01About Takuma
Takuma is a French hydrofoil manufacturer founded in 2016 on the island of La Réunion in the Indian Ocean. The brand draws inspiration from both French craftsmanship traditions and Japanese engineering philosophy — "Takuma" itself is a Japanese name meaning "open, pioneer."
While many eFoil brands focus purely on electric boards, Takuma has deep roots in wind and wave foiling, which gives their eFoil designs a uniquely refined hydrodynamic quality. Their foil wings are among the most advanced in the industry.
- Founded: 2016
- Headquarters: Guéthary, France
- Manufacturing: France
- Website: takuma.com
- Price Range: $9,000 – $14,000
- Best Known For: Advanced foil wing design, versatile platform, crossover from wind/wave foiling
02Takuma eFoil Lineup
Takuma organizes its eFoils around riding styles rather than "beginner/advanced" labels, which is a refreshing approach:
| Spec | Cruising | Carving | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board Length | 5'6" | 4'10" | 4'4" |
| Volume | 120L | 90L | 70L |
| Weight | 57 lbs | 53 lbs | 49 lbs |
| Battery | 2.0 kWh | 2.0 kWh | 2.2 kWh |
| Ride Time | ~90 min | ~80 min | ~75 min |
| Top Speed | 28 mph | 32 mph | 34 mph |
| Price | ~$9,500 | ~$11,500 | ~$14,000 |
| Riding Style | Relaxed, scenic cruises | Dynamic turns, waves | Max speed, agility |
03The LOL Foil System
Takuma's proprietary LOL ("Lift Over Length") foil system is one of the most advanced wing designs in the industry. Developed from years of wind and wave foiling R&D, LOL wings generate exceptional lift-to-drag ratios — meaning:
- Lower takeoff speed: LOL wings generate lift at lower speeds than competitors, making the transition from board-in-water to flying smoother and easier
- Better efficiency: Higher lift-to-drag means longer battery life at equivalent speeds
- Responsive carving: The wing profile allows tight, responsive turns without losing altitude — a hallmark of Takuma's wave foiling heritage
- Quiet operation: Optimized hydrodynamics reduce turbulence and noise
💡 TipIf you're interested in eventually transitioning to wind foiling, prone foiling, or downwind foiling, Takuma's ecosystem is the best bridge — the same mast and wing system works across their electric, wind, and surf foil boards.
04Takuma: Pros & Cons
Based on rider feedback from Vaveo:
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Best-in-class foil wing design (LOL system) | Smaller US presence and dealer network |
| Crossover to wind/surf foiling | Less brand recognition than Lift/Fliteboard |
| Beautiful French craftsmanship | Motor power below Awake/Lift at equivalent price |
| Style-based lineup (Cruising/Carving/Performance) | Limited used market availability |
| Excellent efficiency and ride feel | Fewer online resources and community content |
| Growing innovation in hybrid foiling | No companion app (unlike Fliteboard) |
05Who Should Buy a Takuma?
Takuma is the right choice if you:
- Value ride quality and foil feel above raw speed — Takuma's LOL wings produce the smoothest, most efficient ride
- Want to cross over into other foiling disciplines (wind, surf, downwind) using the same equipment
- Appreciate French craftsmanship and boutique brand quality
- Enjoy carving and dynamic riding — Takuma's wave foiling heritage shows in how the boards handle turns
- Are an intermediate to advanced rider who understands foil dynamics and wants a refined experience
06Takuma Pricing & Where to Buy
Takuma is available through takuma.com, European/US dealers, and the Vaveo marketplace.
| Model | New Price | Used Price (Vaveo) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruising | ~$9,500 | $5,500 – $7,500 | Relaxed riders, scenic cruising |
| Carving | ~$11,500 | $7,000 – $9,000 | Dynamic carvers, wave riders |
| Performance | ~$14,000 | $9,000 – $11,000 | Speed seekers, advanced foilers |