It’s a bit hard to get your head around, but there are basically two elements, which can be used together or separately. There is the wing foil, which acts like the ‘sail’, and is held in the hands. Then, there is the foil board with a ‘hydrofoil’ that drops into the water; a design that causes lift when you gather speed, raising the board above the surface of the water. Some savvy stuff, eh!

So whether you already knew about this sport, or have been meaning to try it, we caught up with Gabriella, who has come to foil recently. Let’s dive in to what she has to say!

Hi Gabriella, thanks for joining us!

Hi, my name is Gabriella! I just turned 18 years old, and I was born and mostly raised here in Maui, Hawaii.

Cold water or warm water?

As far as warm vs. cold water….. warm all the way ! Ideally no wetsuit needed is prime

I learned how to foil around five months ago. I was pretty much the last of my friends to try it. Surely better late than never! Foiling both via wing and prone have been beyond fun and I’m super stoked.

What sports did you do before doing foil, and how did they help you?

I started surfing pretty young but it was always on the side as I played other more conventional sports. Three years ago I was introduced to kitesurfing and I quickly fell in love. I ride for Core kites as well as teach kiting most days.

What tips do you have for someone who is nervous to try?

Tips if you’re nervous to try would be to take it slow, and be in an environment of people who are learning as well.

Who are your favorite female foil athletes to watch?

I’m super inspired by all the ripping girls on the wing world tour as well as some of the local Maui rippers who are completely charging on foils!

Find this interesting? Check out our other articles on foil here.