Foil Life Podcast by SFT

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. In this episode, we sit down with Tom Hartmann and Nico Hopp of Hoppline to dive into the exhilarating world of pump foiling at Lake Traunsee, Upper Austria. Broadcasting from their respective homes, Tom and Nico share their passion for this rapidly growing sport, the vibrant community, and the unique vibe of the SFT.- Lake Traunsee Triumph: Tom and Nico recap the SFT event at Lake Traunsee, a stunning venue surrounded by mountains with a top-notch setup. With four starting docks and a professional organization running alongside the Austrian Wing Foil Championships, the event offered a perfect mix of competition and community, capped off with exciting wake foiling sessions behind a boat.- Pump Foiling’s Appeal: Tom and Nico discuss the sport’s accessibility, thriving in flatwater lakes and ideal for urban and inland locations. They highlight how pump foiling draws in everyone from pros to beginners. - Community-Driven Competition: Nico emphasizes the inclusive nature of the SFT, where pros like Eden Fiander and Robert von Roll race alongside amateurs, creating a social and competitive atmosphere. Tom explains the division structure—pro, open, masters, youth, and women’s categories—ensuring everyone, from seasoned athletes to first-timers, feels motivated to join. - Gear and Technique Evolution: The duo dives into the latest gear trends, with Nico noting the pros’ use of tiny, high-performance wings and unique dock-start techniques. From Eden’s strap-based approach to Rob’s hands-on style, the diversity in equipment and skills keeps the sport dynamic and exciting. - A Family Affair: Tom highlights the family-friendly vibe, with free dinners for competitors and their families, fostering a welcoming environment. Nico shares a heartwarming story of a young competitor and his mother camping out to participate, showcasing the sport’s appeal across generations.- The Future of SFT: Tom reveals plans for the final 2025 event in Abu Dhabi, featuring e-foiling and wake foiling, and a 2026 season kicking off in Düsseldorf. With ambitions to expand prize money and bring events to urban centers like Venice’s Grand Canal, the SFT aims to grow pump foiling’s global reach.Join us for a lively discussion packed with insights into pump foiling’s rise, the thrill of close-knit competition, and the community spirit driving this niche sport forward. From stunning venues to innovative gear, this episode captures the excitement of foiling without wind.Visit: https://www.instagram.com/supfoiltour & https://www.instagram.com/hoppline/

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. In this exciting episode, we sit down with Benji, the newly crowned wing foiling world champion, and Tom Hartmann, to discuss Benji’s incredible rise in the sport. Broadcasting from different corners of the world, we dive into Benji’s journey, the evolution of wing foiling, and the vibrant community pushing the sport to new heights.From Rookie to Champion: Benji shares his meteoric rise to the 2025 world title in his first full year on the GWA tour. Training with former world champion Chris MacDonald Jr in La Ventana, Mexico, Benji’s determination and skill led to a standout performance at Gran Canaria’s El Burrero, where perfect conditions and huge kickers fueled his victory.Mastering the Art of Freestyle: Benji and Tom break down the high-flying, stylish Palau combinations that dominated the tour, with Benji’s clean, massive tricks—like the Palau front flip—earning top scores. Tom highlights the sport’s progression, from mobes to double flips, and the push for height and power over technicality.The Gran Canaria Arena: Tom paints a vivid picture of El Burrero, a new gem on the GWA tour with consistent winds and ideal kickers. The spot’s setup, with spectators close to the action on a pier, made it a perfect stage for Benji’s championship-winning performance.Gear Matters: Benji credits his switch to Gong gear for its phenomenal hang time, emphasizing the critical role of equipment in competition. From wings to foils, having the right setup for conditions like Gran Canaria’s 30-35 knots was key to his success.Community and Competition: Tom celebrates the growth of wing foiling, spotlighting the women’s freestyle scene, led by talents like Marie, and the influx of young riders. Benji reflects on the camaraderie and rivalry with competitors like the Ajar brothers, pushing each other to go bigger.Looking Ahead: With his sights set on defending his title, Benji shares his plans to return to La Ventana in November and aim for “at least ten” championships. Tom hints at potential judging tweaks to encourage trick variety, promising an even more thrilling 2026 season.Join us for an action-packed conversation filled with insights into wing foiling’s cutting edge, the thrill of competition, and the passion driving its global community. Benji’s story is a testament to hard work, fearless commitment, and the joy of soaring through the air. Visit: https://www.instagram.com/wingfoilworldtour & https://www.instagram.com/benjamincastenskiold_07/

