Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) Show #2: Recap of Atlanta Foil Fest 2025
In this episode we catch up with Tom Hartmann about the Atlanta Foil Fest at Lake Lanier’s Olympic Park. Tom dives into the three-day event, featuring E-Foil, Pump Foil, Wake Foil, and Airchair foiling competitions, alongside demos and clinics. From Justin Chait dominant performance to Nick Leason’s E-Foil legacy and the innovative Betafoil Enduro, the event united foilers from the US, Europe, and beyond. Tom also teases upcoming Surf World Tour events at Lake Garda and Abu Dhabi, promising bigger competitions and live streams.Episode Highlights:Atlanta Foil Fest’s debut as a foiling mecca with a custom-built start dockHigh-level E-Foil and Pump Foil races, plus the return of AirchairMeeting foiling pioneer Nick Leeson and testing Betafoil’s massive wingsLake Garda’s Foiling Week and Abu Dhabi’s massive prize purse on the horizonGrowing the global foiling community through passion and connectionFollow Tom & SFT: @surffoilworldtour on Instagram, Facebook, YouTubeWebsite: surffoilworldtour.com
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Episode #99 - Jack Ho aka Jackfromtown
On this episode, we sit down with Jack Ho, a Waikiki-raised waterman and professional foiler, to explore his journey from surfing small waves at age five to becoming a sponsored athlete with F-One Foils and Patagonia Surf. From his roots in a historic family home to chasing perfect swells in Hood River and New Zealand, Jack shares how foiling bridges ocean sports and his passion for storytelling through YouTube. This episode dives into the aloha spirit, sustainability, and his dream of becoming a Waterman Hall of Fame inductee.In this episode, you’ll discover: Origin Story: Jack learned to surf at five in Waikiki, driven by a family legacy and the ideal coastal setting. Foiling Journey: A $500 used foil ignited his love for “foiling,” leading to sponsorships with Lift and F-One Foils. Hood River Appeal: The river’s consistent swells and lively community make it a top surf trip destination. Sustainability Efforts: Jack’s role with Twinfin Hotel and Parley for the Oceans promotes eco-friendly practices in Waikiki. YouTube Passion: Collaborating with friend Kainoa to create videos as a digital legacy for his future kids. Waterman Aspiration: Inspired by Duke Kahanamoku and Kai Lenny, Jack strives to live the Hawaiian waterman values of respect and versatility. Cultural Mindset: Adopting a Hawaiian approach of honor and respect to connect deeply with his community.Follow Jack’s journey at youtube.com/@JackfromTown or on Instagram @JackfromTown
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Episode #98 - Alex Mertens
On this episode, we sit down with Alex Mertens, a windsurfing and wing foiling enthusiast from the San Francisco Bay Area, to dive into his journey from elite soccer to mastering wind sports. From his early days hating windsurfing to competing on the European Freestyle Pro Tour and creating the YouTube series Secrets of the Send, Alex shares his passion for foiling, safety tips, and the vibrant Bay Area wind scene. This episode uncovers the grit, creativity, and community fueling his water sports evolution.In this episode, you’ll discover: Origin Story: A soccer injury led Alex to windsurfing as physical therapy, sparking a lifelong passion. Learning Process: How video analysis and gymnastics training helped Alex master freestyle moves like Spocks and backflips. Safety Tips: The critical omega-shaped foot strap setup to prevent injuries like Lisfranc fractures while foiling or windsurfing. Bay Area Scene: Why Sherman Island’s tidal river and Chrissy Field’s boat wakes make the Bay a wind sports mecca. European Edge: The accessibility of windsurfing centers in Europe compared to North America’s smaller scene. Creative Ventures: Alex’s custom Duotone board design and plans for a video exploring the artist-athlete connection. Dream Project: A wild idea for a wing foil “Escape from Alcatraz” film, Clint Eastwood style.Check out Alex’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@AlexMerts.
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NORTH Ranger Parawing - Gear Talk Episode #2
On this episode we sit down with Mike and Steff from North Actionsports in New Zealand, diving into the rise of parawinging and their game-changing Ranger parawing. From a daring Cook Strait crossing to decades of kiteboarding roots with pioneer Peter Lynn, they share how the Ranger was born for downwind foiling with safety and ease in mind. This episode uncovers the passion and innovation driving North’s foiling revolution.In this episode, you’ll discover:Origin Story: A 2022 Cook Strait foil sparked a single-skin wing for self-rescue, inspired by Mike’s kiteboarding past.Ranger’s Design: Easy to use, durable, and powerful (2.2m to 5.2m), perfect for beginners to advanced downwinders.Key Features: D-Rib tech for less drag, a depower tab for strong winds, and a harness line for upwind ease.Safety Backpack: Stores multiple wings, straps on for offshore trips, and doubles as a safety device.Material Choice: Ripstop nylon with a strong coating for longevity in harsh conditions.Downwind Edge: Grunt to get on foil without paddling, plus board and foil tips.Community Drive: A passion project with North’s team, fueled by New Zealand’s wild swells.Check out the Ranger at https://northactionsports.com. Join the foiling community and ride the next wave!
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Surf Foil World Tour (SFT) Show #1 - Introduction to SFT
We’re thrilled to kick off our new role as the official podcast of the Surf Foil World Tour (SFT)! In this episode, we sit down with Jørgen Vogt and Tom Hartmann, the masterminds behind the SFT, a groundbreaking world tour for non-wind-powered foiling disciplines. From its roots in the GKA (Kite World Tour) and GWA (Wing Foil World Tour) to embracing pump foiling, surf foiling, and more, Jørgen and Tom share how the SFT is uniting passionate amateurs and pros alike, fostering a vibrant foiling community. This chat dives into the tour’s grassroots vibe and big ambitions.In this episode, you’ll discover:SFT’s Origin Story: How a 2019 Cape Town car chat sparked a new tour, building on Jørgen’s GKA success and Tom’s windsurf tour experience.Five Core Disciplines: Pump foiling, surf foiling, downwind foiling, e-foiling, and wake foiling—accessible sports for lake lovers, yacht owners, and wave chasers.Grassroots Appeal: Why the SFT’s Pro-Am approach welcomes enthusiasts, not just pros, fostering friendships and community at events like Pensacola and Sicily.Global Growth: From Düsseldorf’s indoor World Cup to North America’s rising demand, with the Atlanta Foil Fast World Cup (June 13-15, 2025) on the horizon.Event Challenges: Navigating financial hurdles and explaining niche foiling to sponsors, unlike the established GKA and GWA tours.Jørgen & Tom’s Partnership: A chance meeting at a Mauritius Kite World Cup party led to a dynamic duo driving foiling’s future.Community Impact: How SFT events, like Sicily’s Water Experience, invite newcomers to try foiling, sparking passion across generations.Check out the SFT at https://www.surffoilworldtour.com/ for event schedules and details. Join the foiling community and catch the Atlanta Foil Fest World Cup vibe!
Welcome to the Foil Life Podcast by SFT, the official podcast of the Surf Foil World Tour! Join us as we dive into the exhilarating world of foiling, covering five core disciplines—pump foiling, surf foiling, e-foiling, wake foiling, and downwind SUP foiling—plus the dynamic art of wing foiling. From expert tips, exclusive updates from the Surf Foil World Tour, and inspiring stories of athletes, innovators, and passionate riders to gear release and review episodes where we talk with top brands about the latest innovations hitting the market, we’re your ultimate source for all things foil. Whether you’re honing your skills, planning epic foil adventures, or geeking out on cutting-edge gear, tune in for unmatched stoke and insights.
New Zealand