2M, M2O and European events – plus how riders over 100 kg are using the Surge and Tempo for downwind runs, prone surf, winging and dock starts.Perfect if you’re comparing Tempo vs Fireball, Surge vs Spitfire, or trying to pick the right AXIS front wing, rear wing and mast for your next downwind, prone or wing-foil setup.👉 Follow FOILERS for more deep-dive tech talks, interviews and gear breakdowns.

In this episode of the FOILERS Podcast, Pete sits down with Cyril Coste, the innovative mind behind Duotone’s brand-new Foil Assist system. From his roots in France and years riding and designing in Maui, to leading R&D across Japan and Taiwan, Cyril brings a lifetime of foiling experience to this groundbreaking project.Together, we unpack the full story behind Duotone’s entry into the foil-assist space — why they built it, how it works, and what sets it apart. Cyril goes deep into the engineering: the high-voltage battery system worn on the waist, the free-hand thumb remote, the power and runtime philosophy, prop options, modular mast design, and the thinking behind their ultra-light Midfish board.We also explore real-world performance across waves, downwinders, pumping, and progression riding — including safety, wipeouts, compatibility with different foil brands, and how the Duotone system preserves the true “foil feeling.”If you’re curious about foil assist, comparing options, or just want the full inside story from the person who built it, this is the most comprehensive breakdown you’ll hear anywhere.

Has Slingshot reclaimed its position as one of the most innovative foiling companies in the industry? In this episode of the FOILERS Podcast, I spoke to Fred Hope, a world champion kiteboarder who now plays a lead role in product development at Slingshot. Backed by extensive experience in watersports, Fred takes new product ideas from inception through to design, testing, refinement, and market release. I asked Fred many of the questions people have been asking me about their one-lock foil system, and as you will discover, there is more to it than simply being able to put your foils together without screws. We also explored Slingshot's 2026 range of wings and boards, talking about their design approach, how they compare to previous models and why people should consider them when upgrading their gear. It's a pivotal time at Slingshot, with a range of talented designers driven to create innovative and compelling products that put Slingshot at the forefront of the evolving, growing foiling disciplines. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced wing foiler, there is something in this episode for everyone. If you are into downwinding, prone foiling, and dock starting, you will also enjoy the episode with a range of new products coming your way. Enjoy!

Four-times Wing Foil World Champion Mathis Ghio joins the Foilers Podcast to talk all things speed, strategy, and competition. From training routines to race-day mindset, Mathis reveals what it takes to dominate the global wingfoil racing scene — and how he keeps pushing the limits of equipment design and performance. He also shares actionable insights every wing foiler can use to improve their speed and control.

In this episode, I spoke to Marcus Tardrew from CODE Foils. Marcus has a 15-year background as a leading SUP and board shaper across multiple disciplines. Known particularly for his work with Sunova. Marcus was also the first Australian to compete in the Molokai to Oahu race on a foil in 2019.  I met Marcus a few years ago when he worked at a foil shop. He is a fairly quiet and humble guy, but in this episode, I managed to get him talking.  We chat about the latest CODE Foils releases and the background and philosophy of CODE Foils more generally. We also talk about the team behind CODE Foils and their design and business philosophies and reflect on the drivers of their success to date. There are some great people in this awesome sport, and Marcus is one of those very authentic and passionate foilers who is always great to catch up with. Enjoy the episode.

In this episode, I spoke to Jermome and Leopold, who design foils for Duotone. We discuss their design philosophies and approach, as well as the evolving technologies used to design and build foils for wing foiling, downwind foiling, prone foiling and pump foiling. We also discuss why they don't currently produce foils for racing.We also discuss how they respond to the market and balance the need to deliver what the market currently needs or expects while also looking ahead to educate the market and introduce new approaches and designs for improved performance. Jermone and Leopold also discuss their current foil range and their applications. It’s a particularly interesting chat for those looking to understand the thinking behind foil design and the decision-making process and steps taken in transitioning from a product idea to the launch of a new foil. Enjoy!

Dylan is a passionate waterman who distributes Kalama Performance gear in Australia and is the founder of Flow Foiling, a dedicated foiling school. He is also an accomplished athlete, participating in high-profile stand-up paddleboarding and downwind foiling events. I caught up with Dylan following the Koa Kai Triple Crown in Hawaii. We explored his background and foiling philosophy while also taking a closer look at the Kalama Performance product range.

In this episode, I’m joined by kiting legend and foiling adventurer Patrick Rebstock. From pioneering strapless wave riding to pushing the limits of downwinding and parawinging, Patrick has spent decades chasing the perfect ride. We dive into his journey from California surf breaks to parawinging with Ozone’s Pocket Rocket and explore why parawinging is opening up a whole new world for foilers everywhere.

In this episode, I spoke to Adam Stronczak from Stoke Foiling about their new Stoke Foil Boost Ultra system. This system extends their product range into hybrid foiling, with the ability to switch between a foil-assist mode for a boost of power or a full e-foil mode to spend more time powered on the foil. Is this product for you? Listen and decide for yourself. Loving the continued evolution of foiling. Enjoy

Cynthia "Cynbad" Brown is widely celebrated in the foiling community for her fearless spirit, enduring passion, and trailblazing presence on the water. Last year, at 62, she achieved podium finishes at three major downwind Hawaii events. Beyond her impressive athletic achievements, Cynthia is known for her infectious energy and commitment to sharing the stoke. She has been a pivotal figure in the evolution of foiling sports, from windsurfing in the 1980s to pioneering parawing downwinders today.She has such a great story to tell, and I know you are going to love this episode. Enjoy!

