It’s kitesurfing without the kite, it’s board surfing without the waves. Or, according to designer Marc Newson (renowned for his designs for Qantas, Ferarri and Louis Vuitton as well as the Apple watch) it’s a bit like a unicycle, but without the seat, or in fact the wheel. Whatever Fliteboarding is akin to, however, it’s arguably better than them all in the phenomenal feeling it gives – the thrilling rush of pure freedom, a silent, swift and intuitive standing ride, the ability to glide just above the water. 

Founded in 2016 by David Trewern, a former kite-surfing world record holder, based in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Fliteboard makes motorised hydrofoils. Just as a kite surf foil board is lifted out the water, leaving just a winged hydrofoil beneath the surface and minimal drag, here an electric motor propels the board forwards.

Having admired Newson’s work for many years, Trewern’s opportunity to work with him happened extraordinarily serendipitously. In 2020 the designer answered a fundraiser Flite organised for the Australian bushfires, offering a chance to win a Fliteboard, 1,000 tickets had been sold, with all entries ending up in David’s inbox. His executive assistant was busy deleting the emails as they arrived, so he only ever saw a handful, but when the name Marc Newson flashed momentarily on his screen, Trewern immediately reached out. “Marc responded within a minute expressing enthusiasm for our brand and products,” he remembers. They met in London and a collaboration began.

The intention? To create the ultimate Fliteboard: an eFoil lighter, stiffer, and more responsive than any before.

After three years of collaboration, Flite and Marc Newson unveiled their work at London’s Gagosian art gallery in Mayfair. The world's lightest monobloc eFoil and board, meticulously crafted from Japanese high mod prepreg carbon fiber – it is indeed a work of art, or high design, or both.

Drawing inspiration from Formula 1 and aerospace engineering, where strength and weight are paramount, the eFoil and board undergo autoclave curing to achieve a perfect harmony of carbon fiber composition and hydrodynamics. Every detail, from the graceful curves to the careful consideration of each gram of weight, reflects a singular vision of uncompromising design and advanced composite techniques.

With a weight of just 20 kg (44 lbs), the Fliteboard MN sets a new standard for electric hydrofoiling, embodying the pinnacle of innovation and luxury and limited to 999 units.

The new boards were narrowed, improving performance. Newson also redesigned the removable Flitecell batteries, shaping new orange anodized titanium designs, and there are detachable front wings to change the ride characteristics.

A brand new Flite Controller gives the rider control over the board. Riding – though highly intuitive and easy to pick up - is all about balance. “Minute movements have a big impact,” Newson says. The silence of the electric propulsion unit makes the experience calm and serene – “virtuous, not obnoxious like a JetSki,” he clarifies.

Fliteboard x Marc Newson available in two sizes, Fliteboard 60 (4ft 6in), and Fliteboard 85 (5ft 4in)

Fliteboard

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