FOILERS

Hugh Mitchell | RIIFT, Appletree, CODE Foils and the future of foiling

Hugh Mitchell returns to the FOILERS Podcast with plenty happening behind the scenes. From emerging technology and testing new equipment concepts to racing, filmmaking and the growing Western Australian foiling scene, Hugh has found himself at the centre of some fascinating developments. He joins Pete to discuss what he's been testing, ideas that could shape where foiling goes next, his move to Appletree, the latest products from CODE Foils, and more. It’s an open and revealing conversation about innovation, change, risk, and how foiling continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace.

Keith Teboul | KT FOILING : The Art of Designing Foiling Gear & Why Foiling Is Just Getting Started

In this episode of the FOILERS Podcast, I sit down with Keith Teboul from KT Foiling, one of the most respected shapers and designers in watersports. From growing up around the ocean in Madagascar, discovering windsurfing in the Caribbean, shaping boards in Maui, and working with some of the best riders in the world, Keith has spent decades refining the connection between rider, board and ocean. We dive deep into the design philosophy behind KT Foiling and explore how Keith takes feedback from elite riders and turns it into boards that work for everyday foilers. Keith shares insights into: His journey from surfing and windsurfing into foiling The early days of shaping and building high-performance boards Working with riders including Kane De Wilde and Kai Lenny Why Maui is the ultimate testing ground for foiling gear The design evolution behind the KT Super K, Drifter and ARC boards Why longer and narrower boards are changing foiling Designing boards for winging, prone, Foil Drive and parawinging Why Keith believes parawinging is the future of downwinding How foils are changing what is possible in board design The importance of stance, subtle movements and technique Keith also explains why the future of foiling is so exciting — with gear becoming easier, more accessible and opening the sport up to more people than ever before. Whether you’re into wing foiling, prone foiling, downwinding, Foil Drive or just fascinated by the evolution of foil board design, this conversation provides a rare insight into the mind behind KT Foiling. Enjoy

Omen Foils (Part 2): Rethinking Foiling Gear Design For Passionate Foilers With Greg Falck

In Part 2 of my conversation with Greg Falck from Omen Foils, we dive deep into the details that can completely change how your foil feels and performs. Greg also shares the thinking behind Omen’s Agent foil range and why they’ve focused on refining one aspect ratio rather than chasing endless options. We explore how designing for everyday passionate foilers — not just elite athletes — changes the approach to performance, glide, control, and connection. We also get into one of the most overlooked areas in foiling: tuning your setup. Greg explains how small changes like mast position, base plate shims, stabiliser shims and understanding front foot pressure can unlock performance you may already have — without constantly buying new gear. Greg also shares what foiling means to him — from problem-solving and creativity to those rare sessions where everything clicks and you’re simply connected with the ocean. If you’re interested in improving your foil setup, understanding your equipment better, or simply getting more enjoyment from your time on the water, this episode is packed with insights. Listen to Part 1 first if you haven’t already, and don't forget to subscribe to get the latest episodes when they go live.

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Omen Foils (Part 1): Rethinking Foiling Gear Design For Passionate Foilers With Greg Falck

Greg Falck from Omen Foils joins the FOILERS Podcast for an in-depth conversation about the thinking, engineering and testing that goes into creating high-performance foiling equipment. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, we explore Greg’s journey from mechanical engineering and working with advanced composite materials at Aluula through to launching Omen Foils, and why he felt there was an opportunity to create gear designed specifically for passionate everyday riders pushing their progression. We discuss: The origins of Omen Foils and the gap Greg saw in the market Why “performance” means different things for pro riders versus everyday foilers Balancing engineering, computer modelling and rider feel Why Omen has chosen a focused product range rather than chasing every category The design philosophy behind the Flux V2 and Emissary boards Board volume, width, hull efficiency and why bigger is not always better How board design changes for winging, prone, parawing and Foil Drive In Part 2, we dive deeper into the Omen foil range, foil tuning, setup mistakes, baseplate and tail shimming, and Greg’s tips for getting the absolute best performance from your gear. A great conversation for anyone interested in not just what gear works — but why it works.

