Foil Life Podcast by SFT

Improve your foiling skills in paradise! Join us in Montanita Ecuador May 23-30, 2026 for a foil drive / tow / prone foil camp with Ecuador Foil, KT Foiling & Julia Castro. Learn More

On this episode, Corey Marlatt (a standout eFoil racer from Pensacola, Florida, and passionate Fliteboard rider) joins Luc Moore (host of the Foil Life Podcast) for an energetic conversation about his journey from kiteboarding roots to dominating the high-speed world of eFoiling.

Corey opens up about his beach-centric upbringing split between Minnesota and the Gulf Coast (Gulf Shores, Alabama, near Pensacola), where he was homeschooled and spent endless days kiteboarding from age 14—thanks to living right across from the beach. With family support for that lifestyle, he built serious water skills early, ditching traditional school for powder-soft sand and wave time.

The chat shifts to his entry into eFoiling about five years ago, sparked by fatherhood reducing kiteboarding time (too weather-dependent and gear-fussy). A local Lift dealer hooked him up with a free lesson, and he was instantly addicted. He's since tested brands like Lift, Waydoo, Sci-Fly, and Fliteboard—settling firmly on Flite as his ride of choice for its superior handling, customizable setups (shims, tails, fuselages), and race-ready performance.
They geek out on gear details: Corey's favorite wings (Flow 900 conical for hard carving/high speed, 1000 Wave for surfing, Flux 707 for versatile wave riding), the game-changing folding prop (Foldy) for near-zero drag when unpowered in waves, and the Mercury-designed Jet 2 impeller boosting top speeds (up to 34-35 mph for some riders). He shares why jet drives cut prop fears (zero exposed risk) but add slight drag—ideal for beginners/safety-focused spots, while props/foldables shine in waves.
Episode Highlights:
Epic wave sessions: Recent Turks and Caicos trip with massive 15-25 ft faces from a US cold front—riding unpowered at 28.5 mph (nearly 46 km/h), getting hammered by whitewash (one 8-second underwater hold felt eternal), full-face MTB helmets, surf leashes, and high-adrenaline bailouts. Gear 20 max power for escaping sketchy spots, plus why falling in front of a heavier eFoil (42-60 lbs) demands respect and protection (chest plates coming soon?).
Safety & crashes: Real talk on impacts (mast/board hits like concrete at speed), helmet-saving backflip fails, and building confidence gradually. Prop vs. jet trade-offs in waves (jet can't breach as easily but still rideable unpowered most times).
Racing & events: From early races in Pensacola to podium wins (e.g., 1st Men's Open at Flite Dubai eFoil Festival), plus upcoming Turks and Caicos eFoil Retreat (Sept 27–Oct 4, hosted by Foil Turks and Caicos—open to all brands, coaching by Corey & Justin, prime canal/reef/flat-to-swell access).
Beyond racing: Family vibes, exploring spots, comparing eFoils to non-powered foiling, and the thrill of pushing limits in places like Dubai and Turks.
If you're into high-performance eFoiling, wave-riding on electric hydrofoils, race setups, big-swell stories, gear tweaks for speed/carving, or just stoke from a guy who's lived the progression (kite to elite eFoil racing)—this episode delivers insider insights, safety wisdom, wild wipeout tales, and pure water passion.

Follow Corey on Instagram at @mr.efly02 (or search Corey Marlatt for his eFoiling content), check his rides and race updates, and look out for the Turks and Caicos retreat via Foil Turks and Caicos. Whether you're chasing speed on flat water or charging waves, get out there—gear up, stay safe (helmet on, leash ready), and fly! 🌊⚡🏄‍♂️

This episode is brought to you by Waterspeed. Download the app—live tracking, deep analytics, and community vibes for every watersport adventure.

Improve your foiling skills in paradise! Join us in Montanita Ecuador May 23-30, 2026 for a foil drive / tow / prone foil camp with Ecuador Foil, KT Foiling & Julia Castro. Learn More

