From January, the Cape Winelands will be the unlikely home to an exhilarating watersport known as eFoiling.
Launched by the new Devonbosch Development as part of its “life unlimited” vision, this latest outdoor activity involves surfing on a hydrofoil surfboard, which is powered by electricity without the need for waves or wind to propel the surfer forward.
eFoiling is an environmentally-friendly watersport with strict regulations that need to be adhered to by all riders. Devonbosch uses eFoils from Fliteboard, which won the 2022 Green Product Award for sustainability.
Said Johan Nel of eFoil Cape Town: “Fliteboard is possibly one of the world’s most efficient and environmentally-friendly powered marine vehicles. Fliteboard ushers in new technologies that, when scaled, have potential to create a future of quiet and clean ocean enjoyment and transport. The underwater acoustic profile is significantly less impactful than even the smallest petrol marine motor.”
As surfing is already a popular activity in the Cape, the developer is excited to bring the new watersport inland to the winelands.
“It will undoubtedly see a surge of both locals and tourists enjoying some gnarly hang 10 time over the festive season,” said Reghard Goussard, marketing and sales executive of SquareTurn Developments, which is responsible for the development of Devonbosch.
Surfing in the heart of the winelands is a concept many may find difficult to grasp. eFoiling can be enjoyed under the careful, professional guidance of instructors, who are trained lifesavers and who constantly supervise clients on the water.
The eFoils have an integrated GPS tracking system, which allows for monitoring of lessons and the collection of necessary data to help improve experiences and instructor training.
Nel added: “eFoils used by clients have a safety mechanism, which is factory installed on their controllers, where they must undergo a safety procedure each time they want to power up the board. Clients need to depress the trigger for longer than five seconds, then press another button to activate the throttle trigger. This guarantees that if a client falls off or is sitting on the eFoil, they do not accidentally press the trigger and let the board drive away uncontrolled.”
Safety is paramount and instructors attend mandatory lessons, which include a safety induction, maritime and environmental laws, eFoiling mechanics and health protocols and procedures, which will equip them with the skills to ensure that each person is as safe as possible while eFoiling.
Its sessions are handled by an online system, which allows for safe and secure reservations and payments. On the day of the session, clients will drive through Devonbosch, meet at the lake and are equipped with wetsuits and safety kits, which include a helmet and lifejacket, and trained by qualified instructors to the water.
A progressive thinker, SquareTurn Property Developers aims to turn Devonbosch into a destination, not just a development.
“Our intention is to welcome the public and inspire future residents of Devonbosch to spend more time outdoors through Devonbosch’s new activities and facilities being offered in this beautiful setting”, explained Jean Pierre Nortier, CEO of SquareTurn Property Developers.
“Bringing surfing inland to the winelands for the first time aligns with SquareTurn’s mission of not just creating developments, but rather delivering change in the areas we operate in, and we are now well on our way to making this area a hive of activity and positive change.”
