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A rider on a Levitaz hydrofoil board flying above the flat turquoise El Gouna lagoon

Equipment

Levitaz Hydrofoils – German Quality for Every Rider

By Lukáš Vogeltanz · teaches at Kitepower El Gouna 5 min read

We've used Levitaz hydrofoils since 2015. FreeSeries wings, quality masts and boards for beginners and advanced riders — why we chose Levitaz.

A hydrofoil is the thing under your board that makes you hover above the water. It looks like magic, but it’s physics – and the quality of that foil decides whether the experience is a smooth flight or a frustrating struggle.

Since 2015, we at Kitepower El Gouna have used hydrofoils exclusively from the German company Levitaz. And just like our partnership with Flysurfer (since 2009), this is no coincidence.

What Is a Hydrofoil, Exactly

For anyone new to foiling: a hydrofoil is a set of wings attached to a mast under your board. The front wing generates lift – similar to an aeroplane wing. Once you reach enough speed, the board rises above the surface and you “fly” over the water.

The result? Minimal drag, a smooth ride without chop and bumps, and the ability to ride even in very light wind. Foiling is the future of water sports – and in El Gouna you can try it with both a kite and a wing. If the basics are still new, our what is a hydrofoil and how does foiling work guide breaks it down from scratch.

Why Levitaz

German Engineering (Again)

Yes, we have a soft spot for German engineering. But that’s because it works. Levitaz manufactures hydrofoils with an emphasis on material quality and precision craftsmanship. Carbon wings, CNC-machined connectors, thoroughly tested profiles.

In practice, this means the foil delivers what it promises. The wing doesn’t flex where it shouldn’t. Connectors don’t come loose. The mast vibrates minimally. These are details you notice after an hour on the water.

Modular System

Levitaz uses a modular system – you can combine different front wings, rear wings, masts and boards. This is a huge advantage. You don’t need to buy a completely new foil when you want to change one characteristic. Want more stability? Swap the front wing for a larger one. Want more speed? Smaller wing. Want to ride in deeper water? Longer mast.

For us as a school, this means we can build a foil precisely tailored to a given rider and conditions.

Wide Range from Beginners to Racers

Levitaz doesn’t sell one foil for everyone. They have a lineup that covers everything from first foiling attempts to racing.

Overview of the Equipment We Use

FreeSeries Front Wings (540–900 cm²)

The front wing is the heart of the hydrofoil. It determines how the foil behaves – whether it’s stable and forgiving, or fast and responsive.

Larger wings (around 900 cm²) are ideal for beginners and light wind. They generate lift sooner, get you above the water at lower speeds, and are more stable. They forgive mistakes. In our wing courses we start with larger wings because they make a student’s first flights above the water much easier.

Smaller wings (around 540 cm²) are for advanced riders. Less drag, higher top speed, sharper turns. But they demand more feel and precision.

Between these extremes there is a broad size range, so the team can recommend a suitable available setup for the rider, current depth and measured conditions.

Masts (76–84 cm)

The mast determines how high above the water you fly. Longer mast = more space between the board and water = greater tolerance for chop and mistakes. Shorter mast = lower centre of gravity = more stable feel.

At our school we use 76 cm and 84 cm masts. For beginners the shorter mast is simpler – it deflects less and falling from a lower height is more pleasant.

Important note about mast length: the first roughly 800 m is a knee-to-waist-deep teaching area. Foil work uses the dedicated deeper zone only when the tide, daily conditions and measured mast clearance suit. The team checks the actual water level and selects both mast and operating area before the session; access to a particular zone or boat transfer is not guaranteed.

Boards

Levitaz Air Boom (135 l) – this is our beginner board for wingfoiling. 135 litres of volume means enormous stability. You can stand on it motionless and it won’t tip over. That’s essential during lessons – the student can focus on controlling the wing without worrying about falling off the board.

Levitaz Roamer (130 l) – similar volume but a slightly different shape and weight distribution. Another excellent choice for getting started and transitioning to independent foiling.

We use both boards in our wing courses and they’re also available in the wing rental.

Kite Foiling vs Wing Foiling

We use Levitaz hydrofoils for both kite foiling and wingfoiling. The principle is the same – the hydrofoil under the board lifts you above the water. The difference is what generates the pull:

Kite foiling – the pull comes from a kite on lines. You ride with the kite in your hands (via the bar) and the foil under your feet. It’s fast, dynamic, and an amazing next step for experienced kitesurfers. See our hydrofoil course if that’s the path for you.

Wingfoiling – the pull comes from an inflatable wing that you hold in your hands. No lines, no kite in the air. It’s easier to learn and more accessible for people without kite experience.

In both cases a quality hydrofoil is the foundation. And in both cases we use Levitaz.

The El Gouna Lagoon and Foiling

Our El Gouna lagoon is great for foiling for several reasons:

  • Usually flat water. There is no regular shore break, but chop, depth and water movement vary. The team selects the foil area and setup from the actual conditions.
  • Sandy bottom. When you fall (and you will fall), the foil hits sand, not coral or rock. Lower risk of damage to equipment and to you.
  • Shallows plus a dedicated deeper foil zone. The first roughly 800 m is knee-to-waist deep over sand for basic board and wing control. Foiling uses the dedicated deeper zone when tide and conditions provide suitable mast clearance.
  • Consistent wind. The thermal wind in El Gouna blows reliably, giving you stable conditions for learning.

Learn more about our spot on the website.

Discount for Course Graduates

Just like with Flysurfer kites, after completing a course with us you get a discount on new Levitaz equipment in our shop. Ask which suitable foil setups are available to try during the course; testing depends on depth and safe conditions.

Who Is Foiling For

Foiling isn’t just for professionals. Thanks to modern large wings and stable boards, it’s accessible even to advanced beginners. In our wing courses we get students onto a foil fairly early – and thanks to Levitaz equipment and the conditions in El Gouna, it works. Still deciding between disciplines? Here’s kitesurfing vs wingfoiling.

If you already ride a kite and want to try foiling, or if wingfoiling appeals to you as a gateway into the world of foiling, we have the equipment and instructors for you.

Have questions? Get in touch – we’re happy to help you find the ideal setup.

Lukáš Vogeltanz

IKO Head Instructor & co-owner of Kitepower El Gouna — school history since 2004, current northern base since 2016.

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