Daniel Rodriguez, a seasoned water sports enthusiast from Venezuela, recently had the opportunity to test the HydroBlade, a cutting-edge hydrofoil watercraft.

With extensive experience in foiling products, Rodriguez began his journey with the Duotone foil during its first kite foil release. He has since expanded his skills to wing foils and kite foils, experimenting with long masts and new configurations. Rodriguez’s passion for surfing has taken him around the globe, riding waves in Bali, the Canary Islands, Lanzarote, the Caribbean, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and more.

When asked about his expectations for the HydroBlade, Rodriguez admitted uncertainty, “it is a new device so everything is new. I think it is like a jetski, but foiling, let’s see.” Despite having seen eFoils, he acknowledged that this prototype was unlike anything he had encountered before.

Rodriguez approached the test with confidence, given his extensive experience with boards and foils. “I expect at least to be able to stand up on the first try. I’m confident it’s going to be easy for me,” he said. He envisioned the HydroBlade more for distance rides rather than performing tricks, focusing initially on exploring the distance he could travel without falling, supported by the impressive battery life offering over four hours of independence.

After a first try

He found the steering advanced and intriguing, and the overall experience positive. “It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. The ride is smooth, you can go really fast, and the foil lifts up and stays stable. Turning was the hardest part, but the height helps with that, and it feels really safe overall,” he commented, “having your hands on the handlebars gives you a great sense of security.”

Drawing from his extensive experience in the maritime industry, Rodriguez sees a significant market potential for the HydroBlade. As an electric product, it offers long-distance travel capabilities akin to a jetski but without the need for gasoline, making it ideal for large boats.

Rodriguez envisions the HydroBlade being used for group tours, personal exploration, and long-distance journeys, such as navigating the canals of Florida or island-hopping. While tricks might require more practice, the HydroBlade’s stability and buoyancy impressed him. “It’s super easy, honestly. The board is really stable and floats really well. The key is to speed up as you stand up. It goes super fast, and I think it’s actually more stable the faster you go. I went as fast as I could and felt totally safe.” he shared, highlighting his positive experience.