With a DIY eTow (originally from Takuma) you can let yourself be towed with a foil. Tips for building your own tow boogie from our eFoil trainer Jan.

Introduction: eTow or tow boogie

An eTow, also known as a tow boogie, is an innovative towing vehicle that has been specially developed for foiling. e-Tows provide the foiler with continuous pulling power so that he is not dependent on wind or waves. These devices enable foiling on almost any kind of water, regardless of the weather conditions.

A classic eFoil, which has an integrated battery, is usually accelerated by a mast-mounted motor with a propeller or jet drive. The eFoils offer the possibility of moving flexibly and independently over a wide variety of waters. Find out more about eFoils in our eFoil comparison.

eTows are an alternative for foilers who want as little weight as possible on the actual foil board. As the entire electric drive is outsourced to an additional vehicle that travels ahead on a leash, there are no limits to the choice of material. The entire setup of the actual foil weighs well under 10 kg. The small boards have considerably less centrifugal mass and, together with the smaller foils, offer agile handling, making it easy to ride waves with a little practice. However, foiling behind an eTow is more difficult than eFoiling.

The fun is particularly great in waves, as you can let yourself be pulled out, effortlessly ride the wave and save power in the process. This results in a considerably higher wave yield than classic surfers. In addition, several foilers can share the eTow and enjoy long sessions together. But even in flat water, it's great fun to try out new, smaller equipment and improve your skills.

Different models of tow boogies and eFoils

As with eFoils, there are also a variety of models of tow boogies that cover different needs and budgets.

Takuma eTow

The Takuma eTow is one of the most robust and well-known models on the market. It is characterized by strong performance, so that even demanding conditions such as wakeboarding can be mastered without any problems.

The device is also very stable, which makes foiling safer and more comfortable. However, the Takuma eTow is difficult to transport due to its size of over 2 m and its weight of 75 kg. Thanks to the V-hull, the vehicle sits extremely well in the water and can cope with any swell. Due to its weight, it does not bounce over the water and always rights itself.

However, the consumption of the two powerful jet drives is relatively high, meaning that the battery is empty after around an hour. It is the perfect solution for big waves off the coast of France, but the build quality is borderline similar to that of the Takuma eFoils.

We recorded the following video in France for our E-SURFER YouTube channel:

Unfortunately, Takuma has discontinued the sale of eFoils and thus also the eTow in 2024.

Zero Tow Towboogie

The Zero Tow Towboogie from StrongArm is a more compact and, at 25 kg, a lighter alternative to the Takuma eTow. This model is more like a motorized bodyboard, which is inflatable and therefore particularly easy to transport and handle. The speed of the Zero Tow Towboogie is moderate, which makes it particularly suitable for beginners and advanced riders.

It is controlled manually by shifting weight and via an excellent remote control, which enables high maneuverability. The sophisticated remote control makes it possible for the Tow-Boogie to ride alongside you and for several foilers to ride at the same time. The rides can then be analyzed on your cell phone. The riding time is about 2.5 hours up to 6 hours.

Building your own tow boogie

A self-built tow boogie can be a cost-effective and customizable solution for foiling. An existing eFoil board is used, which is equipped with an eFoil motor and a rudder for steering.

Components and variants

The do-it-yourself towboogie can vary greatly depending on the components used. A classic version, as known from Pacificmeister, consists of a bodyboard with a motor and a Pelicase, which is normally used to transport camera equipment and contains the electronics. This design is simple and common, but requires good pumping skills as there is no way to steer the tug towards you once the line is released.

Steering options

There are various ways to improve the control system:

• Swivel motor: The motor is mounted in such a way that it can be swiveled, allowing the Towboogie to be steered.
• Additional rudder: A small rudder is attached to the Towboogie to control the direction.
• Differential steering: Two motors are installed that can change direction using differential steering.

Example project: Fliteboard as Towboogie

In my case, I decided to use my existing Fliteboard as a Tow Boogie to avoid having to transport an additional board in the car. The Styrodur version is cheaper, but requires more work and space.

Boards from Lift Foils are also very suitable, as the center of gravity is further forward and the board remains stable in the water. The motor is screwed to a short, approximately 25 cm long mast. This length is ideal to avoid a lever arm that is too long and to ensure that the propeller does not draw air in swell.

Compared to the variants presented, however, the eFoil board does not right itself when it is caught by a wave. For those who prefer a rudder, an approximately 65 cm long aluminum profile (30 mm x 10 mm) is required, which is attached to the bottom of the board. At the other end is a small servo that controls the 10 x 10 cm rudder.

Either the rest of the mast or a small surf fin is suitable for this. A self-built tow boogie offers many advantages in terms of customizability and cost savings. It makes it possible to use existing components and tailor the device precisely to your own needs.

Although technical know-how and manual skills are required, a DIY tow boogie can be a worthwhile and practical solution for foiling. On foil.zone you can find numerous detailed instructions and tips to help you build one.

Comparison of the concepts

The three concepts presented - Takuma eTow, Zero Tow Towboogie and the DIY Towboogie - each offer unique advantages and disadvantages.

The Takuma eTow is ideal for professional users who require high performance and stability, however the high cost and transportation issues must be considered. The Zero Tow Towboogie offers a cost-effective and transport-friendly solution for beginners and advanced users.

The do-it-yourself tow boogie allows maximum customizability and cost efficiency, but requires technical know-how.

Safety instructions

Important note: As with all water sports, it is essential to be attentive and careful at all times when using tow boogies and eFoils. Make sure that there are no obstacles in the water that could pose a danger.

There is an increased risk of accidents in areas where there are many other surfers and water sports enthusiasts. For this reason, you should not use tow boogies and eFoils there. Instead, choose calm and less frequented waters for your activities.

Always find out about the applicable rules and regulations for the respective location in advance. This will help you avoid accidents and ensure the safety of yourself and others. Remember that your safety and the safety of others should always be your top priority.

Wearing helmets, life jackets and suitable protective clothing is important to prevent injuries. Even though foiling is generally safe, falls and collisions with the tow boogie can lead to serious injuries.

Even though e-tows are less dependent on wind and waves, the weather conditions and the nature of the water should still be taken into account. Currents, obstacles in the water and sudden changes in the weather can be dangerous and should always be kept in mind.

Conclusion

e-Tows and tow-boogies offer an exciting opportunity to enjoy foiling independently of natural propulsion forces. Choosing the right model depends on your individual needs and abilities. Whether you opt for the robust Takuma e-Tow, the maneuverable Zero Tow Towboogie or a self-built solution, safety and technical reliability should always be paramount.

With the right equipment and the necessary precautions, nothing stands in the way of an untroubled foil experience.