When Audi's engineering leaves the road behind, it turns into something else entirely. Together with Aerofoils, the brand put its name on the e-tron eFoil — an electric hydrofoil board that borrows automotive precision, aerospace aerodynamics and a premium finish. In this article we go through who is behind the project, what the technology actually does and how the five models in the range differ from each other.
Who are Aerofoils, and how are they connected to AUDI?
Aerofoils was founded by two engineers: Franz Hofmann, known for his work on hydrogen technology at Audi, and Christian Rössler, a specialist in aerospace systems. Their route into the subject started with hydrofoils for kitesurfing, and ended with electric eFoil boards.
The philosophy of Aerofoils overlaps closely with Audi's own principles — innovation, precision, safety and design. That makes this less of a badge exercise and more of a genuine transfer of know-how: automotive manufacturing experience on one side, deep knowledge of aerodynamics on the other. What came out of it is a board that is not only enjoyable to ride, but built to a standard of safety and performance that is unusual in this segment.
What sets the AUDI e-tron eFoil apart
The e-tron eFoil boards were developed in close cooperation between Audi and Aerofoils, and they stand out from the competition in a handful of specific ways — which is what makes them work for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Technology and construction
At the heart of every board is the hydrofoil itself, which lifts it clear of the surface so it can glide with minimal drag. That is made possible by light, very strong materials — carbon above all — which give the structure its stiffness and its life expectancy. The integrated electric motor, designed with Audi's experience in electric cars behind it, delivers smooth but strong acceleration together with high energy efficiency. The fully enclosed propeller is one of the key features: it protects the rider and everyone around them, and takes the risk of accidental injury largely out of the equation.
Intuitive control
The boards are controlled through an ergonomic wireless remote with a bright colour display, which shows current speed, battery level and the selected ride mode in real time. Different power modes let you match the board to your level — from slow, stable settings for learning through to the high-speed modes experienced riders are after. That flexibility is what makes the learning curve comfortable and safe, while still leaving room to progress and pick up new manoeuvres.
Materials and safety
Only premium materials go into the boards, chosen to survive salt water and UV exposure, which is what gives them their working life. Beyond the enclosed propeller, the safety systems include automatic motor cut-off if the rider falls, plus algorithms that prevent overheating and overload. Together that puts the AUDI e-tron eFoil among the safest electric hydrofoils on the market, and lets riders concentrate on the riding.
What it feels like on the water
Riding an AUDI e-tron eFoil is closer to hovering than to any other watersport. The foil lifts the board clear of the surface, and what you get is a sense of weightlessness. It is also good training for balance and coordination. The motor is close to silent, and combined with the smooth glide that makes for a very quiet way to spend time on the water.
Aerofoils batteries
Every AUDI x Aerofoils board runs on a high-performance battery, which is what determines both ride time and how steadily power reaches the motor. Aerofoils offers several battery options that differ in capacity and weight, so riders can pick the balance that suits how they actually use the board. The packs are built to high safety and efficiency standards, which is what keeps them reliable over time.
From aerodynamics to hydrodynamics
The collaboration between Audi and Aerofoils brought a distinctive approach to eFoils, built on Audi's years in car manufacturing and Aerofoils' aerospace engineering. The principles that keep a car stable and efficient at speed were carried across into hydrodynamics. The result is a board that does not simply skim the water but flies above it, with drag kept to a minimum.
Every element of the construction, from the shape of the foil wing to the position of the motor, was designed and tested for the best possible result. That covers speed and manoeuvrability, but also ride smoothness — which is what makes the e-tron eFoil comfortable even in chop.
Safety first
Safety is a cornerstone of the AUDI x Aerofoils philosophy. The fully enclosed propeller is not just a design decision but a guarantee that the rider and the people around them are protected from accidental injury. That significantly reduces the risks that come with open moving parts, which matters most in exactly the kind of casual, crowded conditions where these boards get used.
On top of that the boards carry intelligent safety systems: the motor shuts off automatically if the rider falls, and there is protection against overheating and overload. The high-quality corrosion-resistant materials, carbon among them, do double duty — they extend the life of the board and contribute to its overall reliability.
