The Hover can get a rider foiling via SUP and Windsurf across a broad spectrum of applications and without a foil it surfs like a Raptor…is it fair to say, that by a considerable margin, this is the most versatile products you have created yet?
I would say so. The main focus of the development team around Robby, Nils Rosenblad, Kai Lenny, Des Walsh and myself was to make things as easy as possible. We started with creating foils that are stable and easy to ride and don’t require frenetic pumping at all times, but instead provide steady lift to not only make it a nice experience but also a pleasure to watch. Value in terms of the things that you can do with the product has also been top of the list. I would call the Thrust foils (and its predecessor the Malolo) the most versatile foil that people can use for SUP, windsurf as well as kite foiling in light winds.
How do you see strong crossover products like the Hover affecting the value of new and existing boards on the market; for example will non-foiling downwind boards plummet in value / sales numbers?
I don’t think that there will be a devaluation. Going downwind on the foil requires pretty good conditions or a high skill level at this point. We are not really into the racing aspect of hydrofoiling in general, but rather heading in a direction that allows people to extend their water time in a fairly simple and affordable way.
