Top 12 Foil Surfing Destinations Worldwide with Practical Tips

From flat-water pump-foil practice to big-wave tow foiling, foil surfers have a growing list of destinations that reward preparation. This guide lists key spots, when to go, what to expect on the water, notable hazards, and the foil and board setups that work best for each location.

Maui (Ho'okipa, Kanaha, Honolua) offers world-class waves and consistent trade winds; Ho'okipa and Honolua suit experienced wave-foilers with clean reef and point waves while Kanaha is reliable for wing-foiling and downwind practice. Visit year-round depending on discipline, with November–March bringing bigger southern swells. Expect reef and point breaks, strong currents, crowded lineups, and sharp coral—bring reef booties, plan remounts carefully, and favor smaller, high-aspect wings when waves turn hollow. Recommended setups include 90-130 cm front wing for downwind/wing and 700-900 cm2 mid-high aspect front wings for down-the-line surf-foiling on short, responsive boards.

California (Newport, Malibu, Santa Cruz) covers beginner to advanced conditions with good coaching and rental communities. Year-round surf varies from winter storms to smaller summer waves. Beachbreaks and points are typical; watch for crowds, kelp, and rocks, and observe local etiquette. Use medium-aspect surf front wings (800-1000 cm2) and vary mast length (60-90 cm) to match conditions and skill.

Cape Verde (Sal, Boa Vista) delivers consistent trade-wind swell and long right points from November–April. Expect long, clean point waves and plan logistics carefully—bring extra mounting hardware and spares and guard against sun and dehydration. Mid-high aspect wings and larger boards suit sustained glide and pumping sessions.

Portugal (Supertubos, Peniche; Guincho) brings powerful, fast, hollow beachbreaks and points in autumn–winter (September–March). These spots require advanced skills to handle strong shorebreak and rips; use smaller, high-aspect wings and short, stiff boards for tight turns.

Brazil (Icaraizinho, Barra de São Miguel) features long peeling waves and warm water, especially June–September. Plan for localism and heat; wings optimized for long glide and larger boards work well for downwind legs.

Western Australia (Margaret River, Perth area) offers consistent swell and offshore winds in southern winter (May–September) with powerful reef and point breaks. Use robust, marine-rated hardware and smaller wings for control in fast sections; be mindful of cold water in winter.

Cape Town & South Africa (Muizenberg, Dungeons region) sees large southern swells in winter (May–August). Conditions range from mellow points to big-wave tow-foil; cold-water safety, remote rescue times, and seasonal shark advisories demand durable components and careful planning.

Mauritius and Reunion Island combine warm-water reef breaks and long walls from May–October. Carry spares and reef-safe travel cases; medium to small high-performance wings perform best.

Indonesia (Bali, Mentawai, Sumbawa) is classic reef-wave country during the dry season (May–September). Fast, hollow waves and remote logistics in the Mentawai require reinforced masts, small high-performance wings, helmets, and respect for local communities.

Oahu North Shore in Hawaii is a legendary big-surf playground for advanced tow and down-the-line foiling in winter (November–March). Extremely dangerous; coordinate with experienced local teams and use tow-specific rigs and small high-speed wings.

Lake Garda, Italy, is ideal for flat-to-chop foiling and pump practice with thermal winds May–September. Glassy mornings suit speed and pumping work; check local bylaws for e-foil and motored craft restrictions and use pump-friendly wings with 50-75 cm masts as needed.

Florida (Pensacola, Miami-area sheltered spots) offers warm, shallow bays year-round that are great for learning and clinics. Watch boat traffic and swimmers, observe no-go zones, and use larger stable boards, high-lift wings, and short masts for shallow water.

Practical travel tips: Verify local bylaws regarding motorised foils and e-foils, book lessons or rentals if unfamiliar with a spot, and pack spare nuts, bolts, tools, and travel cases for masts and wings. Use impact vests, helmets with ear protection, and foil-specific leashes that break away when required. Respect marine wildlife and reefs, and check tide forecasts and rescue notices before each session. Treat this as a planning checklist and confirm up-to-date local conditions and regulations before you travel.