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F4 Foils Australia – The Search for Effortless Glide with Pat McHale

On this episode of the FOILERS Podcast, we chat with Pat McHale from F4 Foils Australia about his journey from chasing downwind runs in Maui to bringing F4 Foils to Australia. After struggling in lighter Maliko conditions, Pat jumped on the F4 Orca for the first time — and instantly knew something felt different. We dive into that experience and explore what makes the Orca range stand out, from its impressive glide and early lift to the feeling of flow and control on the water. Pat also shares insights into F4’s background in high-performance wind and wing foil racing, before talking us through their foil and mast ranges (i.e., including the new skinny AK Mast) and the conditions, disciplines, and riders they are best suited to. We also discuss the continued growth of downwind foiling, the emergence of parawinging, and why sometimes the best gear isn’t just about numbers and specs — it’s the gear that creates the biggest smile. Whether you’re into downwind, prone, SUP, winging, parawinging, or simply chasing endless ocean bumps, this is a great conversation about design, progression, innovation and the pure joy of foiling.

From Desert Girl to Downwind Foiler and Code Foils Team Rider | Krystal Cotterill’s Incredible Foiling Journey

This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, adventure, fear, progression, and finding confidence in the ocean. How does someone who grew up in the remote outback of Western Australia — with no pool, no ocean, and a fear of water — become a King of the Cut winner and complete the legendary Maui to Molokai crossing? In this episode of the Foilers Podcast, Pete sits down with WA downwind foiler and Code Foils team rider Krystal Cotterill to unpack her incredible journey from Leonora to some of the wildest ocean runs in Australia and Hawaii. Krystal shares: Growing up in the desert with zero water sports background\ Learning to foil during COVID while stranded on a sailboat in the Caribbean The brutal early days of foiling and why she almost wrote the sport off Massive downwind runs in WA’s southwest and Ningaloo Scary moments offshore and the safety gear she relies on Entering foiling competitions in Australia and Hawaii Why more women aren’t getting into foiling — and what the industry can do about it Whether you’re into wing foiling, downwind SUP foiling, or just love stories of people pushing themselves outside their comfort zone, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Enjoy

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The Future of Foiling? FliteLab’s AMP Jet Explained and What's Coming Next

There’s a new player in the foil assist space—and it’s doing things very differently. In this episode, I sit down with the AMP Jetboard designer and developer, Chris Reynolds, to unpack the thinking behind this new take on foil assist systems. From a backyard prototype to a fully engineered product, this is a story of curiosity, persistence - and a completely different approach to getting up on foil. But here’s the thing - this isn’t just about technology. It’s about how we ride, where we ride, and who this kind of system is actually for and what is coming down the pipeline. We get into: Why this design took a totally different path Where it shines (and where it doesn’t) The reality vs expectation for everyday foilers What’s coming next—and why it matters If you’ve been watching the evolution of foil-assist systems or wondering where things are headed next, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear. Enjoy!

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Cabrinha Union Foil System Explained: Stiffness, Speed & Simplicity with John Modica & Lars Moltrup

In this episode of the FOILERS Podcast, we go deep into the all-new Cabrinha Union foil system — a complete rethink of their foil design built around stiffness, simplicity, and performance. Joining me are John Modica (Chairman of Cabrinha) and Lars Moltrup (Product Development Manager) to unpack: Why the Union system was built from the ground up The thinking behind the Mike’s Lab inspired connection How stiffness, drag reduction, and design choices impact real-world riding feel What makes riders say it feels “buttery smooth” on the water How to choose between the 760, 905, and 1150 front wings Why the 905 is the ultimate all-rounder The role of stabilisers (and why they matter more than most riders think) A sneak peek at the upcoming Tweaker stabliser and Whippet foil We also dive into the balance between engineering and rider feel, the realities of building a new foil platform, and Cabrinha’s philosophy of high-performance simplicity without the BS. If you’re into wing foiling, prone, downwind or just want to understand how modern foil systems are evolving — this is one not to miss.

