Foil Assist Explained: The Next Step in Modern Foiling

February 10, 2026

Foil Assist, the major evolution of modern foiling

Foil assist is now established as one of the major evolutions in modern foiling. Positioned halfway between traditional foil and e-foil, it dramatically expands what’s possible: more sessions, more rideable conditions, and much faster progression.

At Voga Marine, board manufacturer and proud Foil Drive dealer, we see every day how this technology is transforming the sport, for both intermediate and advanced riders.

What is foil assist?

Foil assist is based on an electric motor mounted on the foil mast and controlled via a wireless remote. It is not designed to replace riding, but to assist the rider at the right moment: easing takeoff, securing delicate phases, and allowing effortless returns to the lineup.

Unlike e-foils, glide, balance, and reading the water remain at the heart of the experience. The assistance acts as an accelerator of fun and freedom, without compromising sensations.

How does Foil Drive work?

Foil Drive has developed a foil assist system that has become a global reference. The compact and silent motor delivers smooth, adjustable thrust, perfectly integrated into the ride.

On the water, the benefits are immediate: faster takeoff, sustained flight at low speed, instant recovery after a touchdown, and the ability to extend sessions even when conditions are marginal.

Depending on motor placement on the mast, riders can switch between two distinct navigation modes.

In Assist mode, the motor is positioned higher on the mast. It provides temporary thrust to help with takeoff, recover from a touchdown, or return to the lineup, while the wave, wind or bump energy remains the primary source of propulsion. The sensations stay very close to traditional foiling.

In E-foil mode, the motor is positioned lower on the mast, fully submerged. This setup delivers continuous and more powerful thrust, allowing the rider to cruise independently of waves or wind, with sensations closer to a true e-foil.

Assist Slim, Assist Max and Fusion: what’s the difference?

The Foil Drive Assist Slim focuses on lightness and discretion. It’s designed for experienced riders looking for occasional assistance, especially in surf foiling, while keeping sensations very close to unassisted foiling.

The Foil Drive Assist Max delivers more power and, above all, greater range. It’s particularly well suited to downwind foiling, light-wind wing foiling, and long sessions where endurance becomes a key factor.

The Foil Drive Fusion takes things a step further. With significantly higher power and much greater autonomy, it offers sensations close to an e-foil while retaining the philosophy of foil assist. It’s the ideal solution for covering long distances, riding for extended periods, and exploiting very marginal conditions.

Why foil assist changes the game

Foil assist makes it possible to ride in almost any conditions. Where traditional foiling requires a narrow weather window, assistance opens things up and secures the session.

In surf foiling, it becomes much easier to return to the lineup, reach waves further outside, and above all to connect waves, resulting in longer, smoother rides.

It also makes elite disciplines such as surf foiling or downwind much more accessible to intermediate-level riders.

Foil Drive and Voga Marine boards

To fully unlock the potential of foil assist, the board is a key element. Shape, balance, and volume distribution directly influence system efficiency.

Voga Marine is currently developing a new generation of dedicated boards, designed from the ground up to work in perfect harmony with Foil Drive systems. Boards engineered to eliminate drag providing a better glide and more runtime.

In a nutshell

Foil Drive foil assist is not a crutch, but a true tool for freedom and progression. It allows riders to ride more often, for longer, and to explore new disciplines without frustration.