Authored and compiled by Julien Cosson for Dubai, simplified and adapted by Rony Meykens & Raf Claes for Belgian Grand Prix
General Overview
eFoil racing is a thrilling and innovative sport that combines cutting-edge electric propulsion technology with the grace and agility of hydrofoil boards. Riders, equipped with electrically powered boards that haver above the water’s surface, compete head-to-head on challenging courses that test their speed, skill, and precision. Unlike traditional water sports, eFoil racing offers a unique sensation of flying above the water, powered by clean and efficient electric motors, embodying both sustainability and excitement.
The sport attracts a diverse community of riders-from seasoned athletes to newcomers-all drawn by the adrenaline and freedom that eFoil racing provides. Events are designed to promote fair competition, safety, and a sense of camaraderie, with categories for all levels of experience, from stock riders using factory-standard boards to open classes where custom modifications are encouraged.
With eFoil racing, the boundaries of personal watercraft racing are pushed further, offering an exhilarating experience that blends futuristic technology with the natural beauty of open water. At its core, eFoil racing is about innovation, fun, and the pursuit of speed in a way that’s as thrilling for spectators as it is for the riders themselves.
Partners & Support
Type and planning Event :
WVD Belgian Grand Prix 2025 (EfoilFest) – Saturday 30th of August
Trials will be facilitated on Friday 29th ; “force majeur” may cause postponement
A.M. : Straight Lane course with time-keeping to determinate better positions in next round (riders failing to finish this part, will be placed as worst time ended)
P.M. : Slalom course with Knockout Elimination rounds, maximum of 2 riders on the course at any time during knockout round.
(excepted unforeseen indisponibility)
GENERAL
* Race Director & PR : Mr Rony Meykens, Vice-President WVD Mechelen vzw,
1.1.1 The Race Director is responsible for the overall management and organization of the event, ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations, including Jury-decisions.
1.1.2 The Race Director has the authority to alter the race schedule, suspend or restart the race in case of unsafe conditions, and make other critical decisions during the event.
RACE
*Chief Referee : Mr Julien Cosson, Delegate International Efoil racing league (ERL)
1.1.3 The Chief Referee ensures that the race is conducted according to the rules and monitors for any infractions or issues.
1.1.4 The Chief Referee oversees timekeeping and approves the final race results.
1.1.5 The Chief Referee may have additional members of their team to conduct time keeping, Latest information of racers times, and current score of riders.
*Flag Marshal : Mr Tim Van Dyck, member WVD
1.1.6 The Flag Marshal is responsible for flag signalization on the course, communicating race status to riders during the event.
1.1.7 The Flag Marshal will raise flags as appropriate (e.g., green, yellow, red, checkered) to ensure rider safety and clear communication.
*Technical Commissioner : Mr Raf Claes, member WVD, supported by Mr Julien Cosson
1.1.8 The Technical Commissioner oversees the technica! inspections of boards and safety gear, ensuring all equipment complies with event regulations.
1.1.9 The Technica! Commissioner may conduct random inspections throughout the event to ensure continued compliance.
OTHER MATTERS & SERVICES
Chief Eventhost (incl. Pressliaison) : Ms Jana Meykens, member WVD
*Medical Team Director/Rescue Team : (Medic) Mr Wilfried Ardies, Physiotherapist / (Rescue) Mr Tom Verbeeck, Boardmember WVD Mechelen
1.1.10 The Medical Director is responsible for overseeing the health and safety of participants and staff during the event.
1.1.11 A trained rescue team will be stationed on-site with at least two rescue boats or personal watercraft to respond to accidents or emergencies.
1.1.12 The Medical Director has the authority to deciare a rider unfit to participate if they are deemed at risk of injury
2.1 Pre-Race lnspections
2.1.1 Equipment Maintenance and Servicing:
2.1.3 Additional Checks by Officials:
2.1.4 Failure to Pass lnspection:
Safety Gear lnspections
All measures to be advised in case of non-conformity are on sovereign discretion of the Technical Commissioner, approved by Race Director.
2.1.5 Riders must submit their safety gear (helmets, life jackets, etc.) for inspection prior to the race.
2.1.6 Helmets must be CE, FIM, or equivalent certified and must be in good condition without cracks or structural damage.
2.1.7 Life jackets must provide adequate buoyancy and be properly fitted to the rider. The PFD must be over 50 newtons buoyancy.
2.1.8 Failure to pass the safety gear inspection will result in disqualification from the event until compliant gear is provided.
