Podcast
The XFoils Podcast
Hosted by The Xfoils · EN
The XFoils Podcast is where the world of foiling gets unpacked—one chaotic session at a time. Hosted by Dylan Shewfelt, with cohost Walt and a rotating cast of riders, innovators, shapers, and water junkies. We cover gear, progression, downwind misery, Parawing experiments, and the ridiculous community moments that make this sport what it is. Sometimes insightful, sometimes sarcastic, always passionate. - this is foiling from the inside! "The truth is out there."
⚡ Sponsored by Kite Puerto Rico + N1 Surf Shop. Buy foil gear from someone you trust.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Case #53 – Access Denied: The Tunnel 4 Shutdown
Oct 2100:56:30Tap to summarizeIn Case 53, Walt and I sit down with Magnito from the Gorge to talk about a major change in the Downwind foiling scene — the shutdown of Tunnel 4 parking, the iconic access point for one of the most beloved shuttle runs in the area.For years, Tunnel 4 has been a gateway for countless downwinders visiting the Gorge, but with this closure, we ask the big questions:💭 Will this change how visitors experience the Gorge?💭 Could it spark a stronger community push to preserve access and establish more common-sense rules for the future?We talk about the impact this could have on the local scene, what riders should know if they’re planning to visit, and how important it is to protect access to this beautiful and iconic spot and spots around the world for the next generation of foilers.This should spark some conversation. 🎙️ Sponsored by Kite Puerto Rico + the N1 Surf Shop. Support the podcast by subscribing, dropping a 5⭐ review, and grabbing your gear from someone you trust: www.KitePuertoRico.com.📲 Follow along: @xfoils#XFoils #Case53 #TheGorge #DownwindFoiling #AccessMatters #Tunnel4 #FoilTalk #FoilCommunity #PreserveTheStoke
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Case #52: Hitting the Bullseye: Frank Foilboards’ Axis Dart Series
Oct 1601:07:37Tap to summarizeWalt catches up with Frank Foilboards right in the shaping bay for a chat about his latest creations — the Mini Dart and the Dart. These new designs are the result of a collaboration with Axis, aimed at building a Parawing-friendly mid-length that also crosses over beautifully into wing and prone foiling.Walt was one of the main testers on this project, helping refine the board before it went straight into full production for the lineup. They get deep into the design process — how the mid-length evolved, how it feels under the Parawing, and why it works as such an all-rounder.Frank also shares insights on the new SUP surf board The Dart — maybe inspired for a shorter, surf-style downwind foiling sessions that keep things fun and surfy. 🎯 It’s safe to say… they hit the bullseye on this one.🎙️ Sponsored by Kite Puerto Rico + the N1 Surf Shop. Support the podcast by subscribing, dropping a 5⭐ review, and grabbing your gear from someone you trust: www.KitePuertoRico.comhttps://www.kitepuertorico.com/products/frank-mini-dart-axis-foilboards-pre-order?_pos=1&_sid=398f796b3&_ss=r📲 Follow along: @xfoils#XFoils #Case52 #FrankFoilboards #FoilDesign #Parawing #AxisFoils #MiniDart #TheDart #SUPFoiling #FoilTalk
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Case #51 – Josh Who? Josh Ku! From Uluwatu to G-Land
Oct 1000:33:45Tap to summarizeSet up in the van at AWSI, Walt and I sit down with Josh Ku to talk about his upcoming film documenting his Uluwatu-to-G-Land crossing in Bali—a bold mission that turns pretty dicey at one point, and trust us, you’ll want to hear the story. The project, filmed by Dane Wilson (not Dan!), aims to show where surfing has come from and how many new forms of surfing have emerged through today’s dynamic foil scene. Keep and Eye out for the release to watch it yourself. We accidentally get into foil and surf etiquette, the ongoing debate around local bans, and that frustration Josh is clearly passionate about, as he is continually pushing the sport forward. A true ambassador for foiling. 🎙️ Sponsored by Kite Puerto Rico + the N1 Surf Shop. Support the podcast by subscribing, dropping a 5⭐ review, and grabbing your gear from someone you trust: www.KitePuertoRico.com.📲 Follow along: @xfoils#XFoils #Case51 #JoshKu #FoilTalk #UluwatuToGLand #FoilFilm #AWSI2025 #FoilEtiquette #FoilAdventure #FoilCommunity