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The Hugh Mitchell Foiling Story: Ocean Adventures, Competition, Coaching & the Desert Winds Film Tour

In this episode of the Foilers Podcast, Pete Walmsley sits down with Western Australian foiler Hugh Mitchell—one of the most inspiring young riders in the sport today. Hugh’s journey into foiling started in 2019 with his dad’s first foil setup on the Swan River. Just a few years later, he’s chasing adventures across Australia downwind, competing in the legendary Molokai-to-Oahu race in Hawaii, coaching new foilers, running 'The Foil Project' podcast, and producing the adventure film 'Desert Winds'. In this conversation, Hugh shares the full story behind his rapid rise in foiling—from working at the Foil Shop in Perth to embarking on a 300km remote downwind expedition along Western Australia’s coastline, encountering sharks offshore, and pushing his limits in some of the world’s toughest downwind conditions. We also dive into: How Hugh discovered downwind foiling Lessons from working in the foiling industry The making of the Desert Winds film Touring the film around Australia Racing in the Hawaii Downwind Race Series Creating and running the 'Project Flow' foiling event Coaching foilers in Perth Becoming a sponsored rider It’s a story about passion, pushing boundaries, and building community in one of the fastest-growing watersports in the world. If you love foiling, adventure, and the people driving the sport forward, this episode is packed with inspiration.

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Chris Doerfel (Hydrofoil Academy Australia) on Coaching, Gear Evolution & Learning Foiling

Chris Doerfel — founder of Hydrofoil Academy Australia at the Woollahra Sailing Club in Sydney — joins the FOILERS Podcast to break down what actually helps people learn wing foiling (and prone foiling) faster. Originally from Austria, Chris has spent 20+ years in ocean sports (windsurfing, kiting, surfing) and explains how COVID kicked off his wing foiling obsession — to the point of doing multiple sessions a day — and how that momentum turned into a coaching program built around making foiling accessible, safe, and fun. In this episode we get into: How the foiling scene in Sydney evolved from a tiny crew to a fast-growing community Why beginner gear has changed massively The real reason beginners struggle Chris’s approach: tow behind a boat vs Foil Drive assist (who should do what, and why) The underrated skills The most common mistake Chris sees Why prone foiling is booming in Australia Gear trends Big-picture - what foiling can learn from the windsurfing boom If you’re a beginner, an intermediate chasing cleaner gybes/takeoffs, or you’re just frothing on where foiling is going next — this one’s packed with practical insight and plenty of stoke. 🎧 Subscribe to FOILERS for more interviews with the people shaping foiling — from designers to coaches and riders.

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Crisp Foils: Chris Porter on the importance of the right stabiliser

Chris Porter, aerospace engineer and founder of Crisp Foils unpacks the science, experimentation, and rider feedback behind high-performance foil design — with a deep dive into why stabilisers play such a critical role in how a foil feels and performs on the water. Chris explains how his background in aerospace engineering and CNC machining led him to focus on one of the most overlooked components in foiling setups: the stabiliser. While most riders obsess over front wings, Chris breaks down how changes to stabiliser size, aspect ratio, flex, foil section and trailing-edge finish can dramatically affect pumping efficiency, carving feel, speed range and overall control. The conversation covers: Why stabilisers deliver the biggest performance gains per dollar Choosing stabiliser size based on rider height, weight and discipline The role of stabilisers in pump foiling, downwind foiling, winging and prone How poor trailing-edge finishing causes foil noise — and how to fix it Shimming, foot pressure and tuning your setup for different speed ranges Designing stabilisers for everyday riders vs elite athletes Chris also shares his journey from backyard prototyping to working with Armstrong Foils, collaborating with Code Foils, and designing stabilisers ridden by elite foilers — including Oscar Johansson’s world-record pump foiling session. If you’re an intermediate or advanced foiler looking to tune your setup, or you’ve ever wondered why a simple stabiliser change can completely transform your ride, this episode will change how you think about foil performance. Enjoy