2.2.1.Sponsorship Vinyls and Stickers:
2.2.2.Attire, Flags and Fabric Attachments:
2.2.3.Other Equipment:
Rider Categories: The position in the competition groups leading to knock-out system, will be determinated by the time-keeping during the Straight Lane course A.M. Prizegiving will also contain a unique medal “woman” and native “Belgian”.
3.2.1 Riders in the Stock Category must use eFoils that are factory-standard and unmodified, ensuring a level playing field.
3.2.2 No modifications to the mast, wings, battery, shims, propeller, motor, ESC, controller, or propulsion systems are permitted.
3.2.3 Any modifications discovered during pre-race inspections will result in the rider being moved to the Semi-Open or Open Category or disqualified from the event.
3.3.1 Permissible Modifications
Riders in the Semi-Open Category may use modified equipment, provided the modifications comply with the technical and safety specifications. This category’s details are determined by the host race organization in an Appendix 1.
3.4.1 Riders must follow the designated racecourse as marked by buoys and other course markers. Riders are responsible for understanding the layout and navigation points as presented during the rider briefing, so don’t hesitate to ask the race officials for further explanation.
3.4.2 All riders must maintain a safe distance from other competitors at all times, avoiding reckless or dangerous manoeuvers that could result in collisions.
3.4.3 Overtaking another rider must be done with caution. Riders attempting to overtake must do so from the outside or in a safe manner that does not cut off the overtaken rider’s path.
3.4.4 No cutting corners: Riders must follow the track as defined, and any attempt to take a shortcut or deviate from the set course will result in penalties.
3.4.5 When entering tight turns, riders should position themselves in a way that minimizes potential collisions. Yielding to faster riders on a turn may be required for safety.
3.5.1 Correct Passing: All buoys on the Slalom racecourse must be passed on the designated side as defined in the race map. Typically:
3.5.2 Missed Buoys: lf a rider misses a buoy, he/she must either:
3.5.3 Colliding with a buoy:
3.5.4 Penalty Buoy:
3.5.5 Blocking at Buoys:
3.6.1 Following the Course: Riders must adhere to the course as laid out by the organizers. lf a rider goes off course, they must re-enter at the point they left or take a corrective action as defined by the Race Director.
3.6.2 Avoiding Hazards: Riders must always be aware of the surrounding conditions, including potential hazards like shallow areas, eventual corridor for other vessels (at the edge/border of the race area) or other obstructions. The course will be marked to guide riders safely, but it is the rider’s responsibility to stay within the safe zones marked on the course.
3.6.3 Exiting the Racecourse: lf a rider needs to exit the racecourse (e.g., for mechanical issues), they must signal and exit the course in a safe manner, away from active competitors, to avoid creating hazards for others.
3.7.1 Green Flag: Signifies the start of the race or that the course is clear and the race is in progress.
3.7.2 Yellow Flag: Warns of hazards on the course. Riders must slow down and continue with caution but can maintain their positions.
3.7.3 Red Flag: Signals the race is stopped. All riders must stop immediately and return to the start area using caution.
3.7.4 Checkered Flag: Signifies the end of the race. Riders must slow down after passing the finish line and proceed to keep clear of the race area.
3.8.1 Falling Protocol:
3.8.2 Swimming to the Board:
3.8.3 Resuming the Race:
3.8.4 Safety Assistance:
3.8.5 Rider Recovery Time:
3.8.6 Multiple Falls:
In some racing events and courses it’s possible to have multiple riders on the same course. Below are details outlined to explain how racing is to be conducted in a safe and regular manner.
3.9.1 Right of Way and Turns:
3.9.2 Passing Zones:
3.9.3 Reckless Passing Penalty:
3.9.4 Suggested Turn Line:
3.9.5 Maintaining Safe Distances:
3.9.6 Avoiding Collisions:
3.9.7 Overlapping Riders:
3.9.8 Communication and Safety Gestures:
4.1.1 Bib or Rider numbers will be assigned to each rider during the registration process for the event, after verification of the obligations to fullfill before the event.
4.1.2 Start numbers will be assigned to other participants based on a first-carne, first-served
basis or as decided by the event organizer.
4.1.3 Numbers will be between 01 and 99.
4.2 Display of Bib/ Competitor Numbers
4.2.1 Start nurnbers must be clearly displayed on each rider
4.2.2 Failure to display the assigned start number will result in a penalty or disqualification.
5.1.1 The paddock area will be a designated space where riders can set up, maintain, and charge their equipment.
5.1.2 The paddock will provide basic amenities, including:
5.2.1 Participating manufacturers or independent service teams will be allowed to set up service centers within or near the paddock area.
