A
human-powered hydrofoil is a small
hydrofoil watercraft propelled entirely by the muscle power of its operator(s).
[ Hydrofoils are the fastest water-based vehicles propelled solely by human power. They can reach speeds of up to ,][
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Propulsion
Means of propulsion include screw propellers, as in ; aircraft propellers, as in the Decavitator; , as in a Flyak; oars, as in the Yale hydrofoil sculling project;
Flapping wing propulsion
Flapping wing propulsion devices are hydrofoils that produce propulsion by forcing a foil to move up and down in the water. The forward motion of the foil then generates lift as in other hydrofoils. A common design consists of a large foil at the stern that is used both for propulsion and keeping the passenger above the water, connected to a smaller foil at the bow used for steering and longitudinal stability. Riders operate the vehicle by bouncing up and down on a small platform at the stern, whilst holding onto a steering column.[
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It is started and landed from the shore, or preferably from a dock, and requires a bit of experience. When moving too slowly, it will sink, and the range of possible speeds is .
Several variations on the design have been developed:
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The Wasserläufer was a forerunner of the design developed in Germany during the 1950s.
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The Flying Fish was developed by Allan Abbott and Alec Brooks in 1984.
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The Pogofoil, with pontoons for flotation, was developed in the US in 1989.
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The Trampofoil was developed in Sweden in 1998.
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The AquaSkipper was developed the US in 2003.
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The Pumpabike was developed in South Africa in 2004.
Electric assist hydrofoils
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The Hydrofoiler XE-1 is a Hydrofoil electric bike developed in New Zealand in 2011 onwards.
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