Are eFoil PROP GUARDS Safe?

Prop guards/ shrouds/ ducts *REDUCE (does not prevent) chance of contact with the prop at the expense of:
1.) Introducing a rare chance of *more serious injury
2.) Drag and reduced performance.  

Because of the support spokes of the prop guard/shroud/ duct, a meat grinder, blender, or scissors action is created.  Any appendage that enters the prop area will more than likely be severed and lost.  Without the prop cover there will be injury but the body part and motor will be pushed away in the water from more severe injury.  It's like the difference between being trapped in a cage with a scared animal versus a chance encountering with said animal.

Foreign solid debris that enter a prop duct or guard will likewise be damaged and/or will cause damage to equipment because of the resistance of the spokes and supports of the duct and shroud. Something gets in, something will likely break.

If someone is truly, deeply concerned about prop injury then they should look into a brand that has a jet/ impeller option.

A few models of efoil, the prop guard/shroud/duct may actually be *essential for the performance of the eFoil. Removal of this equipment will adversely affect the operation of the eFoil.

⚠️ Don't try this at home: putting carrots or other objects in your efoil prop.

⚠️ Also you are responsible for any modifications or changes you make to your efoil; prop coverings, or any other equipment.

CONCLUSION: Prop ducts and guards are not as safe as what most people think or say they are.
1.) PROP GUARD
PRO:
Lowest chance of contact with propeller
Can potentially protect the prop from damage to the prop itself... but could increase damage if debris enters the cage and can't be pushed away. Much like injury from the prop, guards have the same results for damage to the prop.
CON:
Introduces rare chance of a more severe injury such as a severed appendage
Less efficient and reduced performance

2.) ENTIRELY EXPOSED PROP
PRO:
Most efficient
Allows for surfing waves depowered with folding and free-spin props
CON:
Higher chance of contact with the propeller

3.) JET/ IMPELLER or other more fully shielded propulsion option
PRO:
Safest with virtually no chance of contact with the shielded prop
CON:
Less efficient

Understanding these three different conditions will help you to make a choice you are most comfortable with for your circumstances and preference.
That choice is a respectable one as long as someone doesn't think or claim that prop guards prevent prop injury.

While prop injury is a legitimate concern, it can sometimes be a scapegoat or distraction from the most inherent hazard of ALL hydrofoil surfboards: the mast and wing.
The mast and wings are hard and have thin edges that can potentially cut and cause injury on impact.
As with all activities, respect for and understanding the equipment and proper use will go a long way to help prevent injury.
Wear and bring your safety gear; such as a lifejacket.


Every time I've seen a report of a missing finger or thumb from an eFoil accident it was with an eFoil that had a guard or shroud.

Here's an example of a prodigy youth surfer that lost his thumb on his dominant hand. There is a picture of the eFoil in the video and you can see it has a duct/ shroud covering.
The kid was technically too young to be operating the efoil despite his surfing background. You can see the controller in his left hand. I'm assuming his "dominant" hand was his right. He falls in the worst position possible, toward the mast, wing, and prop area. His thumb probably went right into the propeller area. He most likely didn't let go of the trigger/ remote as soon as he should have and the eFoil continued forward right into the thumb of his open right hand. That's how it looks and how I imagine it happened, based on the video.

Too young to operate at motorized craft by Hawaiian law and he should have had the remote in his dominant hand for better response and control.... unless his left hand was indeed his dominant hand?

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2021/12...


#efoil #efoiling #esurf