If you're getting ready for your first session with the Duotone DTE Foil Assist, it's important to know how to prepare your equipment, how to carry it, and enter the water safely.
If you're preparing for your first session with the DTE, it’s essential to understand how to properly set up your equipment, transport it safely, and enter the water correctly. Following these guidelines will ensure both your safety and the longevity of your gear.
Important: Never turn on the remote while you are still on land. The only exception is during the pairing process of your assist system.
Equipment Setup
Once you arrive at your spot, place your board on the ground with the nose and front wing facing downward. This position allows you to wrap the harness securely around the tail of the board, helping to keep it clean and free from sand or debris.
Before proceeding, put on your protective gear. We strongly recommend wearing a harness-compatible impact vest and a helmet for optimal safety.
Next, put your watch on your preferred wrist and slide the control ring onto your index finger. Ensure the buttons are facing upward to prevent accidental activation.
Activating the Batteries
Open the neoprene zipper and carefully lift the lid of the battery box on your harness. Make sure no sand, dirt, or water enters the compartment, and confirm that the batteries are clean and completely dry.
Press and hold the power button on each battery for approximately three seconds, until the LED indicators illuminate and remain steady. Once activated, close the lid securely to prevent water intrusion. Lock the battery box and fully zip the neoprene cover.
Important: Only turn on the batteries when you are near the water and ready to begin your session.
Before heading out, double-check that the leash is properly attached to your harness.
Now remove the harness from the board and fasten it around your waist. First, secure the Velcro closure, then fasten the magnetic buckle. Ensure the harness fits snugly and comfortably.
Entering the Water Safely
Position the board on its side with the rail facing upward and the foil pointing away from your body. Hold the mast at the leading edge with one hand and grip the board’s rail with the other.
Always keep your hands clear of the propeller while the batteries are on, even if the remote is switched off. Ensure that both the cable and leash remain clear of the propeller at all times.
Carry the board on its side until you reach water that is at least 1.5 meters deep. At that point, carefully rotate the board so the mast is facing downward.
Alternative Carrying Method (Land Only)
There is a second method for carrying your board and assist mast. We recommend using this technique only on land, as water movement may push the mast toward you.
Place the mast in front of you with the board resting on your side. Hold the board by the lower rail with the tail facing forward. With your other hand, grip the assist mast at the leading edge, ensuring the propeller is pointing away from you to avoid contact, even when it is turned off.
Checklist for entering the water:
✅ Wear protective gear
✅ Don’t turn on the remote on land
✅ Only turn on the batteries near water
✅ Securely close the battery box
✅ Connect the leash to the harness
✅ Keep your body, cable, and leash away from the propeller
✅ Keep the board on its side when entering the water
✅ Turn the board in 1.5 m of water
What’s Next?
If you have little or no foiling experience, proceed to the next instructional segment, where we will guide you through getting comfortable with the cruise mast on flat water.
If you are already an experienced rider, you may skip ahead to the flatwater practice session with the assist mast, where we will demonstrate how to get up and begin foiling using the foil assist system.
In this section, you’ll learn how to use the Cruise Mast on flat water in a prone (lying) position. Once you feel confident and in control, you’ll be ready to progress to the next stage: kneeling.
Although the inflatable Midfish Air provides excellent stability, it’s important to progress step by step. Building confidence with the system, understanding body positioning, and learning how to shift your weight effectively are essential foundations for safe and controlled riding.
Preparation
Before you begin, ensure you are in water that is at least 1.5 meters deep.
Check that:
The ring controller is facing upward to prevent accidental activation.
The cable and leash are clear and untangled.
Position yourself on either side of the board. Place your hands on the deck or rail and push yourself up into a seated position. Make sure the cable and leash are positioned behind you.
Once seated, rotate the ring controller 90 degrees so it faces your thumb.
Powering On the Remote
Switch on the watch remote by pressing the power button on the side. The display will illuminate and show:
Battery charge levels (both batteries and remote)
Pairing status with the motor
Standard or Boost mode
Current speed level
Lock/unlock status
For this session, remain in Standard Mode, which provides five speed levels for controlled progression.
Getting into Position
Slide slightly backward on the board and then lie down in a prone position. Position the cable and leash between your legs.
Your setup should look like this:
The board lies flat on the water.
Your forearms rest comfortably in front of you.
Your hands are positioned near the front strap.
Your body is centered and balanced.
Starting and Controlling Speed
When ready:
Press the plus (+) button once to unlock the remote.
Press it again to start the motor.
Keep the button pressed to maintain propulsion.
Begin by gradually increasing to Speed Level 2 while maintaining a straight line.
If you feel the nose lifting as speed increases, shift your weight slightly forward to keep the board level.
To slow down, press and hold the minus (–) button. As you decelerate, shift your weight slightly back to prevent the nose from dipping.
Once you feel comfortable with speed and balance, gradually increase to Speed Level 3, adjusting your body position as needed.