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Case #50: Small Brand, Big Spray: Hydrocraft with Matt Elsasser
Oct 301:04:31Tap to summarizeFor our Half Hundredth episode, Walt and I sit down with Matt Elsasser, co-founder of Hydrocraft Systems, a new foil company stepping into the space. Matt needs no introduction to the foil world—his riding and design chops are well-known—but launching a brand in 2025? That’s a whole different challenge.Matt jokes, “I don’t think people are waking up in the morning saying, ‘aww man, I need a new foil company.’” He might be right, but he is wrong! Once Hydrocraft drops their first lineup, people will. The foils aren’t released yet, but with the fine-tuning of their first range underway, it’s clear there’s room for brands that’s small, nimble, and customer-focused—able to pivot faster than the larger players in the industry. That flexibility is exactly what gives Hydrocraft a shot to carve out their own space and make some spray.We dig into Hydrocraft’s approach to design, where Matt sees the gaps in the current market, and how staying agile as a small brand could be the key to pushing foiling forward.🎙️ Sponsored by Kite Puerto Rico + the N1 Surf Shop. Support the podcast by subscribing, dropping a 5⭐ review, and grabbing your gear from someone you trust: www.KitePuertoRico.com.📲 Follow along: @xfoils#XFoils #Case50 #HydrocraftSystems #MattElsasser #FoilTalk #FoilInnovation #FoilDesign #NimbleFoiling #CustomerFocused #FoilCommunity
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Case #49: Powered Up: Mr. Bennetts Brings the Flux*
Sep 2900:35:25Tap to summarizeIn Case 49, Walt and I sit down with Adam Bennetts from FliteLab to dive into the highly anticipated Flux foil range. Bennetts’ unique and powerful surf style really shines through in this lineup—and you can feel it the moment you step on the foil.We chat about his design input, the development journey, and what makes Flux foils stand out in terms of pitch stability, performance, and feel in the surf. There’s plenty of geek-out talk here: power wings, gear preferences, the unique conditions of the Gorge, and how extensive prototyping/testing shaped the final product.We also loved hanging with the FliteLab crew, and Bennetts is full froth all the time—his energy is contagious both in the water and in conversation. The chat drifts into the future of foil design, the role of assistive tech in foiling, and the responsibility we all share to keep surf lineups positive and welcoming.This one’s equal parts foil nerding, surf philosophy, and product insight—straight from the source.🎙️ Sponsored by Kite Puerto Rico + the N1 Surf Shop. Support the podcast by subscribing, dropping a 5⭐ review, and grabbing your gear from someone you trust: www.KitePuertoRico.com.📲 Follow along: @xfoils#XFoils #Case49 #AdamBennetts #FliteLab #FluxFoils #FoilDesign #FoilTalk #DownwindFoiling #SurfFoils #FoilInnovation
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Case #48: The F4 Orca Story:Carbon Addicts Anonymous with Chris Radkowski
Sep 2201:07:44Tap to summarizeIn Case 48, Walt and I catch up with Chris Radkowski, the designer behind F4 Foils. While Walt was in Maui, he picked up a setup from Guido and could not stop raving about the new Orca line for downwind—so of course, I had to try it too. Spoiler: they did not disappoint.What makes F4 stand out is that they’re not afraid to throw carbon at an idea. Constantly reviewing designs, experimenting with different stiffness layups, and fine-tuning wing concepts, they landed on something special with the Orca—exactly what we’ve been looking for in a downwind foil.And they’re not stopping there. Expect Orca surf foils soon, along with expanded 11mm mast sizes. The foil world is looking brighter with F4, and we’re genuinely excited to be working with them.📲 Follow along: @xfoils🎙️ Sponsored by Kite Puerto Rico + the N1 Surf Shop in San Juan. Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a 5⭐ review, and getting your gear from someone you trust: www.KitePuertoRico.com#XFoils #Case48 #F4Foils #OrcaLine #ChrisRadkowski #FoilDesign #DownwindFoiling #OrcaSurf #FoilTalk #FoilingInnovation
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