I built my own Hydrofoil! Let's see if it works

I thought it would be fun to build my own hydrofoil and see if it flies! Today is the day we test it out! So the big question... Does the homemade hydrofoil actually work?
Update: Hydrofoil Version 2 Test here: • DIY Hydrofoil Design: ...
How to build a hydrofoil here: • How to Build a Hydrofo...
Free Hydrofoil Plans here: flukeskitesurfing.com/hydrofo...
HydroFoil Parts Here: flukeskitesurfing.com/store/c...
This video covers how I built it, and taking the hydrofoil on its first flight! Let's do it!
It turns out YES! It works!.. of course, not as refined as a production foil, but it does work! I have flown it for a few hours now, and it's held up well so far. If you want to build your own hydrofoil, then it's worth a try! A fun project and something that is satisfying to see work.
:
Building the hydrofoil was fun. It wasn't necessarily difficult but was quite time-consuming.
I was kitesurfing this foil, however, you could make a hydrofoil similar to this to use for any discipline: Winging, behind a boat, surf foil, sup foil. You would just need to change the size to suit.
How to build your own Hydrofoil:
I started by designing the hydrofoil by drawing it on the computer in 2d plans, and then transferring these dimensions onto a cardboard template that I could use to build the shape.
The core of the foil is Red Cedar, and then is strengthened using 6oz Fibreglass and 6oz carbon fibre. I added additional fibreglass reinforcements to the area the screws attach.
The fuselage 1" x 3/4" solid extruded aluminium bar that I shaped and drilled to suit.
The cost of building the foil wings and fuselage was less than $100 CAD to build total.
Here is the breakdown of cost:
Aluminium $40
Fibreglass $5
Carbon $5
Resin $15
Wood $10 (I had this for free)
Screws: $12 (high tensile SS)
NOTE: This would obviously cost more if you need to buy the foil Mast and Baseplate. But if you already own a aluminium mast, you can build the fuselage to secure to your existing mast (as I have) by drilling the correct holes.
It is preferred to do it this way as from what I've seen, the homemade masts really let the performance down, and also, the mast is the lowest cost part of a foil setup, so i'd recommend buying the mast and baseplate in any event.
The board was even less at about $50, using free foam and some yellow cedar stringers to save on the blank cost ($0) and then used approximately $25 of Fiberglass and $25 of resin.
Stay tuned for more videos showing the entire process I used if your inserted in building your own!
Hope you enjoyed the video I built my own Hydrofoil! Let's see if it works... let us know in the comments if you have any questions or if you have any insight you can share about making this foil better!
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2023 Update: I have built more foils and made videos explaining how! Check out riding V3 here
Playlist: • How to Build A Hydrofo...
Riding V3: • How to Build a Hydrofo...
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flukeskitesurfing.com/
I built my own Hydrofoil! Let's see if it works
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Music: Head Candy - William Rosati
Support by RFM - NCM: bit.ly/2xGHypM
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[@fluiditynz]

I've been building mine a few years now since I started wing surfing. It's great to see a nice hand-built front wing. I use 3D printing for all but 1 of my wings. First was composites clad 3D printed core, then a CNC multi laminated ply wing(2650). After that I did all moulds from 3D printed models and laid carbon fibre in them. Necessary for the thinner higher performance ones.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Nice one mate! Thanks for the comment on how your building them!

[@Joefrogigolo]

This is so awesome! Great job sir, well done.

[@johnbryson9300]

Way to go, my man! - This definitely deserves A LOT of appreciation!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks John!

[@saladitakiteschool7644]

Great Desings and super good R&D I like the idea of the flex of cedar, wood lively flex is usually a nice feeling on boards so supper interesting to have it on the wings. Keep us posted!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Saladita Kite School! yeah was a fun build! I've actually made a few now with some small refinements. I added a full series of videos for how I built it if your interested. :)

[@phildaintree2794]

This is great - looks like a nice job you made of it. Looking forward to the video on how you did it!!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Phil! Yeah i'm looking forward to making the how to build series!