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SWISS PRECISION IN FOILING | Karl Müller on ENSIS, Product Design, Competitive differentials & the Future of Foiling

ENSIS has a comprehensive range of quality foiling products, but it’s not a brand that shouts from the rooftops. In true Swiss style, they’re quietly confident, letting their gear speak for itself. In this episode, Karl Müller—founder and managing director of ENSIS—joins the FOILERS Podcast to unpack how their “Swissness” enables them to stand out in the market with high-quality, precise, and reliable foiling products that withstand rigorous testing by the likes of Balz Müller, a team rider, known for pushing products to their limits. We rewind to 2019, when Karl, Balz Müller and designer Damien Girardin kicked off ENSIS. From there, we dive into the ENSIS product development program, their focus on customer service, and why they actively build a team with a strong female presence. Karl also breaks down what makes their new Maniac foil system stand out and what riders notice most when they try them. We also discuss what’s changed in their latest wings, including their popular Top Spin wings, walk through their foil board range, and discuss parawing products in development. We finish with quick-fire topics: dream foiling spots (yes—Western Australia gets a mention), the moment Karl loves most in the product development process, and much more. Enjoy.

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AXIS Tempo & Surge Deep Dive with Adrian Roper | At The Foil Shop

Join designer Adrian Roper from AXIS Foils at The Foil Shop as he breaks down the design thinking behind the Tempo downwind lineup, titanium fuselage, and the new Surge surf wings – with real-world feedback from Axis rider Luke and others at the event.This talk goes way past marketing and straight into engineering: ultra-thin, high-aspect front wings, titanium expansion-plate fuselages, unidirectional carbon (Uni) layups, mast stiffness, and why foil area is a terrible way to compare wings. If you’re into downwind foiling, prone foiling, wing foiling or dock starts, this is gold.In this video you’ll learn:- How AXIS developed the Tempo titanium fuselage and ultra-thin high-aspect front wings- Why traditional aluminium fuselages are too draggy for modern, narrow-chord foils- How switching from woven carbon to unidirectional carbon made the wings ~25% stiffer- The thinking behind the Surge surf wing: "moustache” tips, straight median line & tip-breach behavior- Why span and foil section matter more than area when choosing a wing- Real mast stiffness numbers: aluminium vs Power Carbon vs Ultra Pro vs Fatty mast- Sizing advice: moving from ART V2 & Spitfire into Tempo and Surge- Anti-corrosion details, NFC tags for authenticity, and updated AXIS fuselage designYou’ll also hear race-proven feedback from Maui, M2M, M2O and European events – plus how riders over 100 kg are using the Surge and Tempo for downwind runs, prone surf, winging and dock starts.Perfect if you’re comparing Tempo vs Fireball, Surge vs Spitfire, or trying to pick the right AXIS front wing, rear wing and mast for your next downwind, prone or wing-foil setup.👉 Follow FOILERS for more deep-dive tech talks, interviews and gear breakdowns.

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Duotone's New Foil Assist - Everything You Need to Know With Cyril Coste From Duotone

In this episode of the FOILERS Podcast, Pete sits down with Cyril Coste, the innovative mind behind Duotone’s brand-new Foil Assist system. From his roots in France and years riding and designing in Maui, to leading R&D across Japan and Taiwan, Cyril brings a lifetime of foiling experience to this groundbreaking project. Together, we unpack the full story behind Duotone’s entry into the foil-assist space — why they built it, how it works, and what sets it apart. Cyril goes deep into the engineering: the high-voltage battery system worn on the waist, the free-hand thumb remote, the power and runtime philosophy, prop options, modular mast design, and the thinking behind their ultra-light Midfish board. We also explore real-world performance across waves, downwinders, pumping, and progression riding — including safety, wipeouts, compatibility with different foil brands, and how the Duotone system preserves the true “foil feeling.” If you’re curious about foil assist, comparing options, or just want the full inside story from the person who built it, this is the most comprehensive breakdown you’ll hear anywhere.

