E-Foiling Takes Center Stage at the Surf Foil World Tour – Pensacola, Florida

The Surf Foil World Tour launched its E-Foiling discipline in thrilling fashion at Foiling Week in Pensacola, Florida, marking an electrifying start to what promises to be a groundbreaking season for the sport. Under blue skies, with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, riders from across the country gathered to compete in a format that tested speed, control, and strategy. The week wasn’t just about racing—it was a celebration of the foiling lifestyle, with the energy of Mardi Gras adding a special flair to an already exciting event.

A Perfect Backdrop for E-Foiling Action

Pensacola provided an ideal setting for the tour’s first E-Foiling event. Known for its consistent conditions, stunning scenery, and warm community, the location set the stage for a competition where both new and experienced riders had the chance to showcase their skills. Foiling Week brought together some of the best watermen and women, all united by their passion for high-performance hydrofoiling.

E-Foiling is a rapidly growing discipline in the world of watersports. Combining the thrill of surfing with the efficiency of electric propulsion, it offers a unique, accessible way for riders of all skill levels to experience the freedom of flying over water. Whether it’s carving smooth turns, reaching top speeds, or mastering technical buoy navigation, this sport is pushing boundaries and attracting a growing global community.

Competitive Yet Inclusive Formats

Day 1: E- Foil Technical Track

The event structure ensured an exciting, fair competition where beginners, intermediates, and pros could all take part. The technical format featured:

🔹 Two individual time trial rounds, where riders raced against the clock to post their best times.
🔹 The top 8 fastest riders advanced to the knockout stage.
🔹 Head-to-head elimination rounds determined the final four, setting the stage for an epic 0ne-on-one showdown.

This progressive competition style created an environment where both emerging talents and experienced racers could test their skills in a high-stakes setting. With a focus on speed, buoy precision, and consistency, riders had to balance raw speed with smooth technical maneuvering to make it through the elimination rounds.

High-Speed Battles and a Nail-Biting Final

The racecourses were designed to challenge every aspect of an E-Foiler’s abilities—fast straightaways required maximum throttle control, while tight buoy turns demanded technical skill. The early rounds of Day 1 saw a mix of first-time competitors and experienced foilers setting impressive times, with some surprising upsets along the way.
As the head-to-head elimination rounds progressed, the competition became even more intense. 

The final battle came down to Justin Chait from Naples, Florida, and Keaton Fischer, who traveled from Montana to California to compete. Both riders displayed an incredible level of precision, navigating the course with skill and confidence. The crowd watched in anticipation as each turn and acceleration became more crucial in the race to the finish line. In a photo-finish moment, Justin Chait edged out the win, securing first place with flawless execution around the buoys and impressive top speed in the straightaways. Keaton Fischer took a well-fought second place, followed by Jacob Ranney (Miami) in third and Corey Marlatt (Pensacola) rounding out the top four.

Top 4 E-Foiling Technical Track:

1st place: Justin Chait (Naples, Florida)
2nd Place: Keaton Fischer (Montana)
3nd place: Jacob Ranney (Miami, Florida)
4th place: Corey Marlatt (Pensacola, FL)

Day 2: E-FOIL ENDURO TRACK RACING

Day 2 of the Surf Foil World Tour’s E-Foil Enduro Race in Pensacola delivered an adrenaline-pumping spectacle that had the crowd on their feet. With longer distances, high speeds, and intense head-to-head competition, the racecourse pushed riders to their limits, testing both endurance and strategy.

The Road to the Final Four

With eight skilled riders on the start line, the semifinal rounds were set up for an all-out battle. Each heat featured four competitors, with the top two from each advancing to the final. Riders had to balance speed, efficiency, and tactical decision-making to secure their spot in the championship round. The stage was set for an electrifying final race, and the crowd was locked in, cheering as the riders lined up for one last battle.

A Stunning Turn of Events

As the race began, disaster struck for the heavily favored Justin Chait—he fell right at the start. The unexpected crash opened the door for the rest of the field, as Corey, Julien, and Jacob surged ahead, determined to take advantage of the moment. But Justin wasn’t about to let his shot at victory slip away. Fueled by sheer determination, he quickly recovered, powered back onto his board, and kicked into high gear. With unbelievable precision and speed, he began his comeback mission, closing the gap with each buoy turn.

One by one, he chased down every competitor, methodically picking them off as the finish line approached. As the final stretch unfolded, it was a head-to-head sprint between Justin and Jacob, with Justin securing a jaw-dropping victory!

Top 4 E-Foiling Finishers:

1st Place: Justin Chait (Naples, Florida)
2nd Place: Keaton Fischer (Montana)
3rd Place: Jacob Ranney (Miami, Florida)
4th Place: Corey Marlatt (Pensacola, Florida)

More Than Just a Race – A Community of Foilers

Beyond the competition, the event was a true celebration of the foiling lifestyle. Riders spent the week sharing tips, testing new gear, and soaking in the Florida sun. The event wasn’t just about crowning a champion—it was about bringing together a passionate community of foilers who love the sport.

One of the most exciting aspects of the E-Foiling event was the wide range of skill levels represented. With beginners, intermediates, and pros all competing together, the competition showcased how inclusive and accessible E-Foiling can be. Some riders were there to push their limits and chase podium finishes, while others simply wanted to experience the thrill of racing for the first time.

The Energy of Mardi Gras Meets Foiling

Adding to the excitement was the timing of the event with Pensacola’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations. The mix of high-speed foiling action by day and vibrant festivities by night made for a week to remember. Competitors and spectators alike enjoyed local food, music, and entertainment, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that set this event apart.

For many, it wasn’t just about racing—it was about the experience. Between the sun, the water, the friendly competition, and the unforgettable energy of Mardi Gras, the Pensacola stop of the Surf Foil World Tour was an event like no other.

Looking Ahead: The Future of E-Foiling on Tour

With the first E-Foiling event in the books, the Surf Foil World Tour is off to an incredible start. The combination of competition, camaraderie, and cutting-edge foiling technology is making waves in the watersports world. As the tour continues, more riders are expected to join, bringing new talent, innovative riding styles, and even tighter competition. The Pensacola event proved that E-Foiling isn’t just a trend—it’s a fast-growing discipline with a dedicated community behind it.

Stay Tuned for More Action!

The SFT will make it's way to Leucate, France for another epic showdown in E-foiling and pump foiling. 

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