A foilboard, also known as a hydrofoil board or foil surfboard, is a type of board used in water sports that has a hydrofoil mounted underneath it, replacing the traditional fins seen on surfboards [9]. The hydrofoil design allows the surfboard and its rider to lift above the water’s surface, allowing for faster speeds and increased maneuverability in a wide range of surf conditions [10].  Foilboards are becoming increasingly popular across many water sports, including surfing, kiteboarding, and wakeboarding, due to their unique benefits [12]. Foilboards have also been used in races and competitions, with riders reaching high speeds and performing acrobatic maneuvers [13].

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A foilboard, also known as a hydrofoil board or foil surfboard, is a type of board used in water sports that has a hydrofoil mounted underneath it, replacing the traditional fins seen on surfboards [9]. The hydrofoil design allows the surfboard and its rider to lift above the water’s surface, allowing for faster speeds and increased maneuverability in a wide range of surf conditions [10].  Foilboards are becoming increasingly popular across many water sports, including surfing, kiteboarding, and wakeboarding, due to their unique benefits [12]. Foilboards have also been used in races and competitions, with riders reaching high speeds and performing acrobatic maneuvers [13].

History

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In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Laird Hamilton, an influential big wave surfer and waterman, began experimenting with attaching hydrofoils to surfboards, with the aim of achieving faster speeds and a smoother ride on large waves [11].  Dave Kalama, a renowned stand-up paddleboarder and big wave surfer, also contributed significantly to the advancement of foilboards[]. Collaborating with Hamilton, Kalama focused on refining the design and performance of foilboards, particularly in the realm of stand-up paddleboarding[]. His efforts helped expand the application of foilboard technology, making it accessible to a wider range of water sports enthusiasts [].

The history of foilboards can be traced back to early hydrofoil experiments; however, their . The modern foilboard owes its development to a number of key individuals, including water sports pioneers Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama[]. , played a crucial role in the early development of foilboarding by adapting existing hydrofoil technology for use in surfing [7]

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