SFT E-Foil & Wake Foil World Cup, Abu Dhabi, 2025

When the SFT wrapped its inaugural season in Abu Dhabi, it wasn't just an event—it was a bold statement for foiling's future in the Middle East. With glassy waters, premium setups, and a buzzing crowd, tour director Tom Hartmann reflects on the highs of Year 1, from e-foil showdowns to wakefoil thrills, all backed by powerhouse organizers turning the Gulf into a foiling hotspot.

Words: Luc Moore | Based on conversation with Tom Hartmann

The UAE's coastline has long whispered potential for water sports, but in October 2025, it roared. The SFT's season finale in Abu Dhabi wasn't your average comp—it was a nine-day extravaganza blending e-foil racing, wakefoil freestyle, and wind disciplines under the banners of GKA, GWA, and SFT. Hosted on Fahid Island, the emerging "Miami Beach of Abu Dhabi," the event drew 2,000-2,500 spectators on weekends, live-streamed to global audiences and even Middle Eastern TV. For SFT founder Tom Hartmann, it was the pinnacle of a breakout year that saw the tour host nine events worldwide, far exceeding expectations.

"We didn't expect to do that many events, but it's been a very successful first year," Hartmann shared. Starting with an indoor pump foil spectacle in Düsseldorf back in January, the SFT quickly gained momentum, focusing on accessible disciplines like e-foiling and pump foiling while dipping into surf foil, downwind, and wakefoil. Abu Dhabi capped it off with the biggest prize purses yet—€10,000 each for e-foil and wakefoil—and the highest e-foil participation of the season, thanks to a thriving local expat community in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The vibe? Electric, premium, and forward-thinking. Mornings brought glassy, thermal-wind-free conditions perfect for e-foil and wakefoil, with water temps hovering at 30°C. Afternoons saw a gentle 12-15 knot breeze for the wind crowd. "Foiling fits very well in the Gulf region," Hartmann noted. "It's not about crazy waves or winds—it's about getting on the water with tools like e-foils or wakefoils." The event's remote island setting, adjacent to Yas Island's entertainment hub (think Formula One, SeaWorld, and Warner Bros.), added a luxurious edge, with beach clubs and top-tier logistics making it feel like a festival.

Tom Hartmann

This was the first time a water sports event of this scale hit the Middle East. We had a big setup with live streaming, a massive media team—it was a success. The organizers wanted to promote water sports in the region, and with the UAE's interest in outdoor activities, foiling is ideal. We ran five disciplines over nine days, and it was the perfect way to round up the SFT season.

Credit where it's due: The event's polish came from powerhouse partners. Alda, the property developer transforming Fahid Island into a beach lifestyle paradise, sponsored the whole shebang. Event agency Link Viva, pros at massive festivals, dove into water sports for the first time and nailed it after close collaboration with the SFT team. Abu Dhabi Maritime and Ports provided an armada—boats, jet skis, and a 10-person crew—ensuring seamless operations. "They did an amazing job," Hartmann praised. "Everything was properly done, from accommodations to safety. It's what attracts people to the UAE—high standards in everything."

On the water, the action was next-level. E-foiling stole the show with Justin and Agnes dominating—Justin unbeaten all season, pulling 3G turns at 30-35 mph while mentoring rivals. "He's a competitive guy who loves pushing the sport," Hartmann said. With eight women competing, a dedicated women's division emerged, signaling growth. Wakefoiling, run solo by SFT for the first time, shone in broadcast-friendliness: drones, boat cams, and land shots captured flips and spins behind specialized wakes. Riders from the US, Canada, and the Middle East battled it out, highlighting wakefoil's accessibility—no mega-boat required, just any vessel with a decent wake.

The overall Year 1 vibe was one of rapid evolution and stoke. From small setups to this grand finale, the SFT proved foiling's versatility, drawing expats, families, and pros alike. "We're building a tour that showcases what you can do when you think big," Hartmann explained. Looking ahead, 2026 promises more events across disciplines, including a new foil-assist format blending propulsion with pure foiling skills. "We'll have foil-assist as its own discipline, plus divisions in downwind and surf foil," he teased. The calendar drops mid-November, kicking off with Düsseldorf's indoor event in January—pump foiling in a pool, with potential e-foil exhibitions.

Abu Dhabi wasn't just a comp; it was a launchpad, vibing with innovation and inclusivity. As Hartmann put it, "Foiling opens doors in places you wouldn't expect." The Middle East is now on the map, and the SFT is leading the charge.

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Want the inside story? Tune into the podcast episode where Luc Moore chats with Tom Hartmann about the SFT's wild first year, Abu Dhabi's epic setup, and what's next for foiling. Live now—subscribe now for all the details, athlete insights, and behind-the-scenes vibes.