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, 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!

On this episode, Gaetan (founder of Colombia eFoil) and Justin Chait (experienced eFoil coach and instructor) join us to talk about the building and running one of the premier e-foiling destinations in the Caribbean: a multi-location flight school and immersive retreat experience on the stunning Isla Barú peninsula near Cartagena, Colombia.
They share how Gaetan turned his passion for water sports—and his first e-foil flight (with Justin as his original instructor)—into a thriving business launched exactly two years ago, now operating out of luxury resorts including Aura Hotel Barú (the flagship spot with beachfront access), Sofitel Barú, and Hotel Las Islas.
Episode Highlights:

- The paradise-like conditions that make Barú an ideal e-foiling hub: flat, protected bay waters with mangroves, kilometers of glassy riding, warm 30°C+ water, consistent year-round weather (rare closures), and easy access to open ocean and nearby islands like Islas del Rosario for long-distance adventures
- How the operation works: three fully equipped bases with rescue boats, on-site charging, instructor-led boat coaching for safety and video feedback, premium service (boards prepped and rinsed for you), and the ability to ride from sunrise to sunset in board shorts
- Justin's coaching philosophy: breaking down fundamentals for riders of all levels, re-teaching body position and throttle control to build safer, more efficient technique that reduces fatigue and extends battery life—turning intermediates into advanced riders and helping beginners fly in days
- The famous 6-day eFoil retreats: beginner-friendly versions with open-sea crossings and island lunches by day 3; advanced/pro camps featuring daily drone video analysis, lap-time courses, wave riding, racing drills, 4–5 hours of riding per day, and group energy that pushes everyone’s limits
- Progression stories: students winning divisions at major events like Dubai after training there, couples where non-riding partners end up hooked, riders from 20 to 69 years old shredding (including 69-year-old wing-breeching legends), and a high return rate (~50%) of participants who come back for multiple retreats
- Gear & practical details: primarily using Fliteboard (as official distributor in Colombia), options to bring your own setup or rent, testing different wings/shims during retreats, what to pack (sunscreen, rash guard, hat, sunglasses—no wetsuit needed), and full all-inclusive logistics from airport pickup to excursions, diving, gourmet meals (fresh snook, octopus, tropical fruits), and epic group dinners/parties
- Why Colombia (especially Cartagena/Barú) is a game-changer for e-foiling: safe, tourist-friendly area with world-class resorts, incredible value, crystal-clear waters, wildlife, and a welcoming vibe that builds lasting rider friendships and communities
If you're dreaming of learning e-foiling in perfect warm flat water, accelerating your skills with world-class coaching, chasing long-distance island runs, or simply enjoying a luxury Caribbean foiling vacation—this conversation is loaded with inspiration, real-world insights, and pure stoke.
Check out Colombia eFoil at colombiaefoil.com (retreat details at www.colombiaefoil.com/efoil-retreat), reach them via WhatsApp (+57 304 315 1220), email ([email protected]), or Instagram @colombia_efoil. They’re also highly rated on TripAdvisor and Google with hundreds of 5-star reviews.
Listen now and start planning your own e-foil escape to Cartagena & Barú! 🏝️⚡