Detroit efoil what to expect for your lesson

What To Expect On Your First Efoil Lesson

Fly Above the Water—Right Here in Detroit

If you’ve ever seen someone gliding over the water, effortlessly? No boats, no ropes. Just lift from a hydrofoil. Just hovering over the water. You might even think, "I wish I could do that, but could I"?

The answer is YES! It's easier than you think. 

You’re going to love your first e-foil ride with Detroit E-Foil.
We offer beginner-friendly lessons and rentals across the metro Detroit and Michigan lakefronts, giving you the chance to experience flight—without wings.

At Detroit E-Foil we teach beginner riders of all ages how to take their first flight above the lakes and rivers of Michigan. The calm, flat water of the inland lakes, our experienced instructors, and beginner-friendly Waydoo boards make learning the sport easier than you think. 

🧭 Your First E-Foil Lesson: Step-by-Step

At Detroit E-Foil, every lesson starts with a quick, easy-to-follow introduction on land, then moves into the water for hands-on fun.

1. Land Training (10–15 Minutes)

Before getting wet, we’ll cover:

  • How to balance and position yourself
  • How to use the wireless throttle
  • Weight shifting to control height and turns
  • Safe falling and recovery

 

2. Getting Familiar With The Board And Riding Area (10-15 minutes)

We get used to the board and our surrounding area by riding on our stomachs. This gets us used to the speed, weight distribution, and the riding area. 

3. Knee Riding (10-25 minutes)

We then take it up a notch and move to our knees. To feel how the board responds. This helps you get comfortable before standing up.

4. Standing & Flying (10-30 minutes)

Once you find your balance and understand how the foil works with your weight distribution, you’ll gradually stand. We practice touch-and-goes. This is when you ride the board flat on the surface of the water and start to experiment with moving your weight slightly towards the back of the board to engage the foil. You gradually become more familiar with how to balance while riding on the foil, and your rides get longer and longer. Before you know it, you're flying over the water.  

5. Debrief (10 minutes)

After the lesson, we will go over your ride and answer any questions you have.

At Detroit E-Foil we use Waydoo Efoils that are great for beginners. 

  • They are made of EPP foam, which makes them softer than traditional materials used, like fiberglass. This avoids bumps and bruises.
  • The large buoyant board makes it easier to float and control. 
  • A safety remote that turns off the motor when you fall off the board. 

Paired with the calm, flat water of Michigan's inland lakes makes it ideal conditions to learn how to foil.

 

How to Prepare for Your First eFoil Lesson

If you're coming to the Belle Isle location, there is a $11 entrance fee or you can purchase an annual pass for $14 at the park entrance. 

For more information on Michigan State Park passes, click HERE.

We do lessons right at Belle Isle Beach

At the Walled lacatiation, we do lessons at Lakeshore Park in Novi. Parking is free. You will walk through the tunnel to the beach where we conduct the lesson.

There is no entrance or parking fee. 

What to Bring

You don’t need much. We supply all the equipment and safety gear. Just come ready for fun.

Recommended items:

  • Swimsuit or rash guard
  • Towel and water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses with a strap (optional)
  • A big smile and a sense of adventure
  • Signed wavier

📸 Capture Your Flight

We offer optional photo and video packages so you can share your first e-foil flight with friends and family.

Booking Tip: The Earlier the booking, the calmer the water will be and the fewer people. 

Arrival and Check-In

Upon arrival at your lesson, your instructor will greet you and guide you through the setup process.

You’ll start with:

  • Waiver submission: sign a waiver
  • Safety orientation: life vest, helmet, and emergency shutoff overview
  • Gear fitting: for comfort and safety
  • Board overview: how the eFoil works, from battery to remote
  • Riding area: The area will be for riding, and what to avoid

This 10-15-minute introduction ensures you feel completely comfortable before stepping into the water.

 

🌊 Safety Is Our Priority

All Detroit E-Foil lessons are guided by certified instructors. We review safety zones, weather conditions, and rider etiquette.
Whether you’re on Lake St. Clair, Cass Lake, or the Detroit River, our focus is on safe, fun, and unforgettable sessions.

We go step-by-step at your pace to ensure you're comfortable, no rush, just fun. 

Understanding the Controls

Before you launch, your instructor will teach you how to use the wireless remote that controls your speed. You’ll:

  • Practice throttle squeezes while on land
  • Learn the importance of smooth, steady acceleration
  • Understand how the magnetic safety leash cuts power automatically if you fall

🚤 Why Choose Detroit E-Foil

Detroit E-Foil is Michigan’s original e-foil experience. Our mission is to make flying over water accessible to everyone.
Whether you’re trying something new, planning a group adventure, or booking a private lesson, our professional instructors will have you foiling confidently in no time.

Popular lesson locations include:

  • Lake St. Clair
  • Cass Lake
  • Detroit Belle Isle
  • Walled Lake
  • Watkins Lake
  • Union Lake
  • Orchard Lake
  • Otter Lake
  • Walnut Lake
  • Tawas
  • White Lake

Servicing Wayne and Oakland County, as well as Tawas, MI.

🗓️ Ready to Fly Above the Water?

Your first e-foil ride is one you’ll never forget. You’ll laugh, fall, fly—and come away with a new appreciation for what’s possible on the water.

👉 Book your lesson today at Detroit E-Foil and experience the thrill of e-foiling in Michigan.

Back to blog

Efoil Lessons

1 4
View all