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Fred Hope | Feel The Difference - Slingshot Is Back!

Has Slingshot reclaimed its position as one of the most innovative foiling companies in the industry? In this episode of the FOILERS Podcast, I spoke to Fred Hope, a world champion kiteboarder who now plays a lead role in product development at Slingshot. Backed by extensive experience in watersports, Fred takes new product ideas from inception through to design, testing, refinement, and market release. I asked Fred many of the questions people have been asking me about their one-lock foil system, and as you will discover, there is more to it than simply being able to put your foils together without screws. We also explored Slingshot's 2026 range of wings and boards, talking about their design approach, how they compare to previous models and why people should consider them when upgrading their gear. It's a pivotal time at Slingshot, with a range of talented designers driven to create innovative and compelling products that put Slingshot at the forefront of the evolving, growing foiling disciplines. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced wing foiler, there is something in this episode for everyone. If you are into downwinding, prone foiling, and dock starting, you will also enjoy the episode with a range of new products coming your way. Enjoy!

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The Fastest Wing On The Water: Mathis Ghio

Four-times Wing Foil World Champion Mathis Ghio joins the Foilers Podcast to talk all things speed, strategy, and competition. From training routines to race-day mindset, Mathis reveals what it takes to dominate the global wingfoil racing scene — and how he keeps pushing the limits of equipment design and performance. He also shares actionable insights every wing foiler can use to improve their speed and control.

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Unlocking Code Foils With Marcus Tardrew - New Foils And Much More

In this episode, I spoke to Marcus Tardrew from CODE Foils. Marcus has a 15-year background as a leading SUP and board shaper across multiple disciplines. Known particularly for his work with Sunova. Marcus was also the first Australian to compete in the Molokai to Oahu race on a foil in 2019. I met Marcus a few years ago when he worked at a foil shop. He is a fairly quiet and humble guy, but in this episode, I managed to get him talking. We chat about the latest CODE Foils releases and the background and philosophy of CODE Foils more generally. We also talk about the team behind CODE Foils and their design and business philosophies and reflect on the drivers of their success to date. There are some great people in this awesome sport, and Marcus is one of those very authentic and passionate foilers who is always great to catch up with. Enjoy the episode.

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Jerome and Leopold: Engineering Duotone Foils For Performance

In this episode, I spoke to Jermome and Leopold, who design foils for Duotone. We discuss their design philosophies and approach, as well as the evolving technologies used to design and build foils for wing foiling, downwind foiling, prone foiling and pump foiling. We also discuss why they don't currently produce foils for racing.We also discuss how they respond to the market and balance the need to deliver what the market currently needs or expects while also looking ahead to educate the market and introduce new approaches and designs for improved performance. Jermone and Leopold also discuss their current foil range and their applications. It’s a particularly interesting chat for those looking to understand the thinking behind foil design and the decision-making process and steps taken in transitioning from a product idea to the launch of a new foil. Enjoy!

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Dylan Henry - Foiling The Kalama Way

Dylan is a passionate waterman who distributes Kalama Performance gear in Australia and is the founder of Flow Foiling, a dedicated foiling school. He is also an accomplished athlete, participating in high-profile stand-up paddleboarding and downwind foiling events. I caught up with Dylan following the Koa Kai Triple Crown in Hawaii. We explored his background and foiling philosophy while also taking a closer look at the Kalama Performance product range.

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Patrick Rebstock on the Future of Parawinging and Downwinding

In this episode, I’m joined by kiting legend and foiling adventurer Patrick Rebstock. From pioneering strapless wave riding to pushing the limits of downwinding and parawinging, Patrick has spent decades chasing the perfect ride. We dive into his journey from California surf breaks to parawinging with Ozone’s Pocket Rocket and explore why parawinging is opening up a whole new world for foilers everywhere.

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