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. In this episode, we dive into the world of foiling with Tom Hartmann fresh from the 12th edition of Foiling Week at Lake Garda, Italy. Tom shares the thrill of hosting a groundbreaking event that brought together board sports and sailing under the banner of hydrofoiling. From orchestrating the first-ever downwind event on the lake to integrating pump foil and e-foil World Cups, Tom recounts the logistical challenges and epic moments of racing amidst the Alps’ stunning scenery. He also reflects on his recent trip to San Francisco, wing foiling under the Golden Gate Bridge, and the vibrant water sports community there. With insights into the future of foiling, the rise of foil assist technology, and the infectious energy of young athletes like 11-year-old Liam Calo, this episode is packed with stoke and innovation.Episode Highlights:Chasing perfect north winds for a downwind run at Lake Garda, with whitecaps and mountain backdropsHosting pump foil and e-foil World Cups in Malcesine’s marina, with athletes carving turns meters from spectatorsBridging board sports and sailing through foiling, with top sailors trying wing and pump foilingWing foiling under San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, chasing ship wakes and riding wavesThe rise of foil assist technology and its game-changing potential for downwind and pump foilingInspiring the next generation, with young foilers like Liam Kahlo stealing the showPro tips for event logistics, securing sponsors, and fostering collaboration in the foiling communityFollow Tom Hartmann and SFT:Instagram: @surffoilworldtour

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. In this episode we catch up with Tom Hartmann about the Atlanta Foil Fest at Lake Lanier’s Olympic Park. Tom dives into the three-day event, featuring E-Foil, Pump Foil, Wake Foil, and Airchair foiling competitions, alongside demos and clinics. From Justin Chait dominant performance to Nick Leason’s E-Foil legacy and the innovative Betafoil Enduro, the event united foilers from the US, Europe, and beyond. Tom also teases upcoming Surf World Tour events at Lake Garda and Abu Dhabi, promising bigger competitions and live streams.Episode Highlights:Atlanta Foil Fest’s debut as a foiling mecca with a custom-built start dockHigh-level E-Foil and Pump Foil races, plus the return of AirchairMeeting foiling pioneer Nick Leeson and testing Betafoil’s massive wingsLake Garda’s Foiling Week and Abu Dhabi’s massive prize purse on the horizonGrowing the global foiling community through passion and connectionFollow Tom & SFT: @surffoilworldtour on Instagram, Facebook, YouTubeWebsite: surffoilworldtour.com

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On this episode we sit down with Mike and Steff from North Actionsports in New Zealand, diving into the rise of parawinging and their game-changing Ranger parawing. From a daring Cook Strait crossing to decades of kiteboarding roots with pioneer Peter Lynn, they share how the Ranger was born for downwind foiling with safety and ease in mind. This episode uncovers the passion and innovation driving North’s foiling revolution.In this episode, you’ll discover:Origin Story: A 2022 Cook Strait foil sparked a single-skin wing for self-rescue, inspired by Mike’s kiteboarding past.Ranger’s Design: Easy to use, durable, and powerful (2.2m to 5.2m), perfect for beginners to advanced downwinders.Key Features: D-Rib tech for less drag, a depower tab for strong winds, and a harness line for upwind ease.Safety Backpack: Stores multiple wings, straps on for offshore trips, and doubles as a safety device.Material Choice: Ripstop nylon with a strong coating for longevity in harsh conditions.Downwind Edge: Grunt to get on foil without paddling, plus board and foil tips.Community Drive: A passion project with North’s team, fueled by New Zealand’s wild swells.Check out the Ranger at https://northactionsports.com. Join the foiling community and ride the next wave!

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. We’re thrilled to kick off our new role as the official podcast of the Surf Foil World Tour (SFT)! In this episode, we sit down with Jørgen Vogt and Tom Hartmann, the masterminds behind the SFT, a groundbreaking world tour for non-wind-powered foiling disciplines. From its roots in the GKA (Kite World Tour) and GWA (Wing Foil World Tour) to embracing pump foiling, surf foiling, and more, Jørgen and Tom share how the SFT is uniting passionate amateurs and pros alike, fostering a vibrant foiling community. This chat dives into the tour’s grassroots vibe and big ambitions.In this episode, you’ll discover:SFT’s Origin Story: How a 2019 Cape Town car chat sparked a new tour, building on Jørgen’s GKA success and Tom’s windsurf tour experience.Five Core Disciplines: Pump foiling, surf foiling, downwind foiling, e-foiling, and wake foiling—accessible sports for lake lovers, yacht owners, and wave chasers.Grassroots Appeal: Why the SFT’s Pro-Am approach welcomes enthusiasts, not just pros, fostering friendships and community at events like Pensacola and Sicily.Global Growth: From Düsseldorf’s indoor World Cup to North America’s rising demand, with the Atlanta Foil Fast World Cup (June 13-15, 2025) on the horizon.Event Challenges: Navigating financial hurdles and explaining niche foiling to sponsors, unlike the established GKA and GWA tours.Jørgen & Tom’s Partnership: A chance meeting at a Mauritius Kite World Cup party led to a dynamic duo driving foiling’s future.Community Impact: How SFT events, like Sicily’s Water Experience, invite newcomers to try foiling, sparking passion across generations.Check out the SFT at https://www.surffoilworldtour.com/ for event schedules and details. Join the foiling community and catch the Atlanta Foil Fest World Cup vibe!

