In the run-up to Dutch Water Week, we put a number of stakeholders in the spotlight. In this episode, it’s Cato Simons of Flying Fish eFoils, who is rapidly endearing a fairly new member of the water sports family.
What is the role of Flying Fish eFoils in Dutch Water Week?
“We want to show the world how cool eFoiling is. The Dutch Water Week is the ideal opportunity to introduce the public to this hitherto unknown but super sensational sport. We do this by giving demonstrations, where everyone can try it out. Young and old, with or without surfing experience.”
What exactly is eFoiling?
“You may have seen an eFoil pass by on the Amsterdam canals or on other water, without knowing exactly what it was. An eFoil is an electrically powered surfboard with a so-called hydrofoil: a mast with a wing under the surfboard. At enough speed, the wing lifts the surfboard out of the water and lets you fly across the water. The board can even reach a speed of over thirty kilometers per hour. So you are not dependent on wind or waves.”
Why should the eFoils not be missing from Dutch Water Week?
“For us, the Dutch Water Week is all about having fun on the water and showing what you’re good at. It will be a week of discovering old and new forms of water sports, and of course eFoils are part of that. We at Flying Fish eFoils are grasping this opportunity with both hands.”
What do we not yet know about Flying Fish eFoils but should we?
“Besides selling Waydoo eFoils, we also have Flying Fish eFoil schools throughout the Netherlands. In Amsterdam (Nieuwe Meer and IJburg) for example, but also in Loosdrecht, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Heeg, Alkmaar and Groningen. Locations in Nijmegen and Brabant will soon be added. And we are looking at expansion in Belgium. Soon there will be a school where you can learn it everywhere in the neighbourhood.”
Do you have another tip for visitors?
“Step out of your comfort zone during Dutch Water Week. Watersports are all about playing with the elements, enjoying yourself on the water and especially going really fast. The eFoiling is also a good example of this, but just a little different. During the week we also organize the second NK eFoilen, go take a look. The spark can certainly be passed on to new eFoilers.”
For more information, visit www.flyingfishfoils.nl
