The Hydro foil race board program is designed using inventive technology and computer modeling for scale tipping performance across all foil racing disciplines. Hydro boards will be available from June 2022.

DESIGNER/DEVELOPER SAM SILLS

One of the main driving forces, as well as, the lead designer on the Hydro board project is Sam Sills. With a background in naval architecture and intricate knowledge of windsurfing, Sam has already worked his way onto the British Sailing team where he currently competes as an iQFOiL athlete.

DESIGNERS’ NOTES 

Can you describe the process from inception to the introduction of the Hydro board range?

We started with a blank page and the focus of stability and aerodynamics. Several designs were engineered in 3D and built with a CNC process. We then ran comparative testing on the water in many locations with several concepts and looked to find the perfect balance over the range of conditions for each design. For example the 100 Hydro needed to have a much larger operating range and therefore has a slightly different shape concept to the rest of the Hydros.

Why does the Hydro look like it does? 

Without giving away design secrets, the shape is optimised for stability, low aerodynamic drag, early take off and maximum leverage over the foil. The deck convex promotes laminar airflow for longer over the board and you can actually feel this through the wind. The high volume and length increases the mass inertia and stabilizes the board in the air giving you “Autopilot” control. Cutaways help reduce the waterline, making takeoff and touchdowns more efficient.

The high rails give the rider more leverage when canted over to windward and this increases righting moment + forward drive. Ultra Low mast track, reduces the lever between Center of effort in the sail and foil and therefore increases forward drive and hence speed.

The tail bump on the deck has two purposes;
1# gives you a 6th sense when gybing so you can always find your balance.
2#gives you foot support to pump off when taking off in lighter winds.

Are there any key features that you would like to point out?

I think the key to this design is in balancing all the major design aspects, there’s a lot of innovations that were included, and to strike a solid balance without compromise is probably the key feature.

For racing you always have unexpected conditions and scenarios so you need a board that can perform in sub-perfect as well as champagne conditions.  We have also given the board a huge amount of tuning options, with a long mastrack, 5 x longitudinal footstrap inserts. This just helps any rider get set up exactly how they like.

What makes the Hydro stand out?

When you sail it, you’re just faster.  There’s no escaping the laws of physics. Other than that the bullet nose shape is quite a visually striking feature when you first see the design.

What was the design objective for the Hydro?

Low aerodynamic drag and maximum stability without compromising takeoff.

Who is the Hydro for?

It was initially designed for top athletes to push their foiling limits and provide them with the tools to win.

However, to be honest, the aspects of stability that make up a good race board, also make life easier for everyone when foiling, so freeriders really enjoyed testing the board and were genuinely surprised how much easier it was for them to make new P.Bs in speed.

MATEUS ISAAC

Young up-and-coming racer Mateus Isaac was the first Severne rider to sign on as a complete rider. In the foil racing scene, Mateus is already making a name for himself. He has already won his first PWA event and has multiple podiums in the bag across multiple disciplines including iQFOiL.

Asked why he opted to become a full Severne rider, Mateus said; “The most reliable, easy, and fast equipment on the market. The equipment is designed to make your life easier, and pretty much plug and play.“

As for his first experience on the Hydro board, the message was clear; “STABLE. The design of the deck shape combined with the design of the nose created an extremely stable board, you feel that the board has no speed boundaries. The Hydro looks like a missile. Very aerodynamic and beautiful.“

After spending time on the boards, Mateus has indicated that he would use the Hydro91 in winds up to 15 knots, and the Hydro85 in winds above 15 knots.