Latest News, Blog & Videos

When you get a chance to visit the Outer Banks, you go, no matter the conditions. Ryan from MACkite caught up with waterman and foiler Hunter Lukes to talk about his background, what drew him to foiling, and how the Foil Drive turned a flat week on the Outer Banks into one packed with fun rides in the glassy swell. Hunter shares how the right setup and a little extra propulsion can open up whole new stretches of coastline. Ryan: Hey guys, Ryan from MACkite here. Today I've got Hunter Luke …

The long-awaited X Series from Code Foils has arrived, and the 810X is already making waves. Designed as the first release in this new lineup, the 810X isn’t just another addition to the Code range—it represents a shift in how foilers approach performance, control, and radical maneuvering. But what exactly is the 810X good for, and who should be riding it? Let’s break it down. Built for Radical Maneuvers and Control At its core, the 810X is all about radical turns, sharp mane …

Foil Drive is one of the most amazing tools in the foil surfing world. By adding electric assist, it helps new riders get on foil without the endless paddling or tow-ins traditionally required. For experienced foilers, it opens the door to new ways of connecting waves and maximizing sessions. Recently, our friend Hunter put his teaching skills to the test by introducing his friends Jack, Jack’s dad Matt, and later Jack’s brother Luke to Foil Drive. What unfolded was a two-day …

Foil Drive has quickly become the gold standard for assisted foil surfing—hands down. But like any new discipline, the learning curve can be steep. Josh Ku, an experienced waterman, recently shared insights from his early sessions on the Foil Drive, offering a valuable roadmap for beginners navigating the transition. The Early Struggles: From Surfing to Foil Drive Josh’s initial challenge came from treating Foil Drive like prone surfing. Using a prone board of similar volume, he att …

With the release of the FLITELab AMP, you might be wondering how it compares to Foil Drive and whether one is better for you. Cole has experience with both and is ready to share his insights into which he would choose for different foiling disciplines. What's the Difference Between Foil Drive and FLITELab? First off, what are they? Both are foil assist products meant to help you get up on foil and then turn off so you can do your thing, though the Foil Drive can be ridden as a full-time e …

MACkite is now shipping the V2 Foil Drive cases, which are included with all Foil Drive Gen2 units, so it's time for us to give you an update on what you'll get when you order yours. Eli's got one open and is ready to go through it. There is no difference between the MAX and Slim versions of the case, so no matter which you ordered, this unboxing will apply to you. However, if you ordered the high-power motor, there is one small difference, and we'll cover that, too. The case itself is very …

If you're just getting into Foil Drive, the options can feel a little overwhelming. What's the difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2? Should I get the Max or the Slim? Do I need 3 props on my motor or are 2 enough? And perhaps most confusingly with four options now available for the MAX Gen 2 unit, which battery do I need? The MAX is the larger unit of Foil Drive's current generation. While the Slim is lighter with a little less drag, the extra power and runtime the MAX offers is well worth it fo …

In a way, a Foil Drive is an "easy button" for foiling. You can get up easier, it's easier to stay out longer, and it's easier to progress your skills with that extra time on the water. So if you like easy, you may like the Konrad Click Nut System for Foil Drive. What Are Konrad Click Nuts? Ryan's been using the Konrad Click Nuts with his foilboards for a while now, and he's excited to have them as an option for the Foil Drive. These replace your existing track mount hardware with a too …

It's a great time to be a foiler. Just a few years ago, kitesurfers hopped onto foilboards, and it was awesome. You could get in and out of waves and pick any spot you wanted to surf. The only downside was that the kite was always there and you could easily outrun it and find yourself dealing with loose lines. Today we've got options like winging, parawinging, and Foil Driving that allow us to use power when we need it and shut it off when we just want to surf, and many foilers are taking adva …

If you've ever had a chance to ride a board that came out of the Appletree factory, you know it's something special. These boards are designed and built by the people who use them. The Foil Drive was also designed and tested by actual riders. The Zapple lets you combine the two, and it's magic. Getting a Foil Drive may be the best upgrade you could make to your foil setup, but at the end of the day, it's still an add-on and adds some drag. Going with an integrated mast helps by getting the cab …

  Foil Drive has launched an exciting new product lineup featuring the High Power (HP) Motor and HP Battery, designed to enhance thrust, efficiency, and overall performance. This tech talk aims to break down the key features, benefits, and practical applications of the HP motor and battery, helping riders make informed decisions before purchasing. Shop Lastest Foil Drive Gear   Foil Drive High Power Battery Maximized energy capacity within an optimized form factor. Approximately 20 …

Foil Drive has not one, but two exciting upgrades to announce. If you've been wishing you could get just a little more power and runtime from your Foil Drive sessions, these may scratch that itch. Foil Drive is releasing a High Power battery for the MAX Gen2 unit, as well as a High Power motor. These can be upgraded together or independently, and will each provide a boost to your sessions. High Power Battery The High Power battery is the same size as the current Power battery and uses the same …

Since Foil Drive is an accessory that can be fitted to virtually any foil setup, the options are nearly endless. If you're already a foiler and love your setup, adding a Foil Drive to that is a no-brainer, but what if you're starting from scratch or want to reboot your setup? Ryan from MACkite has been Foil Driving for a while with the shop's gear and is ready to share what he ultimately settled on and why. 1. Foil Drive Gen2 Assist Max The Foil Drive Gen2 Assist Max gives you the most runtim …

Foil Drive’s latest surf masterclass offers valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your surf foiling experience. Paul from Foil Drive shares his knowledge, focusing on techniques to use thrust effectively, improve takeoffs, and navigate waves with precision. This blog breaks down the key lessons and actionable steps from the masterclass, ensuring you can maximize your time on the water. 1. Getting Started with Foil DrivePreparation is Key: Check the propeller bolts, battery gr …

Appletree Surfboards and Foil Drive joined forces to create an informative and exciting day of testing. With a diverse crew of riders, a range of board shapes, and Foil Drive setups, the goal was simple—figure out how different boards and skill levels impact the Foil Drive experience. From beginners to seasoned experts, the day was packed with learnings, challenges, and plenty of fun. Riders and Their Setups Dominic (Foil Drive Europe Rep): A seasoned expert in Foil Drive, Dominic …