Prone Foiling, sometimes referred to as Surf Foiling, involves paddling into waves like a traditional surfer on a smaller, more compact foil board, then taking-off and riding the wave "flying" on a hydrofoil, with less resistance compared to traditional surfboards. The ride on a hydrofoil requires less wave energy, so smaller and less perfect waves become the perfect playground for Prone Foilers and poor surfing days can become epic sessions when Prone Foiling.

Prone Foiling boards like the DUOTONE Crush SLS resemble traditional surfboards but are specifically designed for Prone Foiling. Additionally to paddling into waves, there are technical aids such as electric Foil Assist or Tow-In, which provide extra drive to help you get onto the foil, making the entry to Prone Foiling easier.

A great way to learn Prone Foiling is by attending specialized foil schools that offer courses for Prone Foiling, although there aren’t many available yet. Alternatively, you can connect with local Prone Foiling communities and seek advice from more experienced Prone Foilers. Ultimately, practice is key. Having skills in shortboard surfing and a basic understanding of surf etiquette is crucial for safety and fostering mutual respect with other surfers in the water. It's very helpful to collect some foiling experience behind the boat, Jetski or at a cable park before entering the waves, so you know what to expect when the foil lifts you out of the water.

Without prior surfing or foiling experience, learning Prone Foiling can take a considerable amount of time. To master your first controlled Prone Foiling takeoffs and rides down the wave, it’s essential to already have these foundational skills on traditional surfboards. Additionally, if you want to learn how to pump from wave to wave and connect them, all foil variations can help accelerate the learning process: Wing Foiling, particularly in waves, Downwind Foiling, Pump Foiling, Wake Foiling, and electric Foil Assist.

With today’s specialized Prone Foiling gear, the learning curve is definitely steeper than before; however, it's important to note that this sport can't be mastered in just three sessions like the basics of Wing Foiling or Kite Surfing.

The best spots for Prone Foiling are often remote and far away from the common surf beaches. Foils can be very intimidating for surfers laying in the water, so please always stay far away from classic surfers and line-ups. This foiling discipline allows you to take advantage of less ideal conditions for great sessions and offers you a perfect way to escape the crowds. Ideal spots for beginners are offshore sandbanks where the waves break gently. These breaks offer a flat and easy start, giving you time to foil towards the shore and gain control of your foil. It becomes much more difficult if you have to ride directly “down the line” or immediately pump over the white water to get to the next wave.

It's very important to choose spots without hidden obstacles under the waters surface, like rocks, shallow reef or shallow sandbars. Make sure your spot is at least chest deep, so you avoid contact with the bottom and have the ability to duck dive through waves without touching.

To effectively learn Prone Foiling, it’s important to have a solid surfing level on a traditional surfboard as well as a basic understanding of surf etiquette and rules. Experience in other foiling disciplines is also highly beneficial. The higher your skills in Wing Foiling—especially in waves and flagging the wing—as well as in Pump Foiling, Downwind Foiling, Wake Foiling, or electric Foil Assist, the more you will accelerate your learning process in Prone Foiling.

Additionally, you should allocate sufficient time to practice regularly in the water. Paddling in the surf can be physically challenging, particularly if you haven’t mastered the take-off yet. Being in good physical shape to spend extended hours in the water will help you learn faster.

It is also crucial to have the right Prone Foiling equipment that suits your body weight, skill level, and the conditions. Finally, learning alongside others can enhance your experience. Having friends or being part of a supportive community that regularly practices Prone Foiling together is also very motivating.

Prone Foiling can become dangerous if practiced at the wrong spots or without caution. You always have to be aware of the foil underneath you and take extra precaution for other people in the water. Always avoid crowded surf spots, shallow reef breaks, and shallow or hollow beach breaks. Make sure there’s enough space for both you and others to operate safely.

When learning prone foiling, it's best to wear protective gear, like an impact vest and a helmet, as well as a wetsuit. The foil with its sharp tips and trailing edges can become dangerous when getting washed, especially for learners without much experience of how to fall. Always make sure you're wearing a board leash, so your board stays with you at any time. A drifting foilboard can become very dangerous for others in the water and the shoreline.

Always stay between the board and a breaking wave, so the board is getting washed away and not towards you!

During your first attempts, stay centered on the board, just make slow movements and if you fall, just let it happen without kicking the board.

As a general rule: never paddle out to outer reefs or sandbanks alone; always make sure there’s someone nearby who can assist you in case of an emergency.