Two products from Flite's range have taken home iF Design Awards, placing the Byron Bay electric hydrofoil company among the world's most recognised innovators in product design. The FLITELab AMPJet and Fliteboard RACE each earned the accolade independently, with both submissions assessed by an international jury against a field of more than 10,000 entries from 68 countries. For a company that has staked its reputation on pushing the boundaries of watersports technology, the double honour represents a meaningful marker of progress.
Flite president Nick Stickler was unambiguous about what the wins mean. "This recognition is incredibly exciting for two products that represent the future of their respective categories and our commitment to design," he said. "To be acknowledged at this level by such a respected international jury speaks directly to the passion, capability and ambition of our entire team."
The iF Design Award carries genuine weight in international design circles. A panel of 129 independent experts, spanning design and sustainability, evaluates every submission through a process designed to be both rigorous and transparent. With entries arriving from 68 countries, it is widely considered one of the most demanding competitions of its kind anywhere in the world.
The AMPJet, produced through Flite's dedicated performance and innovation arm FLITELab, is unlike anything previously seen in foil propulsion. It holds the distinction of being the first jet cartridge that is both removable and fully integrated within the structure of a foil board, capable of generating 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of thrust without introducing any drag from external hardware. Its flexibility across disciplines is a standout feature. A single AMPJet unit works across prone foiling, winging, and downwinding, making it a unified propulsion solution throughout the foil assist category rather than a device built around one style of riding.
Fliteboard RACE charts a different course, targeting competitive performance at speeds that electric hydrofoils have not previously been able to reach. Its custom RACE impeller was developed in collaboration with Mercury Racing, with the engineering goal of delivering higher RPMs, precise control, and top speeds of