Many beach towns experience a lull in activities in the colder months, in Pensacola that's not the case. Our events committee is a strong team that makes sure we’re thriving all year long. This year they’ve taken things to new heights or some would say Pensacola will be making a big splash. From February 24-March 2nd 2025 for the first time Pensacola, FL we welcome Foiling week. There is so much to share about this awesome display of athleticism and beauty but first let's define what Foiling is.
Foiling is a water sport where a board or boat is lifted above the water by a hydrofoil, allowing the rider to glide across the water. The hydrofoil is a long fin with wings that extend into the water, and works similarly to an airplane wing. As the board moves forward, water flows over the foil's wings, creating lift that raises the board out of the water.
Foiling has a beautiful history, and a vibrant relevance in today’s modern world. The first foiling boat was trademarked in 1869. Early foilers experienced difficulties in the efficiency and longevity of their sailing excursions. Since then foiling has developed into a very creative, innovative, active sport. In 2024 Foiling made its Olympic Debut solidifying its position as a sport recognized around the world.
Foiling week was founded by Luca Rizzotti, it is a celebration of the first and unique global event dedicated to the amazingly fast foiling boats, to their sailors, designers, and manufacturers. Historically for over 10 years since the inception of Foiling week, the event was held in Malcesine, on Lake Garda, Italy.
This year the organization “We Are Foiling” decided to bring Foiling Week to Pensacola for several reasons. Let’s explore why Pensacola is a great location for Foiling week. In order to have a successful foiling excursion you need water that is at least 5 feet deep and free from debris that would induce crashing like rocks and other hard surface obstructions. You also need flat calm water. Also sharks are least active in the fall and winter seasons so the February 24-March 2nd 2025 time frame is perfect.
There are various types of foiling boards hydrofoils which are powered by water. E-foil boards are quiet, emission-free, and environmentally friendly boards where the electric motor is powered by a rechargeable battery and is controlled by a wireless remote. The hydrofoil lifts the board out of the water, which reduces friction and energy consumption. E-foils can reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. The battery can run for up to an hour or more, depending on the rider's size and the speed set.
E-foils Weather Conditions
E-foiling is not dependent on weather conditions like surfing, so you can enjoy it more often. The practice of SUP (Stand Up Paddle) Foiling consists of flying with a Stand-Up-Paddle board mounted on a Foil, and using a paddle to gain speed to take off. The volume of the board allows you to start directly standing while paddling with the paddle to catch a wave. Wind wing foiling refers to the inflatable wing used when foiling, essentially, it's the primary component that captures wind to propel the rider in wing foiling, similar to how a sail works in windsurfing, but with much greater freedom of movement due to its detached design. The wind wing acts like a kite, harnessing wind power to generate thrust and lift the rider onto the foil. These wings are typically inflatable, with a large surface area and multiple struts for stability, and can be adjusted in size depending on wind conditions. Compared to traditional windsurfing rigs, wind wings offer more maneuverability, easier learning curve, and the ability to ride in lighter wind conditions.
During Foiling Week you will be able to learn more about foiling, visit with vendors, and watch the race at Community Maritime Park Public Marina. 301 W Main Street. There will be trails, workshops, clinics, music, parties and more. The Foiling Week team has a longstanding tradition of selecting a social impact theme for each event. For Pensacola 2025, the chosen theme is Regeneration—a holistic approach to addressing the climate crisis. This vision integrates biodiversity, human dignity, justice, and climate action into a unified framework of transformative efforts aimed at resolving the climate crisis within a single generation.
Foiling Week offers a unique and exciting opportunity to experience the thrill of being on the water in an entirely new way. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this event is designed to captivate and inspire.
For the first time, Foiling Week is making its international debut in the vibrant city of Pensacola, a location known for its stunning waterfront and welcoming community. This premier event promises to bring together innovation, adventure, and fun, making it the perfect occasion to create lasting memories.
Don’t miss the chance to join in the excitement and be a part of Foiling Week’s global journey!
For more information:
foilingweek.com/landing/pensacola-2025
Foiling Boats and Classes
MOTH
The International Moth is a high-speed, development sailing class with 90 years of continuous innovation. The modern day carbon fibre foiling boats reach speeds of over 30 knots.
The Moth is the fastest one Person Dinghy in the World. www.moth-sailing.org/
WASZP
The WASZP Class is the culmination of Andy McDougall’s expertise and passion for sailing. Designed to be fast, fun, and accessible, the WASZP has quickly become one of the most exciting classes in the sailing world. McDougall’s commitment to innovation and excellence shines through in every aspect of the WASZP, its usability, the safety aspect, the fun factor and a high-performance racing platform are all outcomes of Amac’s vision. www.waszp.com
A-CLASS CATAMARAN
With its 18 feet of length, an allowed rig area of 150 square feet and 75 kilos of weight, the A-Class is very much a Formula One car in catamaran form and in the last few years developments have seen this class take off more than ever before, quite literally. www.a-cat.org
BIRDYFISH
Birdyfish is a concentrate of technology from racing at the service of sailing. A sum of details that together make this foil boat easy, fast and stable.
The self-regulating J-foils which, in addition to making the dinghy fly, also contribute to the righting. The physical dimension of the crew does not become a condition for taking off. www.birdyfish.com/en/birdyfish-english/
NACRA 15 FCS
Designed from scratch to the ISAF criteria to become the new official ISAF youth catamaran, the Nacra 15 resembles a lot to its bigger sister, the Olympic Nacra 17. In fact, the Nacra 15 is a mini version of the Olympic Nacra 17, creating a pathway towards the Olympics.
The Nacra 15 FCS version includes a fully foiling setup, which means it is equipped with foils that allow it to lift out of the water and “fly” in the right wind conditions. This reduces drag and significantly increases speed compared to the regular displacement sailing mode. www.nacra15class.com
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Etruscans settled in Malcesine starting in 500BC. The medieval town with its cobbled streets is not just a historic location however. It is one of the centers for sailing and windsurfing on Lake Garda.
Foiling has a beautiful history, and a vibrant relevance in today’s modern world. The first foiling boat was trademarked in 1869.
Foiling week is an excellent opportunity to have a new experience on the water. Pensacola is the chosen city for Foiling Week to make its international debut.