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On this episode, we chat with Tom Hartmann, tour manager for the GWA Wing Foil World Tour and Surf Foil World Tour (SFT). Fresh from the windy Mondial du Vent in Leucate, France, Tom breaks down the action, from wing foiling in 40-knot gusts to e-foiling and pump foiling in tough conditions. He shares what went down, who stood out, and how these sports are growing fast.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Leucate’s Crazy Weather: Nonstop winds switching from Tramontane to onshore, hitting 20-40 knots, making this one of the wildest Mondial du Vents in Tom’s 20 years there.GWA Standouts: Young gun Benjamin Castenskiold, 14, hitting the surf freestyle final, Nia chasing wins in all four disciplines, and Francesco Capuzzo taking free fly slalom.SFT Action: E-foiling in 40 knots, with a one-armed e-foiler competing and a jet ski downwind format for pump foil when waves got rough.New Faces & Moves: Clean front-to-backflip combos in surf freestyle, plus a record 18-19 women in wing foiling.Judging Shift: Ex-pro Max Robinson joining the judges, bringing his rider’s perspective to the tour.Next Stop: The SFT heading to Sicily’s Water Festival for pump foil, e-foil, and a big beach party vibe.Check out the action on Instagram at @surffoilworldtour, follow on Facebook or YouTube, or head to surffoilworldtour.com for event info.Watch the full episode on YouTube

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. In this exciting episode, Tom Hartmann joins us to dive into the latest from the wing foiling and surf foiling world. We recap the recent GWA Wave World Cup in Cabo Verde, where stellar conditions at Ponta Preta showcased top-tier performances, including Nia Suardiaz’s well-deserved women’s wave title and Cash Berzolla’s standout riding. Tom shares behind-the-scenes insights, from equipment challenges to the new rule allowing wing-powered airs that elevated the show. We reflect on Foiling Week in Pensacola, Florida—a vibrant, community-driven event connecting U.S. foilers across disciplines like wing foiling, pump foiling, and e-foiling. Tom highlights the social aspect’s role in building the foil community, Pensacola’s potential as a water sports hub, and Cocoa Beach’s rise as a key spot, despite tricky swell at the Foil Surf Race League. Looking ahead, the future of surf foiling shines bright with plans for new events and formats. Plus, Tom shares a lively detour to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, soaking in its wild, cultural energy. Visit https://www.surffoilworldtour.com/ and https://www.wingfoilworldtour.com/ for more!

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On our 10th episode of the GWA Show, tour manager Tom Hartmann joins us to talk about: - The Boot Expo and the first official indoor wing foiling comp in history - The Wind conditions at the Boot Expo with the wind machines - Athletes felt like stars in a stadium setting during the event - Pool depth and behind-the-scenes insights - The SFT (Surf Foil World Tour) events that are coming up for 2025 - Pump foiling attracts athletes from diverse sports backgrounds - Foiling sports are not weather-dependent, allowing for more events - Youth engagement in foiling sports is crucial for the future - And Much MoreVisit: https://www.surffoilworldtour.com & https://www.wingfoilworldtour.com

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On this episode of the Wing Life Show, Gwen, Damien and Luc talk about: Gybing basicsPracticing on the beach to familiarize yourself with the hand and foot movementsBeing comfortable foiling in both directions before attempting to gybePracticing foot switches to improve maneuverabilityRiding with enough speed to glide through the turnCommitting to the turnEngaging heel side to toe side to avoid getting stuck in a limboHolding the wing high to avoid obstacles and maintaining controlAnd much more. 

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On this episode of the Wing Life Show, Gwen, Damien and Luc talk about: Turning basics. I can fly in a straight line, but now what. How to maintain an edge to control the direction while flying on a foil.How to find the right balance between leaning forward and backward to maintain stability.How positioning the wing higher will help improve your visibility and avoid interference with the foil.How to accept falls and avoid trying to save them to prevent further accidents.And much more.

