Foil Drive Clinics in Newquay, Cornwall

Upcoming Foil Drive Clinic Dates

2026 Dates:

8th - 11th July

Foil Drive changes how people learn to hydrofoil.

Foil Drive clinics at Surf Sanctuary are designed to teach hydrofoiling in a controlled, repeatable, and low-risk environment.

Using electric-assist Foil Drive systems, we are able to remove the usual barriers of wind strength, wave availability, and paddle fitness. Learning becomes calmer, more efficient, and far safer; allowing participants to focus on balance, height control, pitch awareness, and clean flight. As skills develop, Foil Drive is increasingly used as a positioning and recovery tool rather than a constant power source; supporting riders in learning how to use the ocean’s own energy.

Clinics are delivered from our base at The Headland Hotel and led by Tom Earl, supported by Surf Sanctuary’s established safety management systems.

What is a Foil Drive Clinic?

A Foil Drive clinic is a structured, multi-day progression experience.

Foil Drive is an electric-assist system fitted to a conventional hydrofoil. It provides consistent power for take-off, recovery, and repositioning, while preserving the feel and control of traditional foiling. Unlike e-foils, Foil Drive is about learning technique, not simply riding around. At more advanced stages, the assist is used selectively to ‘chip’ riders into bumps or runners, building the skills required for linking energy rather than relying on continuous motor use.

The clinic format allows repeated, low-stress practice in flat water, something that is rarely possible when learning via surf or wind-powered foiling.

Why Newquay and The Gazzle?

Most clinic sessions take place in The Gazzle, a sheltered deep-water basin a short walk from Surf Sanctuary.

The Gazzle offers:

Deep water at all states of tide
Protection from swell and prevailing winds
No breaking waves or surf-zone hazards
Clear access and exit points
Close proximity to town beaches and harbour if required

This makes it one of the most suitable locations in the UK for safe, efficient foil training. while also allowing progression toward open-water riding when conditions and ability permit.

Clinic Structure (4 Days)

Group size: Maximum 4 participants
Format: High water time, individual focus, adaptive pacing
Equipment: All Foil Drive systems, boards, foils, and PPE provided

Day 1: Foundations
Ground school and safety induction, foil mechanics, controller discipline, self-rescue protocols, prone taxiing, planing control, first assisted lift attempts.

Day 2: Controlled Flight
Knees-to-feet transitions, pitch and height control, pulse-and-glide technique, sustained flight with instructor oversight.

Day 3: Low-pressure consolidation
A deliberately lighter day. Optional coached water time, recovery, informal video review, or alternative ocean activities such as surfing, SUP, or spearfishing if appropriate.

Day 4: Progression
Longer flights, directional control, turning, and introductory downwind concepts where suitable. For some participants this may include learning how Foil Drive can be used sparingly to position into runners, supporting the early stages of downwind riding or building toward a first downwinder. Individual coaching focus based on ability and interest.

Safety and Instruction

Safety underpins all Surf Sanctuary clinics.

Participants use inflatable foil boards, helmets, impact vests, boots, and full-length wetsuits. Instructors operate on Foil Drive-equipped hydrofoils, allowing assisted rescue, towing, and recovery without reliance on external craft.

Sessions are dynamically risk assessed and delivered within clearly defined operating limits.

Who This Clinic Is For

These clinics are suitable for:

Confident swimmers aged 16+
Those new to foiling or struggling to progress via surf or wind
Board-sport experience is helpful but not essential
Clients who value structured learning and conservative safety margins
Foil Drive users looking to refine technique and work toward open-water or downwind-style riding without committing to a full downwinder

If you are unsure whether the clinic is appropriate, please contact us to discuss suitability.

Pricing

Foil Drive Progression Clinic (4 days)
£895 per person
Maximum 4 participants

All equipment included.
Accommodation not included.

Once a place is reserved, participants are free to arrange accommodation locally. Many choose to stay at The Headland Hotel due to its proximity to Surf Sanctuary.

Booking and Enquiries

Places are intentionally limited to maintain safety and instructional quality.

To reserve a place or discuss suitability, please contact Surf Sanctuary directly.

You may also wish to view our longer-format Surf Science Clinics, which explore the broader mechanics, physiology, and psychology of ocean performance: https://www.surfsanctuary.co.uk/surf-science-clinics-newquay