GET FLYING THE EASY WAY

Tips for Beginners and Learning to Fly

Flying Man logo vector Black SVG
SET UP & GETTING IN AND OUT OF WATER

Tips to get started

Getting Started & Reaching the Right Depth

When you arrive at the beach, set up a large rug or mat on the sand (a Flyingman version is available in the board store). This helps keep sand out of screw holes and ensures everything stays clean while you set up and break down your gear.

Before assembling, make sure the connection between the mast and board hub is clean, dry, and secure. If needed, apply some gel for a better connection.

Assemble the board on the mat, but leave the battery out for now. Carry the board to the water’s edge without the battery—it’s much lighter and easier to handle this way. Insert the battery as close to the water as possible, ensuring the connectors remain dry.

Launching Into the Water

Carry the board by holding a handle and the side of the mast. Once you’re in about two feet of water, place the board on its back with the mast pointing up. Float it out carefully until you reach a depth that’s at least 1–2 feet deeper than the mast.

After flipping the board over, remember that once you get on, your weight will lower the foils, possibly bringing them close to the bottom. If you feel any resistance or scraping, get off immediately and push out further. Avoid flipping the board too soon in shallow water, as this could damage the foils. Over time, you’ll learn the right depth—typically when the water reaches a certain level on your chest—before safely flipping it. Start deeper and work your way back.

Exiting the Water

Never ride the board until it hits the bottom—this can damage the foils and mast. Always dismount while still in deep enough water, then swim the board in until you reach a depth where you can safely flip it onto its back and float it to shore.

Beware of Waves

Whether launching or coming in, always keep hold of your board in waves. Even without a rider, the board is heavy, and if caught in a breaking wave, it can slam down on the mast and foils, causing damage.

When approaching shore in waves or swell, be extra cautious—if the board lifts and drops in shallow water, it could suffer serious damage. Play it safe: exit while it’s still deep, then swim the board in until you can stand and flip it over.

Better to be safe than sorry!

Learning to Fly

There are some great videos online about learning to eFoil for the first time—highly recommended viewing before you hit the water. Just search for beginner eFoiling tutorials, and you’ll find plenty of useful tips. Flyingman will be releasing its own guides soon, but since all foiling follows the same principles, watching a few different videos will give you a solid foundation.

Getting the Speed Right

Start by setting the board to a speed that will just lift you into a foil. For riders around 60–70kg, that’s about 55–60% power; for those closer to 95kg, aim for around 65%.

Getting the speed setting right means you can simply hold the trigger fully in and focus on foiling—no need to feather the throttle or constantly adjust speed. If your speed is too high and you keep accelerating and decelerating, the board will rise and dip unpredictably, making it much harder to get stable.

Start on Your Knees

Begin by balancing on your knees with your butt off the board, so you can lean forward and back for control. Keep your arms out to the sides like wings to help with balance.

Once the board starts foiling, you’ll notice it smooths out and speeds up, but it can also pitch forward and back depending on your weight distribution. Learning to control this movement is key to mastering the ride.

More Weight Forward Than You Think

The biggest beginner mistake is starting too far back on the board. Your center of gravity should be near the front of the slip mat. If the nose lifts too much when you apply power, you’re too far back. (Trust me, I must have yelled “further forward!” a hundred times—it’s way more than you instinctively think.)

Start by shifting your weight so far forward that the board stays in the water at full speed. Then, slowly lean back until it begins to foil.

You should be so far forward that if the power suddenly cuts, you’d fall off the front of the board unless you quickly push yourself back.

Standing Up

Once you’re comfortable foiling on your knees, try standing up.

  • Start with your weight forward so the board stays in the water.
  • Place your front foot at the very front of the slip mat and keep a wide stance.
  • Once stable, lean back slightly to take weight off your front foot—and you’re flying.

Welcome to one of the coolest feelings ever—you’re now foiling!

Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can set a slightly faster speed in the second gear and double-press the controller to jump up a level once foiling. Before long, you’ll be able to start with higher speeds and feather the trigger for fine-tuned control – See user manual page 11 for details

DISCLAIMER

Before using this product, please carefully read the manual and the accompanying warnings. This product is designed for water sports activities. It is important to be aware that using this product carries inherent risks that could result in serious injury or even death. Users must fully understand and accept these risks before using the product. It is crucial to use this product correctly to avoid any potential damage or personal harm.

dangers
View & Read User Manual