Eyewitness: Dubai eFoil Championships 2024

Dubai’s eFoil festival is rapidly gathering a reputation as one of the world’s biggest showcase events, hosting the latest and best equipment, and the greatest riders in the discipline. Fliteboard rider Tom Court was right back in the heart of it for 2024…

Words Tom Court | Photos Esurf WaterSports Dubai

Flying out of the UK for the third annual Dubai eFoil race felt surreal. eFoil racing is a fresh, dynamic addition to the hydrofoiling world, and this year’s Dubai eFoil Festival promised to be the most significant event in this sport’s young history. I was defending my world title from the 2023 season, so the stakes were high for me. Dubai, with its breathtaking skyline and futuristic vibe, provided the perfect backdrop for this burgeoning sport.

Dubai never fails to impress. This glittering metropolis has evolved into one of the world’s most iconic cities. We were based at the luxurious Th8 Hotel on The Palm Jumeirah, an extraordinary venue perched on a man-made island that epitomizes Dubai’s audacious innovations. The hotel’s pristine beachfront set the stage for our event, with the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf providing a spectacular racecourse.

Before diving into the competition, I visited some of Dubai’s standout spots. The Surf House Dubai, a hub for water sports enthusiasts, was a must-see and also the center of Fliteboard in the city. We hosted a community ride with over 15 riders before the event, right out the front, threading under the Burj Al Arab and the surrounding waters. It is a melting pot of surfers, paddle boarders, and now eFoil riders alike, reflecting the city’s diverse and inclusive water sports culture. From there, I immersed myself in race preparations, collaborating with the team to finalize logistics for the biggest eFoil racing event ever…

eFoil racing is still in its infancy, but it’s quickly gaining momentum. With the launch of the eFoil Racing League (efoilracingleague.com), we’re uniting the global eFoil community and pushing the sport to new heights. Fliteboard, along with brands like Audi, Lift, and Manta Foils is driving innovation in eFoil technology and these advancements are shaping the sport in real time. Events like this are a proving ground for both athletes and equipment, fostering rapid development in performance and design.

Designing the racecourse was a critical part of the event, ensuring a track that was both challenging and fair for riders of all skill levels. Set against the stunning backdrop of The Palm, the course featured meticulously placed buoys to test speed, agility, and strategy. The layout capitalized on the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf, providing the perfect environment for competitive racing. With over 40 riders from 13 countries participating, this was the largest eFoil racing event to date.

With Fliteboard, Breitling and Red Bull as sponsors, as well as many other local brands, the event felt like a turning point for the sport, elevating its profile significantly. The standard of riding this year was higher than ever. Simon Axmann, a newcomer to the circuit, made waves by setting the fastest qualifying time. It was clear he would be the one to watch. Justin Chait came in second, while I landed in third after a slip during my qualifying laps. It wasn’t the start I hoped for, but it set the stage for a fiercely competitive showdown.

The women’s event was equally exciting, with eight incredible athletes battling it out. Agnieszka Abramowicz took the top spot, followed by Natalja Tarasenko in second and Antonella Magen in third. Their performances underscored the sport’s inclusivity and potential for growth across genders.

The main event brought together the fastest eFoil riders from around the world. Each heat was a nail-biter, with split-second decisions and flawless execution making all the difference. I faced an uphill battle after falling on my second lap in the semifinals, which knocked me out of contention for the top spot. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but I focused on the losers’ final, securing third place overall.

The final showdown between Simon Axmann and Justin Chait was nothing short of epic. Simon took an early lead, showcasing the blistering speed of his modified setup. But in a dramatic twist, he fell on an outside turn, creating an opening for Justin to come back. Seizing the moment, Justin overtook Simon to clinch the win and secure first place in the men’s event. It was a stunning conclusion that left spectators on the edge of their seats.

The 2024 Dubai eFoil Festival was more than a competition; it was a celebration of how far the sport has come and a prediction to where it will go. The dedication of Esurf Dubai and the Blue Watersports team at the Th8 Hotel set a new benchmark for eFoil racing events. The scale, professionalism, and sheer excitement of the festival proved that eFoil racing has the potential to become a major discipline in water sports and it is amazing to be at the forefront of this new development yet again.

As I packed up my gear and reflected on the whirlwind of the past few days, I felt a mix of pride and anticipation. The festival highlighted the sport’s immense potential and the passion of its growing community. It also underscored the importance of events like these in shaping the future of eFoil racing as a whole… The stage is set for even bigger and better things in 2025.