Fliteboard

About Fliteboard

Fliteboard, established in 2016, is a prominent Australian company in the electric hydrofoil (eFoil) market, enabling riders to experience the sensation of flying over water. The company’s genesis came from a 'lightbulb moment' experienced by its founder, David Trewern, a former kite-surfing world record holder and serial entrepreneur. A passionate water sports enthusiast, Trewern was at a kitefoiling event on a windless day and imagined attaching an electric motor to his foil. This idea transformed from a sketch into a passion project, with his home turning into a workshop filled with 3D printers and prototypes, culminating in the first successful ride. Before Fliteboard, Trewern had a distinguished career, founding a successful digital agency, DT (now AKQA Australia & NZ), at age 23 and co-founding other design and tech companies. His background in design and technology, combined with his love for the ocean, provided the foundation for Fliteboard.

The company's business model revolves around the direct sale of its premium electric hydrofoils and a comprehensive ecosystem of accessories. Revenue is also generated through a global network of over 330 authorized partners and resellers, as well as more than 140 'Fliteschools' that offer lessons and experiences, creating new revenue streams and building a community around the sport. Fliteboard targets a diverse clientele, from water sports enthusiasts to the luxury yacht market, where its products have become a popular accessory. After initially envisioning a product for everyone, Trewern recognized the high costs of materials and safety, pivoting to target the premium market, comparing the Fliteboard to the 'Tesla of the ocean'. In September 2023, Fliteboard was acquired by Brunswick Corporation, a major player in the marine industry, and now operates as a business within Mercury Marine, providing significant resources for global expansion.

Fliteboard's product line offers a range of boards catering to different skill levels, from the inflatable Fliteboard AIR for beginners to the high-performance, carbon fiber ULTRA L, the world's lightest performance eFoil. A key differentiator is the company's patented technology. This includes the 'Flitebox' system, a sealed, plug-and-play onboard computer that also acts as a heat sink, eliminating the need for water cooling tubes. Another core innovation is the unibody fuselage, where the motor and mast are machined from a single piece of aluminum, enhancing stability, strength, and efficiency. The boards are powered by high-performance Flitecell batteries, which use premium cells similar to those in electric hypercars, and are controlled by an ergonomic, handheld Flite Controller featuring a 'Virtual Gears' system for intuitive speed management. The system also integrates GPS, allowing riders to track their performance via the Flite App.