Flite Foiling S/S 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Foiling S/S 2026
Brand: Flite
Interviewee: Chris Reynolds - FLITELab* Product Architect

For anyone who missed the launch this summer, what is FLITELab* and who is it for?
FLITELab is a new division of Flite, dedicated to the surf, wing, parawing and downwind disciplines of foiling in both assist and non-assist. It’s a brand that’s focused on pushing the boundaries in tech and design, and working closely with the best riders in the world like Adam Bennetts, to deliver gear that will push your foiling limits – so you can ride the impossible.

Why is the tagline #RideTheImpossible?
We are creating products that allow foilers to ride their impossible. If the conditions are too big or fat to paddle into, then AMP will help you in those conditions. The LAUNCHPad embedded in the nose of the board offers Paddle Assist (for paddling out), or Boost (for catching waves) that delivers 25kg of thrust via the AMPJet. It completely changes what conditions you’re now able to ride in on your own. Our foils and boards are built for pushing your limits so you can ride what previously seemed impossible.

What FLITELab* products allow you to Ride the Impossible?
Definitely the AMP Range which is our assisted product range. Having the thrust within the AMP_Board allows you to catch waves that don’t break, wing in lighter winds and downwind in conditions that were previously not possible on a small board. And our foils – they have really great stability without affecting the roll rate and also have a huge range, allowing you to push harder in a wider range of conditions.

What design choices and materials did you prioritize for this range, and why?
Everything for our launch range was focused on performance. We use the stiffest and lightest materials where we can while maintaining durability. Ultra high modulus and high modulus pre-preg carbon offer mind-bending stiffness and strength, which translates into incredible performance. A lot of development work has gone into every FLITELab* product which ended up delaying our launch, but we’d rather be late than come out with anything we’re not 100% stoked with. We have never held back on using the best available materials in every aspect, across our entire product range.

Why build the jet into the board rather than on the mast?
There are definitely pros and cons to this approach, which is why we have been developing both options. For AMPJet it was the closest we could get to making the board feel like a non-assist board. There is no additional drag and for taking off on waves, it’s pretty much hands-free and direct thrust from the board so you don’t have to manage that nose pitch up that you get from the thrust on a mast, and also you don’t have to deal with a remote. AMPJet is also such a great option for downwind and winging as you really only need a boost to get going then once up, you have no remote to deal with and no additional drag on the mast. In addition, it’s so epic to swap out the jet for a blank or vice versa in a matter of seconds. Wind drops out, drop the jet in. Tide fills in and the waves get too fat to paddle, swap the blank out for the jet. These boards are epic with or without the jet.

Any noteworthy efforts towards safety?
Yes, safety is right up there with performance for us. AMPJet is incredibly safe as it is completely concealed within the board. It also knows when you have fallen or got up on foil, and turns itself off. The LAUNCHPad in the nose of the board knows exactly what the board is doing. This will also be integrated with the AMPMast and will detect a fall, and stop the prop from spinning, in a split second, for added safety. We also put a huge amount of tech and safety features into our batteries, with drop and leak detection along with Phase Change Material to further reduce the risk of thermal runaway.

From your early shipments and demos, which board/sizes are riders gravitating toward, and what feedback are you hearing?
It’s still early days but the entire board range is selling well. We have slightly higher numbers on the 4’6” and 5’0” but not by much. The feedback has been really awesome. You definitely get more efficient at catching fatter waves the more you use it. I have always said to people after a week of using it you’ll really dial in your riding and catch almost anything. And the people who have used it for longer than a week completely agree.

What areas are you exploring next?
AMPMast is deep in development. We have lots of options in development with this one and once again we are aiming high in both performance and safety with a nice couple of surprises on the innovation front. On the innovation front, we’re pushing ahead on multiple fronts. Beyond AMPMast, we have several new board designs underway for both AMP and RAW, an expanded foil range in development, ongoing software enhancements for the Flite App and AMP, and an exciting roadmap that lays out what’s ahead over the next 3–5 years.

How will you support retailers to sell your 2026 products?
We have an amazing B2B CX team with dedicated in-region partner success managers who are your day-to-day contacts, guiding retailers through literally any product, sales or process related queries. We’ve also developed an incredible POS multi-rack display system which is really space-efficient and a premium way of displaying the product range. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of POS, looks fantastic in-store, and every retailer gets one free of charge to support sales growth. In addition, we have a Partner Portal which houses everything from service manuals to marketing content for all retailers to use. And we also offer extensive Service Training, so retailers can become Service Partners and expand their revenue streams that way. It’s a really robust support system that we offer.

Key Products:

AMP Range:
AMP is the hybrid system that pairs unpowered performance with on-demand assist. It allows 1 setup for 3 disciplines thanks to a removable, board-based AMPJet that delivers up to 25kg of max thrust to get up, then rides like an unassisted foil once you’re flying. Stiff carbon layups keep response high. Choose S (prone/surf) or M (mid-length) for surf, downwind or wing. Assist when you need it; purity when you don’t.

4-2 AMP Rail detail & face down

RAW Range:
RAW is our pure-performance foil board range: a lean, refined shape that paddles efficiently yet feels lively on-rail. It’s tuned for incredible touchdown recovery and responsiveness in surf, with an exquisitely crafted concave deck that peaks at the rails to maximise control and stance. Ultralight, balanced, and built for progression when you want uncompromised, unassisted riding – just you, the foil and wave.

4-6 RAW nose down

FLUX Foil:
FLUX is our mid-aspect foil line that blends mind bending stiffness, with effortless pump & glide for a mid-aspect and crisp, rail-to-rail carve. Choose signature Adam Bennetts sets to match your days: 707 for wide range and surprising low-end; 808 for multiple-wave connections and versatile winging; 1010 for small surf or heavier riders needing extra lift. Pair with any stabilizer to tune agility and stability as required.

82 Mast 808 angle