eFoiling All Year:
Winter eFoiling Because Real Riders Do Not Hibernate
Most people pack away their boards when autumn arrives. Not you.
As long as the water is not frozen solid it is still riding season. There is something special about gliding across an empty lake with steam rising from the surface and realizing that you might be slightly crazy in the best possible way. Welcome to winter eFoiling where loyalty to your Fliteboard jetboard or esurfer is tested and rewarded.
Our crew rides all winter through the rivers of Germany with our home base in Munich.
Here is how to keep flying while everyone else sits inside with a blanket.
Suit Up or Stay Home
If you plan to ride through the cold a good wetsuit is your best friend. Forget style for now. This is about survival. Choose a five to six millimeter wetsuit with strong insulation for hands feet and a tight hood around your face.
The O’Neill Psycho Tech, Rip Curl Flashbomb, and Xcel Drylock are our favorites.
Once the hood is on you will look a little like a Lego character but you will be warm and that is what matters. Make sure your helmet fits properly with your hood on. Either go one size bigger or remove the inner cushion so it sits right.
Do not skip gloves or boots. A good set of neoprene accessories makes the difference between being a little cold or totally frozen.
Once in the water the thin layer of water between you and the suit warms quickly and works better than most people think.
Feet Grip and the Great Boot Debate
Feet are where many riders lose the battle. The question is whether to ride barefoot or with boots.
Some swear by thin neoprene boots while others ride barefoot even in winter. Avoid diving boots with thick soles because they can scratch your Fliteboard and have poor grip.
If you have ever seen our team handle gear you know how picky we are about keeping the boards spotless.
We prefer split toe surf boots or thin neoprene shoes that give you warmth and connection to your board.
Once you are up and gliding you forget the cold completely.
Side note from our Lofoten adventure:
During our trip in the Arctic Circle we expected the water to be freezing but were surprised at how warm it actually felt once you were riding.
Most of the riders even went barefoot to feel more connected to their boards and for better control. It might sound crazy but that is exactly why we love it.
You can see some amazing photos and even join us for one of our next adventures in Lofoten right here → Join an Adventure
Batteries Boards and Winter Maintenance
Cold weather affects your equipment just like it affects your hands.
Expect shorter ride times since your eFoil battery is less efficient when cold. Never store your Flitecell in a freezing car overnight.
Even if you pack your gear the night before always take your battery inside and only load it right before leaving.
The good news is it warms up naturally once you start riding.
After each ride rinse your Fliteboard jetboard or esurfer with fresh water especially if you ride in saltwater or near salted roads.
In Bavaria we are lucky to have drinking-quality lakes but most people are not. Keeping your setup clean prevents corrosion and extends the life of your board.
If your battery drains faster or charges slower it is probably the temperature. Store it indoors and at room temperature.
Routine eFoil maintenance such as checking screws seals and cables keeps everything running smoothly.
Our service teams in Germany and Spain can take care of this for you if you prefer.
Safety First Even When You Cannot Feel Your Face
Riding in winter needs a little more planning. Always tell someone where you are going and try to ride with a friend.
Know your exit points before getting into the water especially if ice is around. Some of our Munich riders even ride below zero degrees and say the hardest part is not the cold but walking over frozen rocks to get in.
Always take a cell phone in a waterproof pouch just in case. It might seem unnecessary until the one time you actually need it. Please wear a helmet and vest.
It is not the coolest look but it might be the reason you walk away from a hard crash.
Two Types of Cold and Why Winter Rides Are Secretly the Best
In our world there are two kinds of cold. The first is what we call the Spanish cold water that makes locals in the Balearics shiver when the air drops below twenty degrees.
Then there is the real cold in Germany when the air is below zero your breath freezes and you are still out there flying down the river because it feels too good to stop. We love both equally.
Winter eFoiling has its own magic. The air feels cleaner the light softer and the water calmer. Once you get used to it the cold turns into focus and pure flow. No crowds no noise just you and your board cutting through the water.
Bring a padded surf parka or thick poncho for changing after your ride and a thermos of tea or coffee to warm up. Cold water riding also builds your immune system. Some of our crew never get sick and we like to think this might be the reason.
Our eFoil Riders team in Germany rides all year from rivers across the country to our base in Munich. If you want to try your first winter session we would love to bring you along. We promise it is more fun than it sounds.
So next time someone says it is too cold to ride smile zip up your O’Neill wetsuit grab your Fliteboard jetboard or esurfer and show them what real riders do when the water starts to bite.
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