Foil Assist Systems

What is a foil assist system?

A foil assist system is an electric power unit you fit to your existing foil setup to help you get up on the foil and hold your speed. Unlike an eFoil, it doesn't take over the ride – it adds short bursts of power exactly when the wind, the waves or your legs run out. You power up for take-off, switch it off once you're flying and foil completely naturally. The result: more rides, less exhausting paddling and faster progression.

How does a foil assist system work?

The system is made up of a compact electric motor with a propeller, a battery and a wireless remote. The motor mounts on the foil mast (on some systems it's built into the mast), while the battery sits in a housing on or under the board, or on your body. You control the thrust with the remote: add power for take-off, then switch the motor off and ride like a normal foil. Because the drive is assistance and not a constant source of speed, you keep the true feel of foiling – pumping, turning and reading the water.

Foil assist or eFoil – what's the difference?

An eFoil is a complete electric board (board + foil + motor + battery) built for continuous powered riding – ideal for anyone who wants to ride without wind, waves or prior experience. Foil assist upgrades gear you already own: the motor adds power only when you need it, and the rest of the time you ride naturally. If you want a more authentic foiling feel and already have a setup, assist is the logical choice; if you'd rather have simple electric riding from day one, see our eFoil boards.

Which disciplines is it for?

• Wing foil – easier take-off in light wind and linking glides (browse wing foil gear and wings).
• SUP and prone foil – start without exhausting paddling or chasing waves.
• Downwind foil – a reliable take-off, which is the hardest part of downwind (see downwind foil boards).
• Pump foiling and technique training – more repetitions without waiting for perfect conditions (see pump foil boards).

Benefits of a foil assist system

• For beginners: it removes the hardest part of learning – the take-off – shortens the learning curve and reduces fatigue, so every session lasts longer and is more productive.
• For advanced riders: link waves and bumps without paddling, ride in conditions that would otherwise be too weak, and get a dependable downwind start.
• For everyone: more time on the water, less frustration when wind or waves are lacking, and added safety on the way back to shore.

Which foil assist system should you choose?

There are three main approaches on the market. They all work on the principle of assist, not propulsion, but differ in power, mounting and price:

• Foil Drive – the most powerful and most modular system, premium tier. A mast-mounted motor and battery housing adapt to different foil setups; the Assist Max version offers a bigger battery and stronger thrust and can be upgraded with higher-power motors and batteries. The best choice for maximum power and flexibility. See Foil Drive systems →
• Waydoo FoilBoost – the most affordable entry into foil assist. Compact, with around 33 kg of thrust and a quick, roughly 10-minute install; designed as a "safety net" for more rides at a much lower price.
• Duotone Foil Assist – the motor is integrated into the mast and the batteries are worn on a waist harness, so there's no pod under the board and drag is minimal – the cleanest integration.

In short: choose Foil Drive for maximum power, Waydoo FoilBoost for the most affordable entry, and Duotone for the cleanest integration.

What's in the system and what else do you need?

Besides the base kit (motor + battery + remote), common extras include spare and higher-capacity batteries (Sport, Max, High Power, Travel), replacement motors, chargers and mounting parts. Pay attention to compatibility with your mast and foil setup and to battery range relative to your weight and conditions. We recommend professional installation and regular maintenance – correct fitting is essential for safety and performance. You'll find related parts among foil completes, masts and wing foil boards.

Related categories

Explore the full wing foil range: wing foil boards, wings, foil completes and Foil Drive systems. Looking for fully electric riding? See eFoil boards.