Efoiling is an eco-friendly water sport with strict regulations that all riders must comply with. photograph:
From January, it’s unlikely the Cape Winelands will be home to the exhilarating water sport known as eFoiling.
Launched by the new Devonbosch Development as part of its ‘Infinite Life’ vision, this latest outdoor activity includes surfing on a hydrofoil surfboard. Hydrofoil surfboards provide power without needing waves or wind to propel the surfer forward.
eFoiling is an environmentally friendly water sport with strict regulations that all riders must comply with. Devonbosch uses his eFoils in his Fliteboard, which won his 2022 Green Product Award for Sustainability.
Johan Nel of eFoil Cape Town said: Flightboards are the forerunner of a new technology that, when scaled up, has the potential to create the future of quiet, clean ocean enjoyment and transportation. The underwater acoustic profile is far less impactful than the smallest petrol marine motor. ”
Surfing is already a popular activity on the Cape, so developers are excited to bring the new water sport to the inland winelands.
Reghard Goussard, marketing and sales executive at SquareTurn Developments, responsible for Devon Bosch development, said:
Surfing in the heart of the winelands is a difficult concept for many to grasp. eFoiling can be enjoyed under the careful and professional guidance of lifesaver-trained instructors who are always supervising clients on the water.
eFoils has an integrated GPS tracking system that allows us to monitor lessons and collect necessary data to help improve the experience and instructor training.
Nel adds: The client must hold the trigger down on her for more than 5 seconds, then press another button to activate the throttle his trigger. This ensures that if a client falls or sits off his eFoil, he will not accidentally press the trigger and cause the board to go out of control. ”
Safety is a top priority and instructors attend mandatory lessons. This includes safety guidance, maritime and environmental laws, e-foiling mechanics, and health protocols and procedures. This gives them the skills to ensure that each person is as safe as possible while e-foiling.
That session is handled by an online system that allows safe and secure booking and payment. On the day of the session, clients drive through Devon Bosch, meet at the lake, are outfitted with wetsuits and safety kits, including helmets and life jackets, and undergo water training with qualified instructors.
Forward thinkers, SquareTurn Property Developers aim to make Devon Bosch a destination, not just a development.
Jean Pierre Nortier, CEO of SquareTurn Property Developers, said:
“Bringing inland surfing to the Winelands for the first time is in line with SquareTurn’s mission to not only create development, but to make a difference in the areas in which we operate, and we are now looking to develop this region. We are well on our way to becoming an active, positive hive that changes.”
