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Sydney’s Northern Beaches played host to a weekend of foil racing and community activity on 14–15 February 2026, as the Vaikobi × Foil Drive Northern Beaches Downwind Foil Race took place once again under the banner of the NSW Foil Club at Fishermans Beach, Collaroy.
13km Downwind Challenge
With conditions offering limited wind but a small southerly swell, organisers ran a roughly 13km downwind course from Long Reef to Avalon Beach. Despite the lighter breeze, the swell provided enough energy to keep the fleet flying — rewarding riders who could read bumps and maintain glide through flatter sections.
The event featured traditional SUP foil divisions alongside foil-assist categories, reflecting the evolving landscape of downwind foiling and the increasing crossover between pure paddle power and electric assist formats.
Results Highlights
In the Men’s SUP Foil Downwind division:
1st: Kai Thompson
2nd: Jarrod Snow
3rd: James Casey
Men’s SUP Foil Downwind 35+:
1st: Alex Tibbits
2nd: Trent Gordan
3rd: Perth Standlick
Foil Assist divisions saw:
Men’s 1st: Jeremy Wilmotte
Women’s 1st: Rebecca Grant
Special awards added a strong community touch to the weekend, including the Mick Leslie True Grit Award, Most Improved Rider and Junior Legend recognitions.
More Than Just a Race
Beyond the competitive element, the weekend showcased the broader direction of foiling in Australia. Sponsors including Vaikobi, Foil Drive, Code Foils, KT Foils, North Foils and Kaohi Leashes supported the event, with demo opportunities and brand engagement helping bridge the gap between elite riders and newcomers curious about downwind and assist foiling.
A social gathering at Modus Brewery in Mona Vale capped off the weekend, with film screenings and community catch-ups reinforcing the event’s grassroots atmosphere.
Enjoy the video from Josh Ku and Foil Drive.