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Ryan and Hunter have been quietly battling over this mast—and that alone says something. The new North Integrated Ultra High Mod Carbon Mast isn’t just another accessory in the Foil Drive ecosystem. It’s a purpose-built, performance-focused solution for riders who are already pushing their limits in waves, downwinders, and pump sessions. After significant time on the water, their takeaway is clear: this setup changes how a Foil Drive feels underfoot. Tech Specs | What You …

Ryan and Hunter from MACkite have been logging serious sessions this summer and fall on the Appletree Zapple S, and it’s quickly become one of their standout Foil Drive setups. If you’re looking at trench boards and wondering whether going smaller actually improves performance, this board makes a strong case. Let’s break down why. What Is the Zapple S? The Zapple S is closely related to Appletree’s Apple Slice prone board, but with one major difference: a built-in tr …

With 2025 North closeouts hitting the sale rack, we asked Jeff, Tucker, and Ryan to weigh in on the wings they'd personally build a quiver around. From Jeff's decades-long connection to the North brand to Tucker's appreciation for the consistency and polish across the lineup, this isn’t a spec-sheet rundown. It’s a look at what we believe actually works on the water, why it works, and who each piece makes the most sense for. Jeff's Go-To For 2025 North Wings North Sails and I go bac …

Foil Drive riding has pushed board design in a very specific direction. Efficiency, foil feel, and clean integration now matter more than ever, and few brands have leaned into that reality as effectively as Appletree Surfboards. After riding both the Appletree Zapple and the Appletree Zapple S back-to-back for a full season, Ryan and Hunter from MACkiteboarding break down where these two boards overlap, where they clearly diverge, and, most importantly, who each board is actually for. This i …

Foil Drive has opened the door to a new category of riding—one that blends the accessibility of e-foiling with the performance and progression of traditional hydrofoiling. To make that leap even easier, we have curated a turnkey setup built around proven North hardware: the Foil Drive North Boost Foil Drive Package. In this breakdown, Ryan from MACkiteboarding explains why this package works so well for first-time foilers, experienced wing and kite foilers, and anyone looking for a hig …

Riding the Foil Drive Max opens up an entirely different way to approach foiling—especially in a place like the Great Lakes, where conditions can swing wildly from glassy summer days to fast-moving, overhead windswell. In this discussion, Ryan and Hunter break down how they think about foil selection based on real sessions on Lake Michigan, covering everything from one-foil solutions to full quiver setups. Rather than chasing theory, this guide is rooted in what actually works when you …

Foil Drive has just released the Fusion. If you've been following our blog or YouTube channel, then you know that we love Foil Drive, so naturally we were stoked to get our hands on something new from them. We also realize that it can be a bit confusing keeping track of all the options they have now, so Ryan and Hunter are here to break down what this new offering from Foil Drive is about. What Is the Fusion? The short answer is that it's an eFoil alternative that can also be used as a f …

Foil Drive has just released a new model, the Fusion. What is it, and should you get that or the Max? They're similar but have some important differences, so Ryan and Hunter are here to go over those and what sort of rider might enjoy each one. What Is the Foil Drive Fusion? Some people enjoy using their Foil Drive in eFoil mode, with the propeller low on the mast so it's always in the water. The Fusion has embraced that use and offers a longer, more powerful runtime. With the ability to …

You've probably noticed an eFoil or two while out on the water. Two of the most notable brands on the market today are Foil Drive and Waydoo. We’ve been riding both here on Lake Michigan and at our spring demo sessions, and each system fills a pretty different niche once you get it out on the water. Ryan and Hunter wanted to break things down as honestly as possible so you can figure out which one fits your riding, your crew, and the type of spots you hit. What These Systems Actuall …

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 …

You've got your starter wakefoil setup and you're getting pretty comfortable on it behind the boat. You can get up on foil, you've tamed the bucking bronco, you've dropped the rope, and you can even pump around a bit. So what's next? You know you want something that'll give you better performance without being so difficult to use that it slows your progression. Ryan and Caden have been there and have some suggestions to keep wakefoiling fun and exciting as you grow your skills. What Shou …

You've got a board, you've got a leash, but... there's no place to attach the leash? No problem! SurfCo has the solution with a stick-on leash plug. Installation is easy and fast. How Do I Install the E-Z Plug Leash Attachment? 1. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the spot where you want to put the leash attachment. 2. Once it's dry, break open the included 3M primer and rub it onto your board. 3. Peel the backing off the leash attachment and press it firmly onto the board. 4. Let it cure fo …

You pull up at the beach and the conditions look amazing. You grab your board, flip it over, and attach your foil. It's time to go! You pick up your board to carry it down to the beach and... oh no! There's a fresh scuff right on the nose... What Are Nose Padz For? The Tri-Tip Nose Padz from NSI is a simple and effective solution to parking lot scrapes. Put it on the high spot that comes in contact with the ground when your board is face-down and it'll protect your board from whatever rou …

Can I Use Stick-On Strap Inserts? You love your board, but the board designers decided that it would be a strap-free zone and you'd really like to have the option of straps. Or maybe there aren't inserts at your preferred foot position. Now you can make your board fit your feet like it was custom made just for you. NSI's stick-on footstraps inserts come in sets of 2 or 4, and screws are included. You'll need two stick-on inserts for each strap (one for each end of the strap), so be sure …

Why Do I Need Fins for My Foilboard? So you're ready to give wing foiling a go. You've got your wing, your foilboard, and your foil, but you want to focus on learning to control the wing before throwing a foil into the mix. Slingshot hears you, and they've come up with a simple solution. Mount these fins into your foil track box and you can ride your foilboard on the surface of the water. Even after you've mastered the foil, you may want the occasional foil-free session. With these fins, …