PEOPLE walking along the Hastings River sometimes have cause to look twice when they see a man or woman appearing to fly above the water on a surfboard.
It is the result of a new wave of water enthusiasts taking to the region’s waterways on high-tech surf gear called electric hydrofoils (eFoils).
eFoiling is a fast-paced water sport growing rapidly in popularity, and involves riding a foilboard powered by an electric motor.
Key to the uniqueness of the sport is the use of a hydrofoil, a winglike structure attached below the board that works to lift the rider out of the water, similar to the effect of aerofoils used by airplanes.
The combination of the propeller and the lack of drag allows the rider to travel above the ocean at great speed, both in flat water and surf conditions.
One man leading the charge is Greg Ballesty, who teaches the sport in Port Macquarie.
Greg, tell us about eFoiling.
Absolutely David, eFoiling offers an exhilarating experience for anyone with basic balance. With adjustable speeds and expert guidance you will quickly learn to ride the surface and soar above the water on a foil. If people are not confident of standing, they can ride the surface and simply glide around on their stomach or knees.
What got you involved in this adventure?
Before coming to Port, I worked for an Australian company that manufactures the boards that I use as an instructor for them. I have taught hundreds of people how to eFoil and learn a new skill. I love seeing the reactions and truly believe it’s a bucket-list thing to do for all ages.
Where are you from originally and why did you choose Port Macquarie to set up a business like this?
Originally I am from Sydney, have lived in Singapore and more recently the Gold Coast. As a teenager, I used to holiday in Port Macquarie and was very familiar with the river and the Mid North Coast beaches. With Jacquie my wife we looked at the possibility of starting our venture and I was very confident that the area of the river where I have chosen to operate allows safe water entry and an area where the river flow is wide and slow – really just the best situation for first timers.
What are the important things to know about eFoiling before getting started?
Rider safety is paramount in my mind and I have a detailed briefing to ensure that riders feel safe but also very comfortable. Not only are they learning something new, I want them to have a lot of fun while doing it. The secret is to not rush, take time to learn the basics and they will be flying in about 15 minutes. For the less confident, we have a larger volume inflated board named the Scooter, that has handlebars for the rider which provides a solid touch point to give riders that assurance and confidence. The board is so stable it is quite possible to ride and not even get wet. Once the right speed is reached (about 18 km/h) the wings will generate lift and the board will rise up off the water. It’s the best way to learn.
By Dave ‘Scoop’LAZARUS
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