Global Foil Board Sports Association (GFA) Officially Launched to Govern Non-Wind Foil Sports Worldwide
Mauritius, December 22, 2025 – The rapidly growing world of foil board sports has taken a major step forward with the official formation of the Global Foil Board Sports Association (GFA), a new international governing body created to unify, represent, and legally govern non-wind-powered foil board sports on a global level.
A Unified Voice for a Fast-Growing Sport
The launch of the GFA follows the successful inaugural season of the SFT Surf Foil World Tour, which showcased the explosive global growth of emerging foil disciplines such as surf foil, wake foil, e-foil, pump foil, and downwind foil. While innovation and participation have surged, industry leaders identified a clear need for structure, governance, and international representation.
The GFA has been founded by 18 founding members, including leading foiling brands and key private individuals who have played a central role in shaping the commercial and organizational side of foil board sports. Membership is now open to brands, event organizers, and individuals who are commercially active in the non-wind foil sector
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Clear Objectives and Global Governance
The Global Foil Board Sports Association has defined four core objectives that will guide its work going forward:
- Unifying the industry under a single international umbrella organization
- Shaping professional competition pathways at world and continental level
- Establishing legal governance, rules, and standards for non-wind foil disciplines
- Representing the sport internationally, including toward the IOC and other global federations
With these goals, the GFA aims to move foil board sports from a phase of rapid innovation into long-term stability and sustainable growth.
Industry Leaders on the Formation of the GFA
Dr. Jörgen Vogt, Secretary General of the GFA, emphasized the importance of coordinated leadership:
“Foil board sports have expanded rapidly in technology, innovation, and participation—often moving faster than the structures around them. The GFA is our commitment to guiding that momentum responsibly and giving non-wind-powered foil board sports a clear international voice.”
GFA Chairman Dominic Hoskyns added:
“As non-wind-powered foil board sports continue to evolve, the GFA will provide the credible representation our industry needs to build a strong foundation for global recognition and long-term growth.”
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Watch our interview with Tom Harman at the launch of the SFT (Surf Foil Tour) back in January 2025 at the boot show in Düsseldorf.
The Pumpfoil Event was a great success and very spectator friendly.
Positioning Foil Board Sports for the Future
With its headquarters in Mauritius, the GFA will now focus on defining standards, development pathways, and governance frameworks while acting as a central coordination platform for brands, events, and stakeholders worldwide. The association also positions non-wind foil disciplines more clearly within the broader ecosystem of international sport governance.
Founding Members of the GFA
The Global Foil Board Sports Association launches with strong industry backing. Founding members include:
Duotone, ION Water, Slingshot, F-One, Core, Flysurfer, E-Surfer, Vayu, Foil Drive, F2, Cabrinha, North Action Group, Tabou, RRD, Hydroflyer, Armstrong Foils, Thomas Hartmann (Private Member), and Dr. Jörgen Vogt (Private Member)
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About the Global Foil Board Sports Association
The Global Foil Board Sports Association (GFA) is the international governing body for non-wind-powered foil board sports, dedicated to unifying the industry, representing its global interests, and establishing consistent governance at world level.
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