[@smitzke]

love it! I Am very new to the sport and learning so much from your vids . will try this out when i get much better. Thanks dude 🤙

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Awesome! glad to hear the videos are helping mate!

[@4hoolie]

Awesome video love your passion great work looking forward to the following content 👍

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks mate! I’m just about to upload the next video today actually! as well as get started on the how to series so its all coming soon :)

[@99kevin99]

Dude...real nice video. So nice of you to take time out and do all the work to make this and then video your FIRST IMPRESSIONS...gotta love the accent. :)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks mate! yeah it was a fun one to build and film. stoked it works

[@pixeldrew]

Top work mate

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks mate! Was fun to finally see work

[@markhudson5684]

Too cool! Thanks for documenting this!! Wish I had time to try the same but you’re inspiring me for my future retirement. 😂. Look forward to updates on your DOE (design of experiment - look it up for the nerdy engineers 😂) with alternative designs.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Mark! and yeah for sure. Should be fun trying out new shapes! Ive actually already made the 2nd flat set, so we are getting there!

[@passatonvoisin]

good work, looks like fine woodworking. I like to wood look, classic feel! Can't wait for the next vid

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks! Yeah it really is just woodworking with a bit of fibreglass on top :)

[@scottseale]

Nice! Looking forward to the flat wing/ curved wing side by side comparisons.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Scott! Yeah me too! The flat one will be a lot easier to build so i'm thinking of even trying a few different thicknesses and aspect ratios to see what changes.

[@kst157]

Simply brilliant! $100 dollars is amazing also! Inspiring to watch and rooting for your continued success! :)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Kts!

[@mikkovulli]

Thanks! Great videos!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks!

[@AKJammer1]

Take a look at Clearwater foils. They have a KZbin channel. He has a cnc machine to use, but he’s doing the same thing. I’ve built several wings and a couple boards using his techniques.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Yeah I have seen them. I'm not sure that I agree with his techniques haha ;) but good to hear you're making some and they are working for you :)

[@rajaampatlifestyle6941]

Creative man❤, nice video good quality 100%❤

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Raja!

[@Stepanhuge]

Really nice! I would like to try at home

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Yes Go for it! :) I will be making the how to build series so keep an eye out for that too for some tips if you need them.

[@the_lost_spaniard]

Sounds fun Luke! Good work! Bring some strapless tutorials soon too!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

For sure!! Still have a lot on the list to record. Well have lots of time soon to record

[@2007dalin]

i think the curved tips make it more efficient and stability similar to a rudder.. straight foils should handle high speed and feel more slippery like a tt without fins

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Dalin, yeah that's along the lines of what Marty suggested too. The curved rear wing in particular reduces Yaw.. so it will be interesting to see if i can notice that difference with the flat one!

[@floatcheese]

Maaan, the shark-attack at 6:56 scared the sh** out of me! Glad you're ok! ;)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

hahaha.

[@davidhosie747]

"Bit of a success"?! MATE this is huge! epic work bro

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks mate!

[@juergensplieth6068]

THX for sharing. This low budget foilboard is a good example of having a lot of fun with less money in your pocket.. in building and use. The Board industrie must get dizzy to see this example. They need to make at least 2-3,5k euros of money for each board.I àm looking forward to see your produktion prozess. Best regards from the Baltic Sea/Germany.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Juergen, thanks, yeah was a fun build for sure! :) I think a lot of the costs with production for brands is labor. this was low cost to build, but was quite involved in processes. I enjoy that, but I can see why the companies charge so much for them.

[@proTheologist]

Brilliant

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks! Just about to post the video for the V2 hydrofoil as well! Its been fun

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks! Just about to post the video for the V2 hydrofoil as well! Its been fun

[@proTheologist]

@@FlukesKitesurfing AWESOME

[@user-gl3mn1jl8f]

Thank you

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

for sure!

