Foil Life Podcast by SFT

On this episode of the Foil Life Podcast, we sit down with Eric, the talented videographer and photographer behind North's upcoming film featuring pro wing foiler Noé Cantaloube. Eric shares the story of teaming up with his friend Noé — a Nazaré big-wave charger and "Island Boy" from French Polynesia — for an epic month-long journey back to Noé's roots in Tahiti and Bora Bora.

Episode Highlights:
How Eric and Noé connected in Nazaré while chasing massive waves, leading to the idea of a personal homecoming project with North — capturing Noé exploring his heritage, family life, and introducing wing foiling to spots he’d never ridden before
Behind-the-scenes adventures in Tahiti: scouting uncrowded reef breaks, navigating localism and currents, SUP missions to distant points, drone scouting shallow reefs, and dealing with shifting seasons that affected marine life sightings
Wildlife magic and connection to nature — close encounters with breaching humpback whales (Eric's first time in the water with them!), turtles, rays, and sharks; the unique way wing foiling allows silent, low-impact gliding alongside dolphins and other sea creatures
Eric's evolution from wildlife photography roots to pro sports shooting (CrossFit, big waves), transitioning to videography during COVID, and why his multi-sport background helps him anticipate action for killer shots
Shooting challenges in paradise: drone perspectives revealing shallow reefs and dry landings, underwater housing vibes with whale bass vibrating through the camera, horse-powered wakeboarding sessions for laughs, and off-road Hilux explorations across Tahiti
Nazaré insights — from swimming in heavy conditions to jet ski, land, and drone angles; Eric's own progression toward bigger waves (tow-ins at 15-20ft+), training for hold-downs, and the tight-knit big-wave community
Bora Bora realities: flat lagoons with no surf, why all wave riding had to happen in Tahiti, and how global changes are shifting animal patterns and seasons
If you're into wing foiling, surf foiling, big-wave culture, wildlife connections on the water, cinematic filmmaking in remote paradise spots, or just love stories of friendship and exploration — this episode is loaded with stoke, adventure, and inspiration!

Catch the full conversation and watch for North's new film dropping soon.
Follow Eric Wittkopf on his channels (check his website for stunning photography and videography work) and stay tuned to North Foils for the release featuring Noé Cantaloube.
Listen to the full episode on the Foil Life Podcast channels.

On this episode, we’re diving into the thrilling world of SFT e-foiling with Agnes Wicander — the Swedish powerhouse, Waydoo ambassador, sales & marketing rep, and standout women's SFT e-foil champion who dominated the scene in her debut racing season!
Episode Highlights:
- Agnes’s journey from a sporty Swedish family (kite foiling since 2015, yachting background) to becoming a top e-foil racer — spotting the Waydoo Kickstarter, starting with her dad in Sweden, touring Europe in a 6-meter camper van to build the brand, and shifting from chill cruising to high-speed, high-adrenaline racing
- Why e-foiling is the perfect complement to wind sports (wing foiling, kiting, paragliding) — ultimate accessibility in low-wind Sweden, tech appeal, silent exploration, and that addictive “foil throttle” rush that feels more like driving a fast car than anything else on the water
- Behind-the-scenes of competitive e-foiling: inaugural SFT & E-Foil Racing League seasons, technical courses rewarding skill over pure speed, prop wash battles, nerve management in sensitive-trigger racing, common falls (sharp turns & wing breaches), evolving rules, and how racing pushes brands like Waydoo to innovate (lighter batteries, better wings, upcoming Foil Boost for swell & wave riding)
- Gear talk & setup tweaks: Shimming madness (2 degrees too much = no lift!), custom wing choices for different riding styles, reverse mode for board recovery, GPS tracking, challenges in chop/swell without motor glide, and the dream of wing-breach capable foils
- Epic e-foiling destinations unlocked by wind independence: ultra-remote Papua New Guinea sugar-top islands, serene Norwegian fjords, canal cruising in Australia (coffee run on the board!), backcountry lakes, camping adventures, and exploring places a boat or jet ski could never reach
- The supportive women’s division vibe, growing female participation, ideas for making racing more accessible (battery rentals, event support), and why e-foiling delivers a unique adrenaline hit that’s hard, technical, and seriously addictive
If you’re curious about motorized foiling, the future of e-foil racing, silent exploration in any conditions, the massive progression from cruiser to competitor, or just want to feel that pure throttle rush — this episode is packed with inspiration and stoke!
Listen to the full conversation with Agnes on the Foil Life Podcast channels.
Follow Agnes on instagram @agneswicander