Practicing Directional Control
Now, begin working on gentle turns to improve control of both the board and foil.
Turning Right:
Shift your weight slightly to the right.
Look ahead toward where you want to go.
Maintain smooth, controlled input.
Return to a neutral, centered position to travel straight.
Turning Left:
Shift your weight to the left.
Keep your gaze forward.
Maintain steady control.
Alternate between right and left turns, practicing smooth serpentines until the movements feel natural and controlled.
The Safety Stop (Critical Skill)
The safety stop is one of the most important skills to master.
While cruising in a straight line:
Completely release the ring controller.
The motor will stop immediately, bringing you to a quick halt. As you release, shift your weight slightly back to maintain balance.
Practice this maneuver repeatedly until it becomes instinctive. The safety stop helps you:
Avoid collisions with obstacles or other riders.
React safely in unexpected situations.
Prepare for falls by instinctively releasing the controller.
This is extremely important to prevent any contact with the spinning propeller. Once the button is released, the propeller blades stop immediately and fold.
Exercises in a Lying Position Checklist:
✅ Get on the board and sit down with the cable and leash behind you
✅ Turn the ring to the side and switch on the remote
✅ Lie down on the board with the cable and leash between your legs
✅ Press + to unlock the remote and increase speed
✅ Practice accelerating and slowing down
✅ Turn by shifting your weight to the side
✅ Practice the safety stop
When preparing for your first foil assist session, flat water practice is essential. It allows you to become familiar with the system, the remote, and the sensation of riding with motor assistance. Even experienced riders should expect minor adjustments when using new equipment. We strongly recommend dedicating one or two sessions to flat water before progressing to bumps or waves.
Preparation
Before you begin, ensure you are in water that is at least 1.5 meters deep.
Mount the board and rotate the ring controller so it faces your thumb. Switch on the watch remote by pressing the power button. The display will illuminate and show:
Battery charge status (both batteries and remote)
Pairing status with the motor
Standard or Boost mode
Current speed level
Lock/unlock status
If you wish to activate Boost Mode, press the power and minus buttons simultaneously.
Getting Started
Lie down on the board with the cable and leash positioned between your legs. This prevents tangling and allows for a smooth transition to standing.
Center your body on the board and place your hands near the nose to keep the watch remote elevated and ensure optimal signal transmission.
Press the plus (+) button once to unlock the remote, then press it again to start the motor. Keep your thumb pressed down to maintain propulsion.
Gradually increase speed to levels two and three by holding the plus button. As speed increases, you may feel the nose begin to lift. Use your hands and forearms to gently press it back down and maintain a flat trim.
Transitioning to Standing
To move into a kneeling position:
Bring yourself up onto your knees.
Keep your hands positioned near the nose for stability.
When ready to stand:
Place your back foot on the board first.
Follow with your front foot.
Rise smoothly while keeping your knees slightly bent.
Maintain a forward gaze throughout the transition to stay balanced and aware of your surroundings.
Shift your weight slightly forward to keep the board flat on the water.
Controlled Takeoff
To initiate lift-off, subtly shift your weight backward. The board will begin to rise gradually and under control.
As you begin foiling, aim to keep the board flying just above the water’s surface rather than fully elevated. The motor pod sits only 17cm below the top plate. Flying too high will cause the propeller to approach the surface, leading to cavitation and reduced efficiency.
Practice maintaining low, controlled flight until it feels stable and consistent.
Advancing Your Control
Once comfortable, begin accelerating and experiment with popping the motor out of the water by introducing gentle pumping.
To glide or pump without assistance:
Release the ring button completely.
Before the foil touches down again, re-engage the motor and quickly accelerate to your desired speed.
Keep in mind:
Each time you release either button on the ring controller, the remote locks.
You must unlock it again and restart from zero before re-engaging propulsion.
Once back at your preferred speed, lower the foil and continue cruising smoothly.
Practice the transitions between powered flight, motor-out pumping, and re-engagement until they become fluid and seamless.
Flatwater Practice Checklist
✅ Lie down with the cable and leash between your legs
✅ Place your hands on the nose
✅ Increase your speed
✅ Pop up to a standing position
✅ Take off and fly low
✅ Pop the motor out of the water
✅ Pump and glide
✅ Practice the transitions
By following these steps and dedicating time to flat water training, you will quickly build confidence and control with your foil assist system.
In the next two sessions, you will learn how to ride swell and apply these fundamentals in more dynamic conditions.
Using the foil assist system with a wing provides significant advantages, especially for riders who are new to wing foiling.
Why Use Foil Assist for Wing Foiling?
1. Effortless Takeoffs in Light Wind
One of the biggest benefits is the ability to take off in light wind conditions without excessive pumping. Instead of switching to a larger foil or oversized wing—which can feel heavy and less maneuverable—the foil assist allows you to ride smaller, more playful gear. This keeps your setup light, responsive, and fun.
