Parker Dam State Park and the Park Ranger Encounter

Tiffany and Chase Pauling after their first eFoil lesson at Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.  

If the look on the face of the Pennsylvania park ranger at Parker Dam State Park is any indication, no one saw an eFoil coming to Clearfield County, Pennsylvania this year.

Wassim had just finished a demonstration for my brother, Chase, and his wife, Tiffany, when a park officer sprinted over to the beach area where we were standing. Once he approached us, he actually didn't know what to say. So Wassim opened the conversation, explaining that this weird board he just saw flying over the water is called an eFoil. It's a new water sport that allows you to surf over calm lake waters. No waves necessary.

The officer, kind as he was, stood in awe, not knowing what to say. Finally, after a good look around, he declared, "Well, it is a registered watercraft. It's electric. And you have your PFD (personalized flotation device). I guess you are good to go. I'll check with someone when I get back to the office. But yeah, I think you're good."

Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. 

Since Wassim, Rich and I have started eFoiling, we've had conversations with dozens of officers who patrol the waterways in Ohio and Pennsylvania. They are doing their jobs to ensure everyone is safe. Many of the officers are curious. They've never seen or heard of an eFoil before. We are always willing to answer any questions they have and listen to what they tell us. Because the sport is so new and is quite mesmerizing to see, the officers are interested in learning more about it, which is helpful for everyone. 

After the officer gave us the green light to continue on as we were, Chase ventured out into the water to try the eFoil for the first time. During his lesson, he became comfortable on his stomach, then on his knees, and slowly rose to a standing position. Standing over six feet tall and weighing over 200 pounds, Chase did well on Lift's 6'2 Explorer with the 200 wing.

Wassim gives Chase some pointers during his first eFoil lesson. 

Tiffany watched from the shore as her husband stood up on the board and glided across the water. At that point, we didn't need to convince her to try it. She was ready. Like Chase, she stood up and began planing on the board in less than 10 minutes during her lesson.

I could not have been more excited to share my love of eFoiling with them. What's even more remarkable about this couple is that they don't have any stand-up paddleboard or surfing experience. Both of them were able to stand up and plane on the board with ease.

After our eFoiling sessions, we all ventured back to our campsite, but couldn't stop talking about the experience. It's a sport for the entire family.  --Dena