Foil Life Travel Show #3 - Colombia Efoil Retreats in Cartagena, Colombia
On this episode, Gaetan (founder of Colombia eFoil) and Justin Chait (experienced eFoil coach and instructor) join us to talk about the building and running one of the premier e-foiling destinations i...
Tucked along the sun-drenched Caribbean coast near Cartagena, Colombia, lies the Isla Barú peninsula—a hidden gem where flat, turquoise bays stretch for kilometers, protected by mangroves and opening to the open ocean. With consistently warm 30°C+ water, year-round riding conditions, and luxury resorts right on the beach, it's emerging as one of the world's premier destinations for e-foiling. In this episode of The Foil Life Podcast, host Luc Moore sits down with Gaetan, the passionate founder of Colombia eFoil, and Justin Chait, the renowned e-foil coach who helped launch the school, to explore how they turned a dream into a thriving multi-location flight school and immersive retreat experience.
Gaetan, originally from the South of France and a longtime kiting enthusiast, caught the e-foiling bug during a Father's Day gift lesson in France—watching his dad take flight in just 15 minutes. That moment sparked the idea for a business in Colombia, where he had lived for over a decade. Two years ago, on February 1, 2024, he launched Colombia eFoil as the country's first dedicated brick-and-mortar e-foil school on Barú. Justin, who taught Gaetan his very first e-foil sessions in Florida, became the guiding force behind the coaching philosophy and now leads the advanced retreats.
The operation spans three luxury resorts on the peninsula: the flagship Aura Hotel Boutique, with rooms just meters from the water and direct beach access for effortless sunrise-to-sunset sessions; the larger Sofitel Barú; and the upscale Hotel Las Islas. Each base is fully equipped with chargers, batteries, rescue boats, and a team of eight instructors and staff. Lessons are conducted from the boat for safety—protecting riders from other traffic, providing real-time tips, and capturing drone video for feedback—while premium service means your board is prepped, rinsed, and ready when you finish.
What sets Barú apart is the conditions: glassy, flat water for miles in the protected bay, mangroves offering sheltered spots on windier days, and easy access to open ocean for long rides to nearby islands like Islas del Rosario or Corona Island. Water temps hover around 30°C, air often 35°C—board shorts only. Rarely do they close due to weather, giving a huge competitive edge for consistent e-foiling worldwide.
Justin's approach focuses on fundamentals: body position, throttle control, and techniques that minimize leg strain, extend battery life, and build safer, more efficient riding. Beginners progress rapidly—some crossing 10-15 km of open sea by day three of a retreat—while intermediates and advanced riders refine skills through drills, lap-time courses, and video analysis.
The 6-day e-foil retreats are the highlight. Beginner retreats get riders flying quickly and tackling open-sea adventures with island lunches. Advanced and pro versions deliver 4-5 hours of riding daily: drone-shot video reviews over breakfast, racing buoys, wave riding behind boats, and group pushes that burn legs but build massive progression. Retreats include all-inclusive perks—airport transfers, gourmet meals (fresh snook, octopus, tropical fruits), scuba dives, luxury dinners, stargazing with telescopes, and closing parties that often turn into lifelong rider friendships. About 50% of participants return, some back-to-back, drawn by the value, community, and rapid improvement.
Stories abound: students winning divisions in Dubai after training here, couples where hesitant partners end up ripping, riders aged 20 to 69 shredding (including a 69-year-old throwing wing breaches after just 1.5 years). Many arrive as intermediates and leave transformed—safer, more controlled, often upgrading gear after testing wings and shims during the week.
Colombia eFoil serves as official Fliteboard distributor in Colombia, but welcomes all brands—rentals available or bring your own (batteries/chargers provided). Logistics are seamless: full packages handle everything from pickup to excursions, making it ideal for first-timers to Colombia. The area is tourist-safe and developed, with Cartagena's historic charm just an hour away.
This isn't just about e-foiling—it's about warm-water freedom, pushing limits in paradise, building connections, and rediscovering the joy of flying over water. Whether you're a beginner dreaming of your first flight or an advanced rider chasing progression in ideal conditions, Barú delivers an unforgettable escape.
Ready to experience Colombia's e-foiling magic? Visit colombiaefoil.com (retreat info at colombiaefoil.com/efoil-retreat), contact via WhatsApp (+57 304 315 1220), email (booking@colombiaefoil.com), or Instagram @colombia_efoil. Check their 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Google.
Book your spot—spots fill fast, especially in peak months like March. This Caribbean haven isn't just about the foil—it's about the lifestyle, the stoke, and the moments that redefine your riding. See you on the water in Barú! 🏝️⚡