The Progression Project

This episode of the Progression Project Podcast features a conversation between host Erik and Kyle of Project Cedrus, exploring the rapid evolution of foil equipment and the engineering behind mast design. They dive into how stiffness, drag, and materials like carbon vs. forged aluminum affect performance, why mast design has become a major frontier in foiling, and how different disciplines—from surf to wing to downwind—drive different engineering solutions. The conversation also introduces a new collaboration between Cedrus Mast and Uni Foil, aimed at making foiling more accessible: riders can purchase gear from either brand and receive a free adapter that makes the systems compatible. Along the way they discuss manufacturing challenges, the economics of running small gear companies, and how innovation and accessibility can help grow the foiling community.

On this episode of the Progression Project, I sit down with Nick Reeser — a rising force in the world of foiling whose background blends Olympic-level sailing lineage, elite water knowledge, and a relentless drive to push limits. Growing up in a family of competitive sailors and now serving as a navigator in the United States Coast Guard, Nick brings a unique perspective on ocean conditions, performance mindset, and technical progression. We dive into his journey from competitive sailing to hydrofoiling, the crossover between sailing and downwind energy reading, and the story behind his massive Florida downwind run — including the preparation, forecasting, and mental game required to send at the highest level. This conversation explores progression, passion, and what happens when deep water experience meets cutting-edge foil performance.

In this episode of the Progression Project, Erik sits down with Alex Aguera, founder of GoFoil and one of the true originators of modern foiling, to put the real beginning of the sport on record. From hand-building the first high-lift foil for Kai Lenny in 2015 to the now-legendary sessions that sparked surf, downwind, and everything that followed, Alex shares the firsthand story behind the viral moment that changed watersports forever. The conversation traces foiling’s Maui roots, the early experiments with Kai, Laird Hamilton, and Dave Kalama, and how curiosity, engineering intuition, and the right environment collided to create an entirely new way of riding waves. Along the way, Alex dives into para-winging, Foil Drive, modern foil design, and what it feels like to watch something you helped invent reshape lives and ocean culture around the world.

In this episode, Erik sits down with returning guest Mike Pedigo for a deep, honest, and often hilarious breakdown of the parawing learning journey. From early failed attempts and full-on frustration to breakthrough moments, gear experimentation, and real-world lessons learned the hard way, this conversation covers what it actually takes to integrate parawinging into a foiling life. They dig into board design, wind requirements, safety realities, ocean versus river dynamics, harness setups, and why para winging has fundamentally changed what’s possible on marginal days—especially on angled coastlines like Florida. Along the way, they share cautionary tales, Hood River epics, training philosophy, and why being willing to “put the white belt back on” is often the key to unlocking the next level.

In this episode of the Progression Project Podcast, Erik Antonson sits down with Lucas Schuler (@foilonly) to tell an inspiring, real-life leap-of-faith story rooted in foiling, family, and purpose. Lucas shares how he walked away from a successful social media company in Germany, moved with his wife and two young kids to the Canary Islands without a clear plan, and ultimately built a new life centered around foiling—now working with Foil Drive, coaching, and chasing big downwind adventures. From 50-kilometer crossings and island life to deeper reflections on flow states, risk, skill acquisition, and trusting your intuition, this conversation goes far beyond gear talk. It’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when you fully commit to what you love—and let the process shape who you become.

Hit up Lukas on instagram if you'd like to experience the Canary Islands or are looking for foil drive, wing, parawing or downwind coaching.