Q&A with Downwind SUP Foil Champion – Edo Tanas

Foiling Magazine’s very own Ryan Arzy caught up with Edo Tanas to explore his rapid rise in the sport, dive into his personal philosophy, and uncover the talent and goals fueling his bright future.

Athlete: Edo Tanas || Written by: Ryan Arzy || Published: 16/01/2025

Hi Edo, great to chat with you and congratulations on winning the Maui to Molokai, Molokai to Oahu, and the Koa Kai Triple Crown! Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background in watersports?

Thanks! I grew up by Lake Garda, Italy with a background in windsurf racing. That experience gave me a solid foundation for reading the bumps and understanding how to move efficiently on the water. Transitioning into foiling felt natural because I’ve always been drawn to exploring new ways to enjoy the ocean. Over time, I’ve worked hard to refine my skills and take on bigger challenges, which led me to downwind and racing.

Can you share your current weight and how it factors into your racing performance and overall strategy?

I’m about 185 pounds and 5'11”. My weight gives me the power to pump hard, but it’s a balance. If you’re too heavy, it’s harder to sustain the energy needed for long races. I’ve found a sweet spot where I feel strong yet light enough to maintain endurance.

How do you maintain an ideal strength-to-weight ratio, and what role does cardio play in your overall conditioning?

For me, it’s about being the heaviest I can while staying fit enough to pump for two hours straight. Cardio is crucial—I’ll run two or three times a week and do long sessions of steady-state cardio, like jogging or hill climbs, to build endurance. At the gym, I focus on low-rep strength training to build power. Foiling itself is great cardio, so balancing strength and stamina naturally evolves with my training routine.

When it comes to endurance, how do you think you compare to your competitors, and what sets your stamina apart?

I think my stamina comes from a combination of consistent training and my competitive drive. During races, I’ll push myself to the limit—even when I’m exhausted, I’ll turn my brain off and keep going if I’m neck and neck with someone. That mental toughness makes a big difference. Plus, my focus on recovery through stretching and balanced training helps prevent injuries and keeps me going strong.

Photo: Johnny Prehn

How do you set your goals for each race, and how do you measure success beyond winning?

My main goal is always to improve my performance, whether that’s a faster time, better endurance, or smarter strategy. Success isn’t just about winning—it’s about pushing myself and seeing progress in areas I’ve been working on.

What inspires you to keep pushing boundaries in such a demanding sport?

I’m inspired by the opportunity to constantly improve and test my limits. Losing is always hard, which drives me to train harder and smarter. Seeing the sport evolve and being part of its growth is also incredibly motivating.

How do you deal with setbacks or losses?

Setbacks are just part of the process. I try to analyze what went wrong, learn from it, and move forward. Losing can be frustrating, but it’s also a chance to grow and come back stronger.

Do you think natural talent plays a big role in your success, or is it more about the work you put in behind the scenes?

I think natural talent plays a role, but it’s not everything. My background in windsurfing, particularly downwinding, definitely gave me an edge in reading the bumps and racing efficiently. That said, I’ve always worked really hard—training, refining my technique, and learning from every session. I’m also super competitive, which pushes me to give 110% in every race. For example, there was a time I was side-by-side with someone during a race, and even though my legs were burning, I refused to quit. That mindset definitely helps.

Photo: Matty Leong

What’s your strategy for reading the bumps during a race, and how do you approach connecting them differently from others?

My strategy is all about patience and efficiency. I’ll wait for the bumps to stack up or fade before making my next move, instead of forcing it and wasting energy. My background in windsurfing has honed my ability to read the water and anticipate the best lines. It’s not just about seeing the bumps but also about feeling the rhythm and flow, which helps me connect them more smoothly.

How did you develop your skill in connecting bumps and racing efficiently on a foil?

It’s been a mix of trial and error, learning from others, and my windsurfing experience. Early on, I’d watch videos and experiment with different techniques. Over time, I’ve figured out what works best for me. Knowing your body and understanding its strengths and limitations is key to refining your approach.

How much enjoyment do you find in the race itself compared to the training?

I enjoy both, but race day is definitely the ultimate thrill. Training is where you put in the work and push boundaries, but there’s nothing like the adrenaline of competing. That said, I do love the process of training and seeing gradual improvement over time.

Photo: Matty Leong

What percentage of the race are you pumping, and how has this evolved from last year to this year?

I’d say about 60% of the race is pumping, 20% is gliding, and the rest is resting or adjusting my strategy. This year, I’ve focused more on efficiency, finding ways to conserve energy while maintaining speed. Adjustments are ongoing, and I’m always looking for ways to refine my approach.

Can you share a moment when you surprised yourself with your performance?

My first Molokai 2 Oahu race was a big one. I didn’t expect to do so well, but I ended up finishing third. It was my first time, so that result really surprised and motivated me to keep pushing.

What’s your philosophy on progress and personal growth, both on and off the foil?

Progress is all about consistency and a willingness to adapt. Whether it’s foiling or life in general, I believe in setting clear goals, staying disciplined, and learning from every experience. It’s also important to enjoy the journey and celebrate small victories along the way.

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self starting out in foiling, what would it be?

Start training smarter earlier. Focus on building a solid foundation of strength and endurance, and don’t overlook recovery and injury prevention. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes—that’s where the real learning happens.

How do you balance the intensity of training and racing with staying grounded and enjoying the journey?

It’s all about finding balance. I make sure to enjoy the little things, like cooking meals at home or spending time with friends. Keeping perspective and not taking things too seriously helps me stay grounded.

What legacy or impact do you hope to leave on the foiling community?

I hope to inspire others to push their limits and explore what’s possible in foiling. I want to contribute to the growth of the sport and show that with dedication and passion, you can achieve great things.

Photo: Johnny Prehn