On this episode, Charlie Newlands (owner of SWS Muskoka, E-Foil Sports Muskoka, and a top Canadian water ski show performer) joins Luc Moore (host of the Foil Life Podcast) for a fun, wide-ranging chat about his lifelong passion for water sports, from professional show skiing to becoming one of Ontario's leading eFoil ambassadors.
Charlie shares his roots growing up on Lake Rosseau in Muskoka, Ontario—working at the local ski school as a kid, buying it in 2006 with his family, and expanding into marinas, ski shows, and eventually eFoiling. A fellow Canadian (with stints living in Australia for years, performing at SeaWorld, and traveling globally for shows), he recounts how sit-down hydrofoiling became his gateway to the foil world 20+ years ago, leading to Guinness World Records (including 28 hydrofoils behind one boat and 10 simultaneous backflips), and earning him the 2024 IWWF Male Show Skier of the Year award.
They dive into the explosion of eFoiling in Canada's cottage country—flat-water cruising on the Muskoka lakes (Lake Rosseau, Lake Joseph, Lake Muskoka), why jet-powered boards like Fliteboard are essential due to Canadian regulations prohibiting exposed propellers (with tips on staying legal, wearing life jackets, and riding respectfully), and how eFoils have become a game-changer for ski schools by keeping more people on the water longer.
Episode Highlights:
- First eFoil experiences: Discovering Lift/MSLR Electric during COVID, then partnering with Fliteboard in 2022 as a top Ontario dealer—selling nearly 100 boards, running three Flight School locations (including at JW Marriott Deerhurst), and offering lessons, rentals, and demos
- Safety focus: Why jet propulsion is safer (no exposed prop risk), Fliteboard's standout features (Light Rider mode for kids/teens, speed limits, geofenced fly zones via the app, kill switch on release), leash recommendations for bigger water/ocean vs. flat lakes, and real talk on freak falls (wings/mast usually hit first)
- Muskoka eFoiling life: Cruising islands/docks, pairing with wake surfing/skiing, family-friendly vibe, winter rides in drysuits through slushy rivers/ice chunks for epic content, and even cutting down Fliteboard foils to ride the indoor lake at the Toronto International Boat Show
- Show skiing world: Combining barefoot, jumps, pyramids, flips, and themed routines (Batman vibes!) in 45-minute spectacles—plus how sit-down foils powered global gigs in Australia, India, Dubai, and the US
- Beyond eFoiling: Love for wake foiling (pumping endless waves behind the boat), growing interest in downwind/prone/para foiling on Georgian Bay, Flite Scooter as a beginner-friendly stepping stone, and family involvement (his wife foils too!)
- Future dreams: Airplane-friendly batteries for travel (the ultimate game-changer), more downwinding adventures, potential events/pump foils at boat shows, and connecting the foil community across Canada
If you're into eFoils on beautiful Canadian lakes, navigating regs safely, blending tow/foil/wake sports, or just love water stoke from a guy who's lived it all (ski shows to jet-powered gliding)—this episode is packed with insider tips, safety insights, hilarious stories, and pure enthusiasm for getting more people on the water.
Check out Charlie on Instagram at @charlienewlands, E-Foil Sports Muskoka at @efoil.sports.muskoka, SWS Muskoka at @swsmuskoka, book lessons/rentals via swsmuskoka.com or efoilsportsmuskoka.com (authorized Fliteboard dealer/service), or hit him up for a session when you're in Ontario. Come ride Muskoka's lakes—flat water, endless summer vibes, and foil freedom await!
Listen now and get hyped for the short-but-sweet Canadian season. Stay safe, wear that PFD, and fly! ❄️🏄‍♂️⚡🌲
This episode is brought to you by Waterspeed. Download the app—live tracking, deep analytics, and community vibes for every watersport adventure.

Improve your foiling skills in paradise! Join us in Montanita Ecuador May 23-30, 2026 for a foil drive / tow / prone foil camp with Ecuador Foil, KT Foiling & Julia Castro. Learn More