In this episode, I catch up with none other than Damien LeRoy - kiteboarding world champ, foil frother, successful YouTuber, and one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Damien talks about his journey from competitive kiteboarding to becoming a fully fledged foil addict. We delve into his passion for progression, the foiling gear he's currently riding and why, his thoughts on where the foiling industry is heading, and why he's so driven to share the stoke about foiling. Damien also reflects on the 100km Atlantic Ocean crossing he completed with a couple of mates, kiting from Florida to the Bahamas back in 2017, and his thoughts on future adventures. It's an epic chat for those who love foiling

Mike Raper is the  Brand Director of North Kiteboarding and North Foils. Mike is extremely passionate about watersports and has an extensive background in the area. We talk through North's philosophy as a brand and their approach to designing foiling gear. We also talk about their new Ranger parawing and midi foil board, and how they work in combination. In chatting to Mike, I learnt a lot about North Foils and the foiling industry more generally. Noting that I have no affiliation with North, I came away from our discussion impressed with how North have evolved in recent years, developing some great products for foilers at all levels. Enjoy

This episode is brought to you by the Hydrofoil Academy Australia and is part 2 of my chat with Greg from Boardriding Maui (BRM). As you probably know, in 2024, Greg launched the BRM Maliko Parawing, which created a whole new way to enjoy foiling.  Since then, Greg has been continuing to evolve and refine his design. Recently, he surprised many by launching three new parawings. In our chat, we look at the differences between the new parawings and his original design and discuss what you should consider when choosing which parawing model is best for you. It's an impressive range, and he is a great ambassador and innovator, driving the sport forward. Enjoy.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Greg, the founder of Boardriding Maui (BRM). Greg started BRM in 2012, backed by a strong watersports background. He started his career at a local windsurfing shop in Maui and later went on to be placed 4th in the 2001 Kiteboarding World Tour. He then worked as a designer for Naish International for some 10 years. In 2024, Greg launched the BRM Maliko Parawing, creating a whole new way to enjoy foiling. In our conversation, Greg shares the inspiration behind his parawing and his experience with the gear best suited to use a parawing. We also delve into the challenges and triumphs of pushing the boundaries of gear performance and discuss how innovations like the parawing are opening up new possibilities for riders around the world.​

The first thing most of us do when we head out on the water is take our sunglasses off. However, you get a double dose of UV radiation from UV reflecting off the water in combination with direct UV exposure. And, importantly, UV damage to our eyes is cumulative. Glare is, of course, also a major issue, particularly during those morning or afternoon foiling sessions. Back in 2012, a keen windsurfer who had made sunglasses for cyclists decided to make sunglasses for watersports, and so LiP Sunglasses was born. It was a challenging undertaking, but he developed a range of designs that could withstand the harsh conditions of the ocean, provide clear vision, and protect eyes. In this episode, I talked to Graham Saunders from LiP Sunglasses about why we should consider wearing sunglasses out on the water. We also chat about the features of their range and what makes them work so well out on the water. We also talk about lens options and why you might choose polarised lenses over non-polarised or photochromic lenses. If you are keen to keep foiling long term then wearing sunglasses is something you should seriously consider.

In this episode, I chat with Richard Boudia, the International Business Development Manager for AFS (Alien Foiling Systems). Richard provides an overview of the evolution of AFS and shares their philosophies in designing their foils and boards. He is a driving force behind the approach that AFS is taking, and in our chat, he shares his thoughts on global foiling trends. I am sure you will enjoy this episode.

Oskar Johansson is a team rider for Armstrong and a talented and well-renowned prone foiler. In this episode, Oscar reflects on a busy year in 2024, balancing working and foiling, shares his early experiences as a surfer starting prone foiling, and provides some great tips on gear and technique for those looking to get into prone foiling or simply up their prone foiling game. We also touch on a range of other foiling disciplines and discuss the future of foiling more generally. Enjoy.

On the 2019/2020 New Years Eve Jermy dared himself, as a New Year's resolution, to take video footage every single time he went foiling, edit it, and put it up on YouTube. Four years later, he is posting a video every week on his Oceanbound channel, and they are proving to be very popular. His videos are relaxed, informative and entertaining. Well worth a watch! In this episode, we chat about the foiling gear he has tried and is currently riding, the growth in popularity of downwinding, the gear he uses to make his videos, the future of foiling and much more. Sit back and enjoy!

Welcome to a local legend episode, where I talk with people who froth foiling and are out on the water at every opportunity. In this episode, I talk to Sven Mayer, who is a local legend in Perth, Western Australia. We talk about the foiling disciplines he is enjoying at the moment, the gear that works best for him, and his views on the future of foiling. Sven also posts regularly on Instagram with some great content - check him out @sveny_foils. Enjoy!

Balz Müller is best known for his crazy freestyle wing foiling and windsurfing manoeuvres and is one of the most passionate water sports enthusiasts around. In this episode, Blaz talks about growing up with a family of watersports enthusiasts in Switzerland, his experiences in the early days of wing foiling, his involvement with Ensis and Sabfoil product development, his perspective on the future of foiling, and much more. Enjoy!

PPC is a leading foiling company with a growing range of world class products. In this episode, I spoke to Sam from PPC about the evolution of PPC, the guiding principles that differentiate it from others companies, new product releases, the future of foiling, and much more. Enjoy.

AXIS has long been a key player in foiling sports. In this episode, I spoke to Adrian about their new foil range, their philosophies regarding foil design, the origins and evolution of AXIS, their perspectives on the future of foiling, and much more. Enjoy.

The popularity of foil propulsion systems is growing as more people want to go foiling more often. In this episode, I talked to Hamish from Stoke about his Stoke Foil Boost. Have a listen to hear where the idea came from, the ways in which the Stoke Foil Boost is different, and which scenarios it is best suited for. Enjoy.