Mauritius, December 29, 2025 – The rapidly evolving world of non-wind-powered foil board sports has a new international governing body. Industry leaders officially formed the Global Foil Board Sports Association (GFA), dedicated to unifying and professionally governing disciplines including surf foil, wake foil, e-foil, pump foil, and downwind foil.
The launch comes on the heels of a successful inaugural season for the Surf Foil World Tour (SFT), which showcased explosive growth across these five emerging sports through events in locations like Sicily, Leucate, Abu Dhabi, and Cape Verde.
With innovation outpacing structure, the GFA provides the coordinated framework the industry needs for sustainable development.
Leadership and Founding Vision
GFA boasts strong leadership ties to the SFT and key brands:
Chairman: Dominic Hoskyns (Foil Drive)
Secretary General: Dr. Jörgen Vogt, LL.M.
Vice Chairman: Thomas Hartmann (SFT)
Treasurer: Andreas Lakeberg (E-Surfer)
North American Representative: Caren Forbes
As Chairman Hoskyns stated in the announcement:
“The formation of the Global Foil Board Sports Association is an important step for our fast-growing sport. As non-wind-powered foil board sports continue to evolve, the GFA will give our industry the clear, credible voice it needs… to build a strong foundation for sustainable growth and global recognition.”
Secretary General Dr. Vogt added:
“Foil board sports have expanded rapidly in technology, innovation, and participation—often moving faster than the structures around them. The GFA is our commitment to guiding that momentum responsibly through collaboration and a shared global purpose.”
18 Founding Members Drive Industry Buy-In
The association launches with 18 founding members, representing major brands and key individuals:
Duotone
ION Water
Slingshot
F-One
Core
Flysurfer
E-Surfer
Vayu
Foil Drive
F2
Cabrinha
North Action Group
Tabou
RRD
Hydroflyer
Armstrong Foils
Thomas Hartmann (private)
Dr. Jörgen Vogt (private)
Membership is now open to additional brands, event organizers, and commercially involved individuals.
Four Core Objectives
The GFA outlines four primary goals:
Unify the industry under one representative umbrella, aligning global stakeholders.
Provide a platform for developing professional disciplines at world and continental levels.
Establish consistent rules, standards, and governance frameworks.
Represent the sport to international bodies, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
These efforts aim to transition the sport from rapid, fragmented innovation to structured stability—standardizing competitions, enhancing safety, and advocating for waterway access.
Early Momentum and Next Steps
One week post-launch, the GFA website (gfafoilworld.com) is live with core mission details, though still expanding. Niche communities, including e-foil forums and social groups, have shared the press release enthusiastically, signaling strong initial support.
Distinct from the Global Wingsports Association (GWA), which governs wind-powered disciplines like wing foiling, the GFA focuses exclusively on non-wind-powered variants—ensuring dedicated representation.
For riders and brands alike, this marks a pivotal moment: clearer athlete pathways, fairer events, safer standards, and potential mainstream recognition. With SFT’s proven infrastructure and broad industry backing, the GFA is positioned to accelerate global growth responsibly.
For membership inquiries: jorgen@gfafoilworld.com
Website: https://www.gfafoilworld.com
The foil is lifting—now with direction.