2. Faster Learning Progression
The motor assistance stabilizes the board during takeoff, making lift-off smoother and more controlled. This added stability is particularly helpful for beginners who are still developing balance and foil control.
3. Easy Upwind Recovery
Going upwind can be challenging when you’re starting out, and it’s common to drift downwind during early sessions. With foil assist, you can simply engage the motor to return to your starting position. This makes learning safer, less exhausting, and more efficient.
How to Use Foil Assist While Wing Foiling
The ring controller keeps your hand free, allowing you to hold your wing’s handles or boom naturally. However, be careful not to accidentally press the plus button before you are ready to engage the motor.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Position Yourself
Climb onto the board and stay low to maintain stability.
On high-volume boards, you can comfortably kneel without submerging the board.
Position the board at approximately a 90° angle to the wind.
2. Prepare for Takeoff
Grab the wing handles or boom.
Unlock the remote.
Start the motor to stabilize the board.
3. Build Controlled Speed
Gradually increase to Speed Level 2.
Rise to a standing position while keeping your weight centered.
Maintain control with the wing for balance.
4. Initiate Takeoff
Increase to Speed Level 3 or 4.
Allow the board to lift gradually and under control.
5. Transition to Pure Wing Foiling
Once you are foiling steadily, release the remote button to switch off the motor.
Continue your session powered only by the wing.
✅ Begin in a low position or on your knees
✅ Grab the handles of the wing and start the motor
✅ Increase your speed and stand up
✅ Accelerate to take off
✅ Release the remote button once you're foiling
Using foil assist with a wing accelerates your progression, reduces fatigue, and makes light wind sessions more accessible and enjoyable. With practice, you’ll be able to seamlessly transition between assisted takeoffs and pure wing-powered riding.
In this section, you will learn how to stand up on the board, cruise smoothly across the water, and transition into controlled foiling. Depending on your experience level and board size, different stand-up techniques may apply. Here, we will focus on the entry-level method.
From Kneeling to Standing
Begin in a stable kneeling position with the cable and leash placed securely between your legs.
When ready:
Unlock the remote.
Start the motor.
Increase to Speed Level 2 or 3.
Travel in a straight line. Keep your head up and your gaze forward to maintain awareness of your direction and surroundings.
Once you feel balanced:
Place your preferred (front) foot slightly behind your hands, centered along the board’s midline.
Use your hands for stability as you prepare to rise.
Slowly lift your body and place your back foot flat on the board, approximately where your knee and toes were positioned.
Keep your knees slightly bent and your gaze forward. Apply more pressure to your front foot and shift your hips subtly forward to maintain a flat board trim.
Speed Control and Balance
As your confidence grows:
Gradually increase speed.
Simultaneously shift your weight forward and press more firmly through your front foot.
This prevents the nose from lifting too high and keeps the board stable on the water’s surface.
To slow down:
Press and hold the minus (–) button on the ring controller.
Shift your weight slightly back.
Practice controlled acceleration and deceleration several times to build coordination between throttle input and weight distribution.
The Dolphin Exercise (Standing)
Now you’re ready for the next progression: the dolphin exercise from a standing position.
Increase your speed.
Slightly shift your weight back and apply more pressure to your back foot.
Allow the nose and board to rise above the water.
To bring the board back down:
Move your hips forward toward the nose.
Apply pressure through your front foot.
Repeat this sequence several times until your movements feel smooth and controlled.
If you find the board and foil are not lifting sufficiently, switch your remote to Boost Mode, which provides two additional speed levels.
Extending the Flight Phase
Once the board begins rising consistently, focus on extending your flight time.
As the board lifts:
Apply just enough pressure on your front foot to keep it level above the water.
Maintain flight by subtly shifting your weight forward and back.
Distribute pressure evenly across your entire foot.
Avoid leaning excessively onto your toes or heels, as this can destabilize the foil and lead to a fall.
Return gently to the water’s surface and continue practicing longer, controlled flight phases.
Safety Stop
As always, finish your session by practicing the safety stop.
Cruise in a straight line.
When ready, completely release the ring controller.
The motor will stop immediately. Shift your weight slightly back to maintain balance as you decelerate.
Repeat this exercise several times until it becomes instinctive.
Well done. You now have the foundational techniques required to foil with control on flat water.
Continue refining your skills by:
Experimenting with different speed levels
Practicing wider and tighter turns
Extending your controlled flight phases
Once these movements feel natural and effortless, you’ll be ready to take the next step—approaching small rollers and waves, and riding with the motor positioned higher on the mast.
Keep progressing and enjoy the ride.
Learning to Foil Checklist
✅ Wear protective gear
✅ Don’t turn on the remote on land
✅ Only turn on the batteries near water
✅ Securely close the battery box
✅ Connect the leash to the harness
✅ Keep your body, cable, and leash away from the propeller
✅ Keep the board on its side when entering the water
✅ Turn the board in 1.5 m of water
Jake Davis
