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Struggling to nail your dock starts or pump beyond 30 seconds? Gael Daniele knows the frustration—and shares what helped him break through. In this episode of FOILERS, Pete Walmsley chats with foiler, YouTuber and gear reviewer Gael Daniele about his journey from learning to foil on mountain lakes to making a living testing foiling equipment. Gael breaks down the foundations of dock starting, how to choose a setup that suits your size and ability, and why a bigger foil isn’t always easier. He also explains how hip movement and timing can help you move beyond short bursts of pumping and start building efficiency and distance. We also go behind the scenes of gear reviews to explore what makes a fair comparison and the challenges of sharing honest opinions. Along the way, we discuss the appeal of parawinging and SUP downwinding, and how foil assist can help riders build skills across disciplines. Whether you’re learning your first dock start or looking for your next challenge, this episode is packed with practical advice for making more of your time on the water.

What happens when a casual catch-up with a few foiling mates grows into a four-day festival? In this episode of the FOILERS Podcast, Pete chats with Marty, event director of the Great Southern Foil Fest and one of the people behind the new Western Australia Foil Association (WAFA). Returning to Denmark, Western Australia, from 15–18 October 2026, the festival brings together competition, gear demos, social foiling and a whole lot of froth—with more than $16,000 in prizes up for grabs. Marty shares his journey from surfing and kitesurfing to prone foiling, what he learnt from organising the inaugural festival last year and what’s planned for this year. We discuss prone, foil assist and tow foiling, opportunities for downwinding, and why you don’t need to compete to get plenty out of the weekend. We also explore how WAFA came together, why membership matters, and how local events can help riders progress, build friendships and grow the sport. Whether you’re an experienced foiler, finding your feet or simply curious, this is a great introduction to a great bunch of people who are bringing the foiling community together. Register for the festival and join WAFA: wafoil.org.au

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.

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 foilingThe early days of shaping and building high-performance boardsWorking with riders including Kane De Wilde and Kai LennyWhy Maui is the ultimate testing ground for foiling gearThe design evolution behind the KT Super K, Drifter and ARC boardsWhy longer and narrower boards are changing foilingDesigning boards for winging, prone, Foil Drive and parawingingWhy Keith believes parawinging is the future of downwindingHow foils are changing what is possible in board designThe importance of stance, subtle movements and techniqueKeith 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

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.

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 marketWhy “performance” means different things for pro riders versus everyday foilersBalancing engineering, computer modelling and rider feelWhy Omen has chosen a focused product range rather than chasing every categoryThe design philosophy behind the Flux V2 and Emissary boardsBoard volume, width, hull efficiency and why bigger is not always betterHow board design changes for winging, prone, parawing and Foil DriveIn 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.

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.

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 CaribbeanThe brutal early days of foiling and why she almost wrote the sport offMassive downwind runs in WA’s southwest and NingalooScary moments offshore and the safety gear she relies onEntering foiling competitions in Australia and Hawaii Why more women aren’t getting into foiling — and what the industry can do about itWhether 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

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 pathWhere it shines (and where it doesn’t)The reality vs expectation for everyday foilersWhat’s coming next—and why it mattersIf 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!

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 upThe thinking behind the Mike’s Lab inspired connectionHow stiffness, drag reduction, and design choices impact real-world riding feelWhat makes riders say it feels “buttery smooth” on the waterHow to choose between the 760, 905, and 1150 front wingsWhy the 905 is the ultimate all-rounderThe role of stabilisers (and why they matter more than most riders think)A sneak peek at the upcoming Tweaker stabliser and Whippet foilWe 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.