We are starting the 2025 summer season in full swing – or rather: pumping. What was once considered something freaky on the lakes of Europe’s inland regions a year or two ago is gradually developing into a real sport.
Elias has been there from the very beginning. In this interview, the AK team rider tells us how he got into foiling and what he thinks of the current foil trend.
Aloha Elias, thank you very much for your time. Why don’t you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m Elias Ouahmid, 25 years old and I’ve been passionate about water sports since I was a child.
My parents introduced me to windsurfing at an early age. At the age of nine – finally hard enough – I was allowed to start kiting. It was clear from the start: kiting is my great passion!
I took part in competitions from an early age – first in the Moroccan championships, and from 2012 also regularly in the German championships, which I won several times and in various disciplines.
Kiting eventually led me to foiling – and that’s what got me to where I am today.
During the Corona period, I started working for my sponsors Airush and AK. I love working so closely with a brand – testing products, helping to develop them and promoting them with conviction.
How do you see the current foil trend, especially pump foiling?
For me, the foil trend is much more than just short-term hype. Pump foiling fascinates me because it works completely without wind or waves – almost everywhere. This makes the sport more independent and much more accessible. You need significantly less equipment, and at the same time it is extremely technically demanding. The barrier to entry is currently still quite high because you have to put up with a lot of failed attempts before it works.
For me, the foil trend is much more than just short-term hype. Pump foiling fascinates me because it works completely without wind or waves – almost everywhere. This makes the sport more independent and much more accessible. You need significantly less equipment, and at the same time it is extremely technically demanding. The barrier to entry is currently still quite high because you have to put up with a lot of failed attempts before it works.
How long did it take for the dock start to work for you?
It didn’t work for me straight away either. I started around 2018/2019 when I was at the lake on a windless day – still using my kitefoil at the time.
Your tips for beginners?
Keep at it! Pump foiling is a process that takes time. The important thing is not to endanger anyone and to find a suitable spot – preferably a jetty with deep water so that the foil has enough space.
Which foils do you recommend for beginners?
The new Plasma series from AK is super intuitive. For beginners, I recommend the 2050 Plasma, which generates a lot of lift even at low speeds due to its large surface area. I would never start too small with the board – in theory, 70 cm is enough, but in practice it is extremely difficult to jump off correctly at this size. My favorite is the Arcade 108 cm.
What is the ideal pumping spot for you?
Two things are crucial: the jetty and the conditions.
- Jetty: The ideal jetty is one that is 30-40 cm above the surface of the water, is not slippery and offers enough space to take a 2-3 meter run-up. It is also important that you can push the foil alongside the jetty without getting caught anywhere.
- Conditions: Smooth water, no current, no waves, no wind – ideal for training.
What is your favorite setup?
I put my setup together individually depending on the discipline. I ride:
- Plasma V2 (front wings in 1350, 1600 and 2050)
- 31.5 cm fuselage (results in 66 cm total length)
- 160 Rhythm (Rear Wing)
- 78 cm Carbon Plus mast
- 108 cm Arcade Board
Questions for pros:
What do you think about the founding of the SFT and the development of active pump foiling?
Foiling has the potential to establish itself as an independent sport with various disciplines. The SFT (Stand Foil Tour) aims to promote precisely this development – to connect athletes and take the scene to a new level together.
What is your vision for the future of the sport?
My dream is for foiling to become even more accessible and become established everywhere. I hope that pump foiling will one day be as commonplace on every body of water as stand-up paddling is today.
I love all types of foiling – paddle up, kite foiling, wing foiling and windsurf foiling – and hope to be able to share my passion with many others.
This is the gear Elias is riding
Arcade Foilboard
The all-new Arcade foilboard delivers a high energy pump, wake, and tow foiling experience. The versatile performance shape featuring a concave deck with bevelled rails and a convex nose creates an incredible connection with the board, whether you’re riding strapped or strapless.
Versatile pump foilboard for riding with or without straps.
Durable construction with a super stiff deck.
Concave deck with bevelled rails & convex nose.
The low tail rocker and flat center rocker optimize early planing, with increased nose rocker for easy touchdowns. The narrow tail optimizes the high speed edging ability, while the central wide point and wider nose maintain the ease of use.
Specs: 12.6L
42” x 17.7” x 1.45”
108 x 45 x 3.7cm
Plasma Hydrofoil Series – V2
Developed from the ground up, the Plasma Hydrofoil series has been designed for maximum performance – be it chasing fast ocean waves or endless pumping with maximum glide. It offers an uncompromising riding experience at the highest level.
- High-aspect hydrofoil for pumping, gliding and high speeds.
- Downwardly curved stabilizer bar for efficiency and easy turning.
- Modular aluminum rear fuselage.
Front Wings available in 880, 1100, 1350, 1600 and 2050 cm².
Pump foiling in Cape Town with AK Durable Supply Co.
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