foiling

Foiling refers to the use of underwater wings, or foils, attached to a hull, board, or other vehicle to generate lift as it moves through water. When the foil is submerged and reaches sufficient speed, it rises above the surface, reducing hull drag and allowing higher speeds with less power.

A typical foil assembly consists of a mast or strut, a fuselage, and one or more hydrofoil wings beneath the water. As water flows past the foil, lift is produced and the vehicle rises until the hull clears the surface. The rider or operator controls trim and pitch to balance lift, thrust, and stability.

Foiling is used in several environments. Hydrofoil boats and sailboats use fixed or retractable foils to lift the hull; wind-powered foils enable windsurfing or wing foiling; kitefoiling uses a kite to provide propulsion; stand-up paddleboards and surfboards can carry a foil for a riding surface.

The hydrofoil concept originated in the early 20th century with experimental craft in Europe, and modern foiling has benefited from advances in materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber, as well as refined foil shapes and control mechanisms. In water sports, foil gear became increasingly popular in the 2010s and has expanded to racing and cruising applications.

Stable foiling requires careful design and setup, including foil size and aspect ratio, mounting position, and angle of attack. Operators must learn balance and emergency dismounting, and there are safety risks such as crashes, collisions, and foot entanglement. Proper training and protective gear reduce risk.