Gerry Lopez | Driven by Foil Drive

Surfing legend Gerry Lopez has spent a lifetime mastering the ocean, but his pursuit of the perfect ride hasn’t stayed rigid. Down on the East Cape of Baja, California, Lopez reflects on his journey into foiling, the evolution of wave-riding, and why the pursuit of "that gliding feeling" never truly ends.

Finding the Glide

For Lopez, any board sport comes down to an undeniable feeling: an internal spark triggered by gliding across water. Foiling takes that sensation to a whole new level. Much like carving fresh powder on a snowboard, foiling removes the harsh chatter of choppy water. Inspired by foiling pioneer Laird Hamilton, Lopez notes that the ultimate foiling wave isn't a crashing barrel, but an unbroken open-ocean swell that glides endlessly without ever breaking.

Overcoming the Struggle with Foil Drive

Learning to foil wasn't immediate smooth sailing. Lopez started prone foiling nearly a decade ago, enduring his fair share of flailing while friends watched from the beach, swearing they’d never try it.

The game changed with technology like the Foil Drive.

• Accessibility: Unlike most specialized surf gear, Foil Drive scales seamlessly from complete beginners to seasoned pros.

• Maximized Wave Count: It gives riders the push needed to catch dozens of swells in a single session, making the learning curve far less brutal.

If you want to start your Foil Drive journey, head to our Foil Drive Collection, or contact a REAL Pro at  252-987-6000 or email REALpro@realwatersports.com