5.2.2 Service centers are responsible for offering technical support, including board repairs and tuning.
5.2.3 Service centers must be registered with the event organizer in advance and comply with local paddock regulations.
5.3.1 For multi-day stays, a secured overnight storage area can be provided in basic form on participants’ demand for eFoils and equipment, without guarantee against theft.
5.3.2 The storage area will be monitored by event staff and security, ensuring the safety of all stored equipment.
5.3.3 Riders can be required to store their eFoils in this designated area to ensure the safety and organization of the event.
6.1.1 The event will adhere to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and national rules, and all riders are required to comply with anti-doping regulations.
6.1.2 Random drug tests may be conducted during the event, and any rider found to be in violation of the anti-doping policy will at least be disqualified for the actual event.
6.2.1 Riders may be subjected to alcohol and drug testing prior to or during the event to ensure they are not impaired.
6.2.2 A rider who tests positive for alcohol and/or drug consumption can be disqualified from the event immediately.
6.2.3 Refusal to take an alcohol and/or drug test will be treated as a positive result, resulting in automatic disqualification.
7.1.1 Riders may file a formal protest if they believe another rider has violated the rules or equipment regulations.
7.1.2 All protests must be submitted in writing to the Chief Referee within 1 hour of the race conclusion and must be accompanied by a 200 EUR protest fee.
7.1.3 The protest will be reviewed by a Protest Jury, and the protest fee will be refunded if the protest is upheld.
7.2.1 Penalties will be issued for the following violations:
7.2.2 Riders may appeal penalties through the formal protest process, provided the appeal is lodged within the designated time frame.
8.1.1 All race tracks must be designed to take a minimum of 45 seconds per lap to complete under standard conditions, ensuring that the track offers a fair balance between speed and technical skills.
8.1.2 The total track length must be at least 1 kilometer for each lap.
8.1.3 The racecourse must maintain a water depth of at least 125 cm throughout the entire course to ensure rider safety and avoid damage to equipment.
8.1.4 The course must be placed at least 15 meters away from any shallow areas (water depths of less than 125 cm) to prevent accidents or damage to the eFoils.
8.2.1 Buoys must be strategically placed to guide riders through the course. Each buoy must be clearly visible and marked on the race map provided to participants.
8.2.2 Riders are required to navigate around buoys according to the designated race pattern. Missing a buoy without correction will result in a 30-second penalty.
8.2.3 For certain races, a penalty buoy may be implemented as a method to correct missed turns or missed buoys. Riders must navigate this penalty buoy if they miss one of the course buoys to avoid penalties. The finish gate and starting line must be clearly marked with buoys or visible markers, and the race will be complete when a rider crosses the finish line after completing the required number of laps.
8.3.1 Track modifications may be made during the event at the discretion of the Race Director, especially in cases of safety concerns, weather changes, or unexpected hazards.
8.3.2 Any changes to the track layout will be communicated to riders in advance, either during the rider briefing or by posting updates at the event information desk.
9.1.1 A minimum of two safety boats or personal watercraft must be present on the water during all races, assisted by trained personnel certified in first aid and water rescue.
9.1.2 As the race area is very near to the local yachtingclub, all necessary first aid kits and equipment, as well as AED machine, are in fast reach.
9.1.3 Safety boats are in constant communication with race officials to monitor the course tor accidents or emergencies.
9.2.1 A dedicated medical area with AED and professional medics is reserved on the beach or event site, with a clear path for emergency vehicles such as ambulances.
9.2.2 First-aid personnel will be present at all times during the event, and an ambulance service is in 5-minutes reach during the event and competitive rounds (e.g., finals or knockout rounds).
9.2.3 In case of an accident, injured riders must be immediately evacuated to the designated medical area for assessment.
9.3.1 In the event of an accident, a Yellow Flag will be raised by the Flag Marshal, indicating that riders must proceed with caution while the safety team assesses the situation.
9.3.2 lf a serieus injury occurs or the safety team deerns it necessary to intervene, a Red Flag will be raised and the race will be stopped immediately.
9.3.3 In the case of a Red Flag, all riders must return to the starting area or a designated safe zone on the course, as instructed by race officials.
9.3.4 The Race Director will decide whether to restart or cancel the race based on the severity of the incident.
9.4.1 The Race Director has the authority to suspend or postpone the race in the event of unsafe weather conditions, such as high winds, thunder and lightning.
9.4.2 Racing can be postponed or canceled if wind speeds exceed 15 knots or if wave heights exceed 30 cm.
9.4.3 All decisions regarding weather conditions will be communicated via the event information board or directly by the Race Director during the race.