On this episode, Robert Ross (owner of Ecuador Foil and the ME Hotel & Villas - Montañita Estates) joins Luc Moore (host of the Foil Life Podcast) to share his journey from LA surfer to building a thriving life and foiling paradise in Montañita, Ecuador, where he's lived for over 15 years.
Robert recounts his surf travels across Central and South America (including epic pre-internet Nicaragua missions and VW bus adventures to Costa Rica), how the 2008 financial crisis ironically set him up financially via Green Dot's prepaid debit card success, and why he chose Montañita in 2011 as his new home—describing it as feeling like "Costa Rica in 1999" with lively vibes, chaos he embraced, and unbeatable year-round foiling conditions.
They dive deep into Ecuador as a hidden gem for prone, tow foiling, and winging: glassy protected coves, soft reef waves reminiscent of Trestles, no crowds or surfer competition, warm 80°F+ water, consistent Pacific swells (north and south), and spots accessible by boat or short drives.
Episode Highlights:
- Robert's path to foiling: From addicted surfer to kitesurfing in windy northern Peru (Mancora vibes), then kite foiling, prone, tow, and now winging—plus his excitement for upcoming parawing adventures
- Montañita's setup: A vibrant surf town (bamboo bars, hammocks, piña coladas, lively nightlife with thousands on weekends) built around a main point break; his boutique hotel (15 condos, 15 rooms, pools, restaurant, gym on 2.5 acres overlooking town) doubles as base for foiling—gear stored in his boat, family-friendly with safe pools and nearby activities
- World-class foiling paradise: Year-round waves (340+ foilable days), easy-learning "laboratory" reef for beginners (whitewater push like longboarding, straight takeoffs, reforms for pumping/connecting 10-20 waves), hidden offshore reefs for advanced riders, tow spots, and a protected glassy cove; seasonal wind spot 2 hours north (June-Dec thermals 14-18 knots, perfect for winging on left points with 5m wings/65L boards)
- Operations and guiding: Customized tours via Ecuador Foil—airport pickups from Guayaquil/Quito, guided transfers to secret spots (tides are extreme, so local knowledge essential), prone lessons with top local instructor Mentol (anti-motor, drops double overhead like surfing), tow sessions with Robert/crew, rentals (Code, Axis Surge/Code 810x/A10x, various wings/boards for ~80kg riders), ~$125/day for 2-3 hours including guide/transport
- Multi-discipline flexibility: Combine prone/tow in glassy Montañita with winging/downwind up the coast; intermediate/advanced wing tours; no full beginner wing lessons (recommends local schools for big boards), but epic for those with experience; family perks (non-foilers enjoy beaches, restaurants, snorkeling/scuba to islands, Galapagos trips nearby)
- Why Ecuador stands out: Safer/more tropical/family-oriented than remote Peru spots like Chicama (better for non-riders/spouses/kids); no crowds, warm water, variety (prone, tow, wing, potential downwind/parawing); Robert's global foiling travels (Peru, Brazil, DR, Philippines, Australia, CA, Vietnam) always lead him back missing home's accessibility and consistency
- Future stoke: Conquering a Chicama-length right point (tow-required, big south swells), more winging videos, group clinics (Luc eyeing a trip!), and sharing uncrowded perfection
If you're chasing uncrowded warm-water wave foiling, easy prone entry, tow freedom, seasonal winging, or a laid-back tropical escape with family vibes and no crowds—this chat is packed with real inspiration, insider tips, and serious envy-worthy conditions.
Check out Ecuador Foil at www.ecuadorfoil.com (tours, lessons, details), the ME Hotel & Villas at www.montanitaestates.com, reach Robert via Instagram @ecuadorfoil, or @robertxross1, YouTube @ecuadorfoil for prone/tow footage, or WhatsApp (linked on IG). Highly recommended for off-the-beaten-path foiling adventures!
Listen now and start planning your Ecuador foil escape—warm waves and empty reefs are waiting! 🏄‍♂️🌴⚡

Improve your foiling skills in paradise! Join us in Montanita Ecuador May 23-30, 2026 for a foil drive / tow / prone foil camp with Ecuador Foil, KT Foiling & Julia Castro. Learn More

On this episode, we catch up with Otis Buckingham (@otisbuckingham), the young Maui waterman tearing it up in foiling, wingfoiling, prone, downwinding, and even big wave surfing at Jaws.
Fresh off scoring epic downwind sessions on Oahu's North Shore with legends like John John Florence, Otis dives into the high-level world of multi-discipline riding, his journey with KT Foils, and the future of foiling from the heart of Hawaii's water sports scene.