Welcome to Episode #2 of the Foil Life Travel Show. On this episode we’re heading to the wind-swept shores of La Ventana, Baja California Sur, Mexico — the legendary kiteboarding and foiling mecca in the Sea of Cortez, famous for its warm turquoise waters, super-consistent thermal winds, sandy beaches, and that pure Baja desert-meets-ocean lifestyle. In this episode, dive deep with Marty from Strong Kiteboarding (originally founded by Dwayne Strong)
What we cover:
- How Marty (former mechanical engineer and journeyman welder) and his wife Jill took over the school, now in their 15th season running it in La Ventana — building it into a family-operated business with permanent roots, two kids, and a tight-knit, multilingual instructor team
- Why La Ventana is a foil & wing paradise: warm 29°C (83–84°F) water, early-season thermals that can start as soon as mid-October, flat-to-rolling sandy conditions perfect for beginners, and bigger Nortes swells that draw advanced wave riders — all with minimal crowds on northern semi-private beaches
- The standout teaching system: private 1-on-1 watercraft-assisted lessons (jet ski support right beside you for instant, real-time feedback, maximum safety, and way more time actually riding — no endless beach walking!), morning tow-foiling in glassy flats to get beginners feeling the foil fast (knees in minutes, standing often under an hour!), ground wing training, and new options like para-winging
- Lessons covering kiteboarding, wing foiling (massive growth area), tow foiling, kite foiling specialties, and para-winging — catering to every level from total beginners to advanced (including strapless freestyle with pros like head instructor Logan)
- Full-service perks: all gear provided (helmets, PFDs, harnesses, bars, boards, kites, wings, foils in every size from Ozone and Core), rentals available, flexible multi-day packages, group/family sessions (up to 10+ people), pick-up/drop-off options, and expert local knowledge on accommodations, whale watching, fishing, mountain biking, diving, and the incredible Sea of Cortez wildlife
If you’re looking for rapid foiling progress, warm water, uncrowded northern launch spots like Ventana Bay Resort or Fig Tree, a welcoming community, and full Baja adventure vibes — this is the spot.
Book your La Ventana kite/foil adventure at: https://strongkiteboarding.com/ 
WhatsApp: +1 (250) 813-0035 | Email: [email protected]
Read our article: https://foillifepodcast.com/blog/discovering-la-ventanas-foiling-magic-inside-strong-kiteboarding-with-marty-and-jill
Next stop… who knows? Drop your dream foil destination in the comments ⬇️

In this episode which is brought to you by Armstrong Foils, we sit down with Dr. Jørgen Vogt—Secretary General of the GKA, GWA, and the brand-new Global Foil Board Sports Association (GFA), plus co-founder of the rapidly growing Surf Foil World Tour (SFT). Fresh into 2026, Jørgen shares the exciting vision behind forming the GFA and what it means for the future of non-wind-powered foiling disciplines.

Episode Overview:
Why a dedicated association like the GFA was needed → to give emerging brands (like Foil Drive) and passionate individuals a unified voice separate from wind-powered sports
Protecting the sport from misguided bans and regulations → real-world examples from kiting and wing foiling, the power of one strong international body when facing politicians or environmental concerns, and educating authorities on why foiling belongs on our waters
Representation at high levels, including potential IOC discussions → ensuring the community—not outsiders—shapes the sport if it ever reaches Olympic consideration
Unifying disciplines under one umbrella → consistent rules, clear world champions, better sponsorship opportunities for young pros, and support for recreational riders at local spots
How the GFA benefits everyday foilers → from gear innovation and community strength to fighting access restrictions and promoting safety/environmental harmony
The inclusive board structure → bringing together diverse voices from surf foiling, e-foiling, foil assist, and more for balanced governance
Jørgen's unique background as a lawyer (LLM/PhD) turned full-time watersports advocate → why legal expertise matters for building legitimate, respected associations
Looking ahead to SFT Season 2 → a welcoming, fun-focused tour where amateurs and pros mix, no one should fear entering, and the spirit is all about community, gear talk, and pure enjoyment
From preventing future bans to empowering small brands and grassroots riders, this conversation reveals why unified governance is the key to keeping non-wind foiling free, growing, and true to its roots. If you're passionate about pump, prone, downwind, e-foil, wake foil, or any foil discipline—and want to protect access while watching the sport explode—this episode explains the big-picture moves happening behind the scenes.
To learn more about the Global Foil Board Sports Association (GFA) visit → www.gfafoilworld.com
To learn more about Armstrong Foils visit → www.armstrongfoils.com

In this episode we connect with fellow Canadian waterman Michael Pisarczyk—a dedicated foiler based in Sarnia, Ontario, right on the shores of Lake Huron. Recorded as fall conditions ramp up on the Great Lakes, these two passionate riders share stories from the water, celebrating the world-class (yet underrated) foiling potential hidden in these massive inland seas.
Episode Overview:
Michael's backyard access to Lake Huron—convenient home sessions, epic downwind runs (30-50K along the coast or on the mini-Hood River-like St. Clair River), and why almost any wind direction works here
His multi-discipline journey: from youth sailing and windsurfing, to high-school kiting obsession, strapless surfboarding, and how foiling (wing, prone, pump, downwind) reignited the stoke with lower-wind windows and endless glide
Pair winging progression: starting rough, unlocking upwind tacks against river current, and the unique freedom (and challenges) of no lines or booms—just pure hand-held power on small sinker boards
That unforgettable first committed prone downwind run: full-send on the industrial-lined river, no falls allowed, pure focus on older square boards with paddle starts
Building the "Great Lakes Waterman" channels to showcase lake potential—inspiring more locals (and globals) with stunning drone footage, while growing a small but frothing community
Family foiling fun: gently introducing his 9- and 7-year-old kids to e-foils (knees-first mastery turning to stand-up runs) and side-by-side cruising sessions
E-foiling's role in scratching the itch on flat days, keeping skills sharp with endless turns, and the exciting growth of competitive tours like the Surf Foil Tour (SFT)
Why the Great Lakes are tailor-made for modern foiling—long fetch for rolling swell in lighter winds, massive playgrounds, and those rare but magical "world-class" bangers that make the chase worthwhile
From cold-water commitment to uniting disciplines and dreaming of Canadian SFT events, this chat is a love letter to Great Lakes foiling—and a call to get more people out experiencing the magic.
If you've ever chased lake swell, battled commitment points in downwinders, or wondered why these massive freshwater oceans deserve way more foiling love… this is it.

Follow Michael Pisarczyk → @great.lakes.waterman (YouTube/Instagram) | https://www.greatlakeswaterman.com