The AUDI x Aerofoils line-up
The range covers different needs and different skill levels, from versatile boards for beginners through to high-performance models for experienced riders.
Aerofoils x AUDI E-Tron Adventure 103L
The Aerofoils x AUDI E-Tron Adventure 103L is the sensible starting point for anyone new to eFoiling. At 103 litres it delivers real stability and is easy to learn on, which makes the whole process comfortable and safe. It forgives small mistakes and lets you build confidence on the water quickly. Adventure 103L suits family use and teaching, with predictable, smooth riding.
Aerofoils x AUDI E-Tron Performance 83L
For riders who already have the basics and want something more dynamic, the Aerofoils x AUDI E-Tron Performance 83L is the natural next step. The reduced volume — 83 litres — brings more manoeuvrability and sharper response, which opens up harder turns and more demanding manoeuvres. It is built for anyone looking for the balance between stability and performance, with room to keep improving.
Aerofoils x AUDI E-Tron Competition 73L
The Aerofoils x AUDI E-Tron Competition 73L was developed specifically for experienced riders and professionals who need maximum performance and absolute control. At 73 litres the board is extremely responsive and allows the most aggressive manoeuvres, sharp turns and high jumps. Competition 73L is a tool for riders chasing precision — for competition, or simply for finding the limits. It demands a high level of skill, and rewards it with speed and manoeuvrability nothing else in the range can match.
Aerofoils x AUDI Hyperfly
The Aerofoils x AUDI Hyperfly is where the newest engineering in the range ends up. It combines up-to-date technology with aerodynamic solutions that deliver exceptional speed and handling. Hyperfly is for riders who want more than just an eFoil — a board that gets noticed, and that stays a step ahead of everything else on the water.
Aerofoils x AUDI Airfly
The Aerofoils x AUDI Airfly is the most elegant and the most transportable board in the line-up: an inflatable that combines refined design with serious engineering. Airfly suits travel and anyone who values easy transport and storage. Despite the inflatable construction it rides stably and pleasantly, which makes it a good choice for beginners and for anyone who wants one versatile board for time on the water.
The models compared
| Model | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerofoils x AUDI E-Tron Adventure 103L | 103l | 55km/h | 60 – 120min | 80cm | 1760mm | 720mm | Beginners, teaching, family riding |
| AUDI E-Tron Performance 83L | 83l | 55km/h | 60 – 120min | 80cm | 1530mm | 670mm | Intermediate riders moving on from the basics |
| Aerofoils x AUDI E-Tron Competition 73L | 73l | 55km/h | 60 – 120min | 80cm | 1350mm | 630mm | Advanced riders and professionals, competition |
| AEROFOILS x AUDI Hyperfly | 230l | 30 – 50km/h | 60 – 120min | 60cm | 2150mm | 920mm | Experienced riders who want the flagship |
| Aerofoils x AUDI Airfly | 150l | 30 – 50km/h | 60 – 120min | 60 – 80cm | 1740mm | 700mm | Travel, easy storage, an inflatable for beginners |
Please note: ride time, top speed and mast height are given as ranges because they depend on the battery and the wing you choose. Actual figures also vary with rider weight and conditions on the water.
Where to buy AUDI x Aerofoils in Europe
If you are considering an AUDI x Aerofoils board, the best place to start is a conversation. We will help you match a model to your level, your goals and the water you ride on, and explain what changes between configurations.
The full range is available at WATERSURF Europe with current prices and every available configuration: browse the eFoils category or the AUDI x Aerofoils brand page.
To place an order, open the page of the model you want, add it to the cart and fill in your contact details — we will then get in touch to confirm the configuration and the details of the order. You can also write to [email protected] or use the contact page. We deliver across Europe.
The verdict on AUDI x Aerofoils
AUDI x Aerofoils boards are not just sports equipment. The combination of current technology, careful design and high safety standards makes each model in the range distinctive, and there is a clear logic to how the five of them are laid out — from the stable Adventure 103L for learning through to the Competition 73L for riders who already know exactly what they want.
Whatever your level, there is a board here that fits. The main thing is to be honest about how you intend to use it, and to pick the configuration accordingly.
