E-Foil Race Rules
FSRL E-Foil Race Format
The USA Foiling E-foil Race is a head-to-head e-foil course race designed to be fast, competitive, tactical, and fair. The course works equally well for regular-footed and goofy-footed riders, giving each rider course options depending on wind, water, and personal riding style.
Events begin with a round robin seeding format, followed by head-to-head semifinals and finals. Each heat features two riders at a time.
Course Format
Two identical courses are set up side by side. Riders race at the same time on identical courses, and the first rider to correctly complete the course and cross the finish line wins the heat. This removes the need to time every race.
Course Concept
The course is shaped like an arrow. Riders start outside the course and enter through the start/finish line after the countdown horn. The first leg is a straightaway toward the tip of the arrow buoy, where each rider chooses a left-turn or right-turn start.
The course includes:
- Two long straightaways for maximum speed
- Three left turns and three right turns
- One 180-degree hairpin turn
Riders start on foil so they do not need to prone start inside the race. This allows smaller, faster boards and wings while keeping the start clean and consistent.
Race Structure
1. Round Robin Seeding
Depending on competitor count, the first round is a round robin format. Each heat has two riders, and riders compete in multiple head-to-head races against different riders to create fair seeding.
Round Robin Scoring
| Finish Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st Place | 3 points |
| 2nd Place | 1 point |
| DNF / DQ / OCS Loss | 0 points |
Tiebreakers (in order):
- Head-to-head result between tied riders
- Most first-place finishes
- Additional tie-break race, if needed
- Race director decision
2. Head-to-Head Bracket Racing
After seeding, riders move into head-to-head elimination. Higher seeds are matched against lower seeds.
| Example Matchup | Riders |
|---|---|
| Race 1 | Seed 1 vs Seed 8 |
| Race 2 | Seed 2 vs Seed 7 |
| Race 3 | Seed 3 vs Seed 6 |
| Race 4 | Seed 4 vs Seed 5 |
| Round | Description |
|---|---|
| Round Robin | Seeding round, multiple head-to-head heats |
| Semifinals | Top riders advance to head-to-head elimination |
| Final | Determines 1st and 2nd place |
| Consolation Final | Race for 3rd and 4th place |
Start Procedure
Riders begin outside the course and must be in the water before the start sequence begins. Once both riders are in the water, the race director starts a 24-second shot clock.
| Time | Signal / Rider Action |
|---|---|
| 24 seconds | Shot clock begins once both riders are in the water outside the course |
| 24 to 6 seconds | Riders get on foil and position for the start |
| 5 seconds | Final countdown begins on the start clock |
| 0 seconds | Horn sounds — race starts |
If a rider crosses into the course before the horn, that rider is OCS and must return fully behind the start line and restart correctly before continuing.
OCS — Over Course Side
A rider is OCS if any part of the rider, board, or foil crosses into the course or crosses the start line before the starting horn. Riders may approach and time the start, but must stay outside the course and behind the start line until the horn.
OCS Signal
A red flag is waved and pointed at the OCS rider, along with a siren or horn to alert everyone.
OCS Restart Requirement
To clear an OCS call, the rider must:
- Safely turn back
- Return completely behind the start line
- Re-cross the start line after the starting horn has sounded
Failure to Clear OCS
| Infraction | Penalty |
|---|---|
| OCS rider returns and restarts correctly | Race continues |
| OCS rider fails to return behind the line | Loss of race |
| OCS creates a clear unfair advantage | Loss of race or disqualification |
| OCS creates contact or a safety issue | Disqualification |
Course Completion
Riders must complete the full course in one of the approved directions. Missing a buoy, cutting inside a required turn, failing to complete the hairpin, or failing to pass through the finish correctly may result in loss of heat or disqualification. Once committed to a direction, the rider must complete it correctly.
Course Direction Options
After both riders enter the course, the first leg is a straightaway toward the tip of the arrow buoy, where each rider picks a left or right start.
Left Turn Start
Go left around the tip-of-arrow buoy, then drive to the outside left buoy and make another left turn toward the outside right buoy. At the outside right buoy, complete a 180-degree hairpin back toward the outside left buoy. At the outside left buoy, make the first right turn, then continue right turns around the tip of the arrow buoy and the right outside buoy, and sprint back to the start/finish line.
Right Turn Start
Go right around the tip-of-arrow buoy, then drive to the outside right buoy and make another right turn toward the outside left buoy. At the outside left buoy, complete a 180-degree hairpin back toward the outside right buoy. At the outside right buoy, make the first left turn, then continue left turns around the tip of the arrow buoy and the outside left buoy, and sprint back to the start/finish line.
General Race Rules
Right of Way and Contact
Avoiding contact is the responsibility of both riders. A rider who creates contact, forces another rider to crash, or rides unsafely may be penalized or disqualified. No intentional blocking, swerving, or forced contact.
Falls
A fallen rider may continue as long as they safely restart and complete the course. A fallen rider must not interfere with the other rider still racing.
Finish
The finish is determined when the rider's mast crosses the official finish line. In a photo finish, the rider whose mast crosses the line first wins.
Race Director Authority
The race director has final authority over course setup, start calls, OCS calls, penalties, safety decisions, restarts, and final results. The race director may modify the format due to rider count, weather, water conditions, safety, or time constraints.