[@willembrussow309]

Looks awesome! Is that Nitinaht?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Maybe :)

[@user-gl3mn1jl8f]

I’m trying your templates, but I’m using foam instead quicker and easier to work with. Hope it works.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Great, yeah let us know!

[@simongray6572]

Yes please, make a video on making the wing and the board...

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

For sure! Im working on the second foils right now.. after some testing, ill make the series. Really want to get it done this month :)

[@HANDIY]

Are the wings perfectly flat with the fuselage? or is there an angle to the rear or front wing relative to the line of direction of the fuselage? Thanks for the interesting video.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey, yes the wings are flat with the fuselage, but more importantly than that is the angle of Attack for the wings. Make sure you have approximately 1-3 degrees for the front and rear wings (opposing AoA) for the foil to fly. The more AoA the earlier the lift, but the less it will handle speed. Hope that helps

[@HANDIY]

@@FlukesKitesurfing Ok, yea i meant the angle of attack. Thank you for the answer. Did you integrate those angles into the fuselage or into the wings when you shaped them?

[@rogerdolphin1819]

Stelar Video, but a few questions, A> height of your mast?? B>volume of the beauty board? C>I see that you are using an Ocean Rodeo Kite, But what is the model and Size? D> where is the location of the Video Made at?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey! Thanks! I think im using the 67CM or 82CM mast. Not sure about the L of the board sorry. I just shape for the dims I need. The kite is the OR HL Crave. Locations we don't share :) Have fun!

[@merleschmidt5810]

Would you sell these plans. I need one that can handle 200 pounder

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Merle, yes the plans are available for free, as well as the how to videos. The link is in the description :)

[@renauddespax8581]

Fine but I would be more cautious about the link fuselage/mast, because all the efforts remain on the screws...

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Renaud, yes certainly an area to keep an eye on. That's why I went with the high tensile screws there to help strengthen that connection. That said, no issues yet and seems strong. :)

[@paulosilva-dm1qb]

I´m just getting into foils, but..nk the joint mast/fuselage is the weaker point and must be improved...I explain. the base final base og the mast doesn´t have enough area to hold the lateral pressure...and willl eventually get loose..

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Paulo, thanks for the comment, I have actually found with time that connection works ok. If you do the screws up tight, then the alloy to alloy connection stays stiff. The connection that did move is the Fues to front wing connection. To fix that i added a wider fuse (25mm) and more screws as covered in another video. :) All that said, the socket connection would be better... (also covered in the how to build a hydrofoil videos) but hard to make. This way is easy and works fine :)

[@antonmaier2263]

how does it pump?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Anton, I have not tried just flat water pumping, dont think it would be that good, but it feels good just casually pumping it around downwinding on the kite. That said, my latests version pumps better.

[@opleng04]

Wow

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

:)

[@robhi3518]

Hey Dude, great content right here. Have ya already tried using straight wings compared to the curved ones? If so , how did you go? Greetings

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Rob! Yeah mate made a couple now. Here are some links: Hydrofoil Version 2 Test here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXumkJ6vntmNY5I How to build a hydrofoil from home series here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5eQmpx8gdqtn9U Free Hydrofoil Plans here: flukeskitesurfing.com/hydrofoil-plans-v3 Hope that helps :)

[@antonmaier2263]

If you look at the new art foil 1201 you will see that they are much more conventional.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Yeah foil design seems to have gone almost full circle to earlier models (with some tweaks)

[@aureillegeoffrey3520]

Where IS the spot it's awsom

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

This is in Canada :)

[@paulosilva-dm1qb]

I mean getting loose.

[@hobyhapy9403]

saya sangat menginginkan benda itu, apakah anda bisa menjual nya pada saya dengan harga ekonomis 😅🙏

[@MrJasperspool]

👌

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

:)

[@sir.benzerlot4571]

This is so cool, I’m inspired to make my own now 🪂🏄‍♂️

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Awesome!