E-Foiling in Muskoka with Charlie Newlands

Nestled in the heart of Ontario’s cottage country, Muskoka stands out as a premier destination for e-foiling and flatwater watersports. With its iconic lakes—Rosseau, Joseph, and Muskoka—crystal-clear water, stunning Canadian Shield scenery, and a vibrant summer scene, this region offers everything from relaxed cruising to advanced wake foiling. Short season? No problem—locals maximize every moment on the water, including creative winter sessions through ice and slush.

In this episode of The Foil Life Podcast, host Luc Moore sits down with Charlie Newlands, a lifelong watersports enthusiast, show skier, Guinness World Record holder, and leading e-foil dealer and instructor in Ontario. As the owner/operator behind SWS Muskoka and eFoil Sports Muskoka, Charlie shares how he built a thriving business around marinas, ski schools, and now Flightboard e-foils—bringing electric foiling to the masses in Canada’s cottage playground.

From Ski School to E-Foil Empire

Charlie grew up on Lake Rosseau, working at the local ski school as a kid before buying it in 2006 with his family. What started as water skiing and boat-based shows evolved into full marinas and a bigger ski show operation. Living in Australia for years, he performed in major shows at SeaWorld and traveled the world, mastering the sit-down hydrofoil that became his gateway into the foil world.

“I remember looking at a standup foil like 15 years ago and thinking, ‘I would never go on one of those things,’” Charlie laughs. Fast forward through COVID-era excitement around e-foils on Instagram, and in 2021 he partnered with Canadian company MSLR Electric before becoming a major Flightboard dealer in 2022. Today, they’ve sold close to 100 boards, run multiple flight school locations (including at the JW Marriott Deerhurst), and turned e-foiling into a staple alongside traditional watersports.

Why Muskoka Shines for E-Foiling

Muskoka’s interconnected lakes and protected waters make it ideal for e-foiling:

  • Flatwater Cruising: Perfect for beginners and families—take off from your dock, explore islands, or zip around the lake.

  • Multi-Sport Days: Pair it with wake surfing or water skiing so everyone stays on the water longer.

  • Accessibility: Slow, controlled speeds in “Light Rider” mode, flight zones via the app, and jet propulsion for Canadian regulations.

  • Year-Round Fun: Summer cruising, plus winter river sessions in drysuits navigating ice chunks and spring slush for epic content.

Charlie emphasizes safety and fun: Flightboard’s jet systems comply with Small Vessel Regulations (props are currently restricted), the app adds geofencing and speed limits, and lessons are mellow and instructor-supported.

Lessons, Rentals, and the Full Muskoka Experience

eFoil Sports Muskoka offers lessons for all ages and levels at their Lake Rosseau marina base and resort partnerships. Boards like the Flightboard Series 6 soft-tops and Flight Jet 2 systems make standing up approachable—even for riders in their late 60s/early 70s. They also carry the Flight Scooter as a fun, lower-commitment entry point.

Beyond e-foils, Charlie’s crew excels in wake foiling, prone foiling behind the boat, and show skiing (complete with pyramids, jumps, and themed performances). He’s a 2024 IWF Male Show Skier of the Year and holds multiple Guinness World Records, including 28 hydrofoils behind one boat and simultaneous backflips.

Pro Tips from Charlie:

  • Always wear a life jacket and respect swimmers/other boaters.

  • For bigger water like Georgian Bay or Lake Ontario rollers, consider a leash.

  • Jet propulsion keeps things legal and safer in Canada.

The Toronto Boat Show has become a highlight—Charlie even cuts down foils to demo in the indoor lake, drawing huge crowds and proving e-foiling’s mainstream appeal.

Beyond E-Foils: Wake Foiling, Downwinding & More

While e-foiling powers the business, Charlie’s personal passion leans toward wake foiling and prone surfing behind the boat. He dreams of more downwinding on Georgian Bay and exploring assist foils for bigger conditions. The region’s wake foil scene is booming—kids today want to foil or surf rather than traditional skiing.

Family-friendly and social, Muskoka delivers: bring the whole crew, mix foiling with cottage life, boat shows, and the short-but-intense Ontario summer.

Ready to Foil Muskoka?

Connect with Charlie and the team: