Foil Assist
Get up on foil in light wind, catch more bumps and spend less of your session paddling. A foil assist is a compact foil board motor that fits your existing setup: motor on, up and flying, motor off, ride as normal. We sell Manta TakeOff Evo, which has the highest-rated motor of any commercial foil assist right now, chosen for its flexible mounting, travel-friendly battery and proven reliability. Not sure what fits your board and mast? Ask us and we'll check before you buy.
What is a foil assist?
A foil assist is a small electric motor and propeller that attaches to your foil mast, powered by a rechargeable battery. Unlike an eFoil, it isn't built to carry you the whole session. It gives you a boost when you need one (a take-off on a non-breaking wave or in marginal winds, a restart on a downwinder, a push out through the break) and then lets you ride under your own power, or glide on the smallest waves.
Who is foil assist for?
Wing foilers
Get flying on light or gusty days without endless pumping.
Prone foilers
Get out the back and onto waves with energy to spare.
SUP foilers
Less strain getting onto small bumps and wind swell.
Downwind foilers
Easier starts and restarts on long runs, so you link more bumps and pump less.
Why Manta TakeOff Evo?
We looked at every major foil assist system before choosing one to sell. Manta TakeOff Evo stood out for four reasons.
Serious power
Its 3,500 W motor puts out about 35 kg of thrust, the highest-rated motor of any commercial foil assist right now. Great for heavier riders, light wind and smaller foils.
More mounting options
It isn't locked to a single format, so it can move with you across boards and disciplines. Run it with the battery on the board, or wear it in the Manta Backpack (here's how each setup feels). We sell and support both setups, plus the Air and Endurance batteries.
Built for travel
The Air battery splits into two 97 Wh packs, each under the 100 Wh airline limit. We've taken eight sets through TSA in our carry-on (check with your airline before you fly).
Backed properly
An established dealer network, a 12-month warranty, and us as your first point of contact.
Foil assist systems compared
Foil Drive is the name many riders know first. If you're comparing systems, here are the differences in mounting and price, honestly and without the sales talk.
| System | Mounting / format | Full kit price |
|---|---|---|
| Foil Drive | Under the board (no wearable option) | About $5,100 to $7,700 |
| Duotone | Motor in its own mast; batteries in a hip harness | About $5,700 to $7,000 |
| Waydoo FoilBoost | Unit slides onto the mast below the board | About $2,980 |
| Manta TakeOff Evo Our choice | On the board or worn in the Manta Backpack | $5,100 to $6,420 at Pakaʻa |
Full-kit prices include battery and charger, in US dollars, checked October 2026. Prices change often.
Foil assist in Hawaii
The rules, in plain English
We're riders based on the South Shore of Kauaʻi, so we can help with setup, local spots and the rules. Hawaii treats a board with foil assist as a motorboat, so keep to slow-no-wake speed (about 5 mph) within 200 ft of the shoreline, swimmers and divers' flags.
Registration applies to motors of 5 hp or more. The TakeOff Evo's 3.5 kW motor is under 5 hp and easy to remove, so it may be exempt.
Whatever the rules say
Keep well clear of swimmers, paddlers and other unpowered craft. This is general guidance, not legal advice, so check with DOBOR if you're unsure.
Orders ship from Charleston, SC, to all 50 states.
Try it on Kauaʻi
We run foil assist lessons on the South Shore of Kauaʻi, and we'll check your board and mast fit before you buy. Text is best.
Foil assist FAQ
How much does a foil assist cost?
Budget for the full setup: motor, battery, charger and any mast adapter. Our Manta TakeOff Evo kits start at $5,100 for the Starter package with one Air battery, standard charger and 2-blade prop. The Pakaʻa Pro package, with the fast charger and 3-blade prop, runs from $5,640 to $6,420 depending on the battery. Ask us for a complete quote for your gear.
How long does the battery last?
Manta rates the TakeOff Evo at 15 to 20 minutes of continuous motor time on one Air battery, 45 to 50 minutes on an Endurance battery, and 65 to 70 minutes with both. You only run the motor to take off, so a battery covers many take-offs, depending on rider weight, conditions and how long each boost lasts.
Will it fit my mast and board?
In most cases, yes, but mast profile and board construction matter. Send us your foil brand, mast and board, and we'll confirm before you order. Manta's universal pod clamps to most foil brands' masts and mounts through standard foil tracks, with no trench needed.
Can I fly with it?
Yes, with the Air battery. It splits into two 97 Wh packs, each under the 100 Wh airline limit, and we've taken eight sets through TSA in our carry-on. The Endurance battery (518 Wh) is too big for passenger baggage. Always check with your airline before you fly.
Foil assist or eFoil?
If you want to fly on flat water with no wind or waves, an eFoil is the better fit. If you already wing, prone, SUP or downwind foil and want more sessions and easier starts, choose a foil assist.
Do you offer demos or lessons?
Yes. We offer foil assist lessons on Kauaʻi. Foil assist is great for lessons and one of the easiest ways for beginners to start foiling. Text us on 808-278-0650 to arrange one (text is best).
More answers on riding, safety, charging and care in our foil assist FAQ.
