The Orkney Islander

LEARNING TO FLY, WITH EFOIL ORKNEY

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eFoiling is the latest adventure sport to hit Orkney’s wondrous waters. Combining hydrofoil technology, small board, electronic­s and lithium battery, an efoil is essentiall­y a levitating surfboard, allowing you to fly effortless­ly about the waves. The magic of efoiling is turning something that looks impossible into an activity which is accessible to all.

Set up by life-long water-sports enthusiast Colin Rendall, efoil Orkney offers a truly unique experience to visitors and islanders alike.

Powered by an electric motor and rechargeab­le battery (which is charged by the company’s own wind turbine) the board is controlled by a handheld wireless device, synced to the efoil by Bluetooth.

This allows you to silently glide over the sea on your personal magic carpet. Colin says he was won over the first time he tried it: “It’s a sensation of freedom, speed and flight,” he explains. “Silent and relaxing, it’s difficult to describe. ”

Perhaps it is a feeling that just can’t be described — and better to be experience­d first-hand.

Able to provide lessons and taster sessions all over the islands, efoil Orkney will guide complete beginners from the beach to gliding gracefully over the waves.

Lessons involve on-shore instructio­n, and coaching via a two-way radio — and with customers ranging in age from 13 to 76, Colin feels efoiling is an activity open to everyone.

efoil Orkney provides all equipment, including wetsuits, lifejacket­s, boots, gloves and helmets with built-in communicat­ion equipment. You just need your own towel, thin socks and swimwear.

Considered one of the safest and simplest watersport­s, Colin will tailor lessons to suit local weather and sea conditions, as well as every individual customer’s water experience, to ensure a safe, exhilarati­ng and unforgetta­ble adventure.

A standard session can vary from between two to three hours, depending on battery use.

Colin’s trailer doubles up as a changing space, and he has plenty of warm refreshmen­ts on hand for when you get out of the water.

Orkney in many ways seems perfect for efoiling, full of beautiful beaches and calm bays, as well as unbeatable scenery — it is perfect for beginners and experience­d efoilers alike.

Available all year round, and in almost all conditions, Orkney’s stunning coastline provides the perfect backdrop for this, the most captivatin­g of adventure sports.

Launched just last year, efoil Orkney is already gaining rave reviews and repeat customers — so make sure you add it to your “must-do” list. We promise you won’t regret it!

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 ?? ?? State of the art Lift3 efoils are ideal for Orkney’s waters. (Orkney.com)
State of the art Lift3 efoils are ideal for Orkney’s waters. (Orkney.com)

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