Why Pumpfoiling Is Taking Over Docks Around the World

As temperatures start rising across Europe, our regional team rider Audrey headed out for a pumpfoil session in Leucate, France with two friends. The goal was simple. Learn to pumpfoil and have a good time on the water. Judging by the photos, there was plenty of both.

Audrey and her two friends, getting ready to hit the water!

Seeing sessions like this always reminds us of one thing. Pumpfoiling is one of the most fun activities you can share with friends.

Why pumpfoiling is so much fun

Pumpfoiling is incredibly social. If you have ever been to a foiling event or a busy dock, you will know exactly what we mean. There is usually a small group gathered around. Friends and often complete strangers all taking turns trying to get that first clean glide.

After a few attempts everyone needs a breather anyway. That naturally turns into sharing gear, chatting, laughing about the last wipeout, and watching the next person give it a go.

Across lakes and docks in Europe it is becoming more common to see small groups meeting up after work to pumpfoil together. It is fun, it is a great workout, and it is the perfect way to spend hot windless days.

And once you feel that first proper glide, you are hooked.

Who knows, maybe one day we will even see a bit of dock localism similar to surfing. Something like “Hey buddy, I do not see you here very often.” Luckily foilers tend to be a friendly bunch.

Location matters

Where you start from can make a big difference when learning to pumpfoil.

You do not need the perfect dock, but you do need a stable platform, water that is deep enough, and a safe area around the dock ( minimal sharp objects ). A sturdy dock, low wall, or platform works best.

There is also a common misconception that you need a big run up before jumping onto the foil. In reality what matters much more is how you place your feet and how well your body weight is timed with the board speed.

People start pumpfoiling from all sorts of places. Docks, ladders, rocks, and platforms. Stability and safety are the key factors, and recently Balz… a hand rail… 

The right gear makes a difference

Pumpfoil specific gear makes learning much easier.

Quite often riders try their wingfoil setup first just to see what pumpfoiling feels like. That is fine for a few attempts when messing around, but if you really want to learn to pumpfoil properly ,a dedicated pump foil setup makes a big difference.

Pumpfoil front wings are typically wider and have thicker profiles. Our ENSIS STRIDE front wing is designed exactly for this purpose. The larger surface area and profile allow the foil to generate lift at much lower speeds. This makes it possible to jump straight off the dock and get foiling.

The mast also plays an important role. Pump foils use wider wings which create more leverage and load on the mast. Any flex or wobble quickly costs you speed and efficiency.

For this reason aluminium masts are often a great option. They have thicker profiles designed to handle the loads of wide span wings and offer excellent stiffness and value. Unless you are chasing marathon length pumpfoil sessions, an aluminium mast will serve most riders extremely well.

Ready to get started

To make things simple, we offer a complete package that bundles everything you need; ENSIS MANIAC STRIDE, ENSIS HIP HOP PRO board and our nifty HIP HOP pumpfoil backpack, making transport easy.

Huge thanks to Audrey for sharing her session with us. With its flat water, accessible docks and growing foiling community, Leucate is a great place to learn to pumpfoil. We are looking forward to seeing many more sessions like this!