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. Tom, tour manager of the GWA, joins us to recap:- The La Palma Youth World Cup (Surf-Freestyle, FreeFly-Slalom) - The Gran Canaria World Cup (Big Air)   - The Fuerteventura World Cup (FreeFly-Slalom, Surf-Freestyle)  - Double backflips, triple backflip combo's and more innovation moves- New Freefly-Slalom rules- and much more.Visit: https://www.wingfoilworldtour.comWatch on Youtube (00:00) - - Introduction and Overview (01:29) - - Conditions and Popular Destination for Water Sports (03:13) - - Competition Format and Scoring System (06:00) - - Standout Performers and Young Riders (08:11) - - Oran's Impressive Performance (09:14) - - Innovative Moves: Axel's Triple Combo Backflips (40:25) - - Freestyle World Cup: Impressive Tricks and Combos (48:09) - - Big Air World Cup: Massive Jumps and a Double Backflip (56:25) - - Youth World Championship: Showcasing Young Talent (01:09:42) - - Upcoming Events in Morocco and Brazil (01:15:15) - - The Importance of Training, Technique, and Controlled Landings (01:17:01) - - Exploring Technology in Kiteboarding (01:19:43) - - The Need for Soft Landings and Strong Equipment (01:21:03) - - Commending the Organizers for Successful and Inclusive Competitions

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On this episode of the Wing Life Show, Gwen, Damien and Luc talk about: Their first foiling experiences, good and bad! Learning behind a boat or jetski The importance of taking it slow and being patient when learning how to foilStarting on your kneesProgressively learning how to shift your weight forward and back to control the foilExperimenting with foot positioning to find what works best for youEnsuring you are practicing in both directions (Left foot and right foot forward)

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On this episode, Gwen, Damien and Luc talk about:Learning all about handle 0 or the leading edge handleHow to walk around with your wingHow to turn your wing turn left, right and how to generate powerHand position on the handlesUsing fingertip pressure when learningAnd much more!

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On this episode, Gwen, Damien and Luc talk about:How we learned to Wing Foil and our experiencesImportance of mastering the basics and learning how to wing on your knees before standingMastering the foil and tips on how we learnedImportance of asking your community for wind/safety tips before going out on the waterImportance of doing safety assessments (When in doubt, don’t go out) Realizing that you must wing with your left leg and right leg forward, and one side will be much harder. (So don't go too far out)And much more. 

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On this episode, Gwen, Damien and Luc talk about:Why you should consider taking lessons to learn how to wing foilWhat makes wing foiling hard to learn on your ownWhat should you bring to your first lessonWhat is usually included and provided by a schoolA general overview of what is included in your first lessonAnd much more. 

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On this episode, Gwen, Damien and Luc talk about:The importance of prioritizing safetyHighlight some commonly used safety equipmentWhy you should pace yourself and take breaks when learningWhy you should familiarize yourself with and test out your safety gearImportance of learning how to check forecasts Importance of building your wind knowledge (Ie. What does 10 knots look like on the water? What does a squall line look like?And much more

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On this episode, Gwen, Damien and Luc talk about: - What gear should you buy as a beginner- The importance of connecting with your community- How to set up your new kit- Faqs about mast position, mast length, fuse length, board size, board type (fiberglass or blowup)- Manual Pump versus Electric Pump- And much more. 

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. On our first episode, Gwen, Damien and Luc introduce our new show and talk about: - The basics of wing foiling and offer tips for beginners of all levels- The importance of getting started and not getting caught up in gear choices- We encourage new wing foilers to contact their local community for support and advice. - We discuss the importance of practicing on land before going into the water- And we highlight the joy and sense of accomplishment that comes from learning and progressing in the sport.

This episode is brought to you by Villa Carina Apartments in beautiful Bonaire. Mike Raper, brand director and Hugh Pinfold, director of design and engineering of North Foils, join us to discuss the recent release of their all-new ShiftLock system and the all-new Nova PRO wing.  We deep dive into:- The ShiftLock concept and where the idea came from- What materials and what testing protocols were followed in creating this all-new track system- Handle design, track design, performance, rigidity and weight considerations- How to mount handles, booms, camera mounts, and phones to the track system. - Storing, folding and winter winging with a track system- Idea and concept behind the Nova PRO - The use of Hybrid Materials- All new Carbon UDi Technology- The integration of the ShiftLock System and more. Visit: https://northkb.com/pages/shiftlockVisit: https://northkb.com/pages/nova-proVisit: https://northkb.com/pages/pro-series-foilWatch entire episode on Youtube