ASSISTED VS UNASSISTED WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

As Foiling grows all over the world, in both flatwater and surf conditions, different setup proliferations continue to appear and evolve. One of the most obvious is between powered or assisted foiling, like the FLITELab*_AMP range, and unpowered or unassisted foiling,like the FLITELab*_RAW range, so here’s a little rundown of their differences.

Unassisted foiling is foiling under your own steam, using paddle power or a wind wing to get up, and then the wave, wind or swell to stay up. It’s the purist’s approach to the sport, relying solely on your own strength and the natural elements to foil freely above the water. Unassisted setups like FLITELab*_RAW are lighter and more agile but this type of foiling demands skill, timing, and a deeper understanding of the wave or wind. It’s all about mastering your environment and using it to your advantage.

Assisted foiling, on the other hand, is a whole different ball game, involving a motor and battery to help get you onto a wave and up on foil. There are different types of assisted foil setups. eFoils, like Fliteboards for example, have the motor at the bottom of the mast, allowing you to use the power in flat water or on windless days as well as on waves and in swell. eFoils make it easier for riders to get up and foiling, especially in conditions that might be challenging for traditional foiling.

But assisted foiling isn’t just about eFoils. There are also hybrid assists designed with the motor at, or near, the top of the mast, like AMPMast. This allows you to use the motor to get going or keep going when the board is very close to the water. But once you’re fully up, you can keep the motor out of the water for less drag and rely solely on the power of the wave, wind or swell. For instance you can boost onto a wave, then ride it in unassisted, before eFoiling back out using the motor if you haven’t mastered your pump yet, or if you just want to save your quads the effort. AMPMast is the first prop driven hybrid assist with the motor fully integrated and sealed inside the mast, rather than merely mounted on it. As well as reducing drag this has the added advantage of significantly lessening maintenance, giving you more time in the water and less time in the workshop.

Then there is also the hybrid assist with the motor actually inside the board: aka AMPJet. At the time of writing, this type of board-based setup is unique to FLITELab*. There’s simply nothing else out there like it. Similar to AMPMast, it allows you to boost on to the wave and helps you get up in lighter winds with smaller gear. Then, because the motor and jet are contained within the board, once the board has left the water, you have zero extra drag and no more assist, so it becomes more like riding a traditional prone board. Think of it as a bridge between pure foiling and eFoiling with the boost enabling foiling in a wider range of conditions. For instance, being able to boost onto much bigger waves that would normally be out of the question for a traditional foiler, then once up on foil, riding like that traditional foiler with a totally free and unencumbered mast. In essence, assisted foiling offers a way to enjoy the thrill of foiling with a little extra help, making it more accessible and versatile, while unassisted foiling remains the domain of those seeking the purest, most challenging connection with the water. Whether you choose assisted, unassisted or hybrid assisted foiling depends on your skill level, the conditions, and the type of experience you’re after. All offer unique ways to enjoy the water, each with its own set of challenges and rewards.