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 determines whether the experience will be a smooth flight or a frustrating struggle.
Since 2015, we at Kitepower El Gouna have been using 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 those 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 airplane wing. Once you reach sufficient 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.
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 student 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 the 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 require more feel and precision.
Between these extremes, there’s a range of sizes, so we always find the right choice.
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 center 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 El Gouna lagoon has shallow water – typically between half a meter and one meter. Masts up to 84 cm work perfectly in the lagoon. If you wanted to ride with a longer mast (over 94 cm), you’d need deeper water, which means heading out by boat to a deeper part of the lagoon. That’s not a problem – we have boat service – but it’s good to know in advance.
Boards
Levitaz Air Boom (135 l) – this is our beginner board for wing foiling. 135 liters of volume means enormous stability. You can stand on it motionless and it won’t tip over. This is 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 rental.
Kite Foiling vs Wing Foiling
We use Levitaz hydrofoils for both kite foiling and wing foiling. 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.
Wing foiling – the pull comes from a wing (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
The El Gouna lagoon is great for foiling for several reasons:
- Flat water. No waves means a smooth flight without turbulence. When you’re learning to foil, waves are the enemy. Here, you don’t have them.
- Sandy bottom. When you fall (and you will fall), the foil hits sand, not coral or rocks. Lower risk of damage to equipment and to you.
- Shallow water. You can practice the basics on the board in the shallows without worrying about deep water. And because you can stand, it’s easier to restart.
- Consistent wind. The thermal wind in El Gouna blows reliably, giving you stable conditions for learning.
Learn more about the spot on our website.
Discount for Course Graduates
Just like with Flysurfer kites, after completing a course with us you get a 15% discount on new Levitaz equipment in our shop. The advantage is that during the course you get to try the foil and know exactly what you’re buying.
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 on a foil fairly early – and thanks to Levitaz equipment and the conditions in El Gouna, it works.
If you already ride a kite and want to try foiling, or if wing foiling 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.