Episode Highlights:- Scoring dream downwind runs on the North Shore with John John Florence, Malat A, and friends—exploring new zones, glassy conditions, and the potential for massive Northeast swells with trade winds- Growing up in Maui's water sports mecca: boogie boarding at Sugar Cove, idolizing locals like Kai Lenny and Ridge Lenny from a young age, learning from Ho'okipa legends (Levi, Robbie, Keith, Jason Polakow), and getting mentored into the KT family early on- Big wave experiences at Jaws: rare no-wind sessions with a tight crew (Kai, Ian Walsh, Cash, Finn, Annie), the adrenaline of paddling into 40-foot barrels, the surreal drop feeling like a skyscraper, brutal wipeouts that build confidence, and the mental game of pushing through fear with friends' encouragement- How he joined KT: starting with windsurfing lessons from Levi, jumping ship from Ozone before they even had wings or foils, and now riding a versatile quiver like the well-rounded Nomad and Atlas series (cambered designs for low-end glide and pumping)- Loving the all-around performance of KT foils: one-foil versatility across downwinding, prone, winging, and tow; prototype downwind boards with insane stall speeds and pumpability; excitement for upcoming gear drops- Competing on the GWA tour: Maui crew dominance in Morocco and Cape Verde, podium finishes (2nd overall, 1st in prone), loving perfect reeling waves for big turns, airs, and slides—plus pushing windsurfing more in the future- Parawinging fun on mid-length prototypes for nimble, surf-like feels; Olympic aspirations in wing racing with American One Racing camps; sailing background helping with technical racing knowledge- Living in Laird Hamilton's old house for some extra "mana"; the unique Maui lifestyle where conditions dictate the day's sport (downwind, windsurf, kite, surf, prone); why water sports feel all-encompassing compared to land activities- Foiling's future: more global accessibility (even on flat lakes), exposure beyond hotspots like Hawaii/California/Europe, and embracing innovations like foil drive for no-wind days (with a healthy respect for the prop!)If you're into multi-discipline foiling, wingfoiling, downwind adventures, big wave stories from Jaws, growing up surrounded by legends, the evolution of brands like KT, or the pure stoke of island waterman life—this episode is packed with inspiration, real talk from the next generation, and serious foil geekery.
Catch the full conversation and follow Otis Buckingham on Instagram @otisbuckingham for his latest sessions, big airs, tow foiling, and Maui adventures. Big thanks to Otis for the insights, and stay tuned for more from the foiling world in 2026. Listen now!

Improve your foiling skills in paradise! Join us in Montanita Ecuador May 23-30, 2026 for a foil drive / tow / prone foil camp with Ecuador Foil, KT Foiling & Julia Castro. Learn More

On this episode, we catch up with Julia Castro (@fuertejulia), the versatile Spanish waterwoman from Fuerteventura, during her time repping Foil Drive at BOOT Düsseldorf 2026. Fresh from the massive indoor pool demos in "the surf hole" at the world's leading water sports trade show, Julia shares the electric vibe of the event, her journey into foil assist tech, and candid thoughts on the evolving state of professional watersports.

Episode Highlights:
Life inside BOOT Düsseldorf: 5 days deep in the massive yachting halls, repping Foil Drive in the dedicated surf/foil area with a huge indoor pool setup—constant crowds, endless questions, and non-stop demos showing why foil assist is exploding in popularity
How Julia discovered Foil Drive by chance at her local spot, went from skeptic ("this cannot be true, this is sorcery") to instant addict after binge-watching videos, and now handles marketing, content, and pro team duties for Foil Drive Europe after nearly two years
The groundbreaking side of Foil Drive: first brand to make a truly universal mast-mount motor, plus their pioneering collaborative spirit—openly partnering with Slingshot, Armstrong, F-One, Axis, and more to grow the whole foil ecosystem instead of gatekeeping
Overcoming major personal hurdles: shoulder destruction, a cancer scare right after recovery, COVID lockdowns in strict Spain, sponsor cuts, and shifting from full-time competition to event filming/social media work (now 60-70% of her income) while staying positive and healthy
The tough realities of modern watersports sponsorship: the shift from skill-based deals to needing massive social media fame, pressure on guys to go ultra-extreme (with scary injuries), and the unfortunate bikini-heavy expectations for women—Julia fights for real choice, authenticity, and legacy beyond "only fans" style content
Why brands hold huge responsibility: pushing real people as role models instead of curated illusions that harm mental health (especially kids idolizing non-real personas), prioritizing quality/value over raw views, and supporting diverse paths for women in the sport
Foil Drive fun and future: addictive for water lovers, game-changing for wave sessions (catching 30-50 waves vs. friends' 5), altered dynamics (more rear-foot weight), potential SFT foil-assist/wave divisions, and her dream to compete again—plus a cheeky plan to "borrow" a battery for a van road trip back to Fuerteventura with snowboarding and foil stops
Growing up in paradise: Fuerteventura childhood on the beach, late start to kiting/watersports (tourist-priced), realizing after world travel that home really is one of the best spots, now packed with visitors
If you're into foil assist tech like Foil Drive, the intersection of e-foiling/wave foiling/pump foiling, honest talks on gender dynamics and mental health in action sports, athlete resilience stories, or just pure stoke from someone living the waterwoman life—this episode delivers real talk, inspiration, and plenty of foil obsession!
Catch the full conversation and follow Julia Castro on Instagram @fuertejulia for her road trip adventures, Foil Drive sessions, event coverage, and more. Big thanks to Foil Drive for the ongoing innovation, and stay tuned for more from the growing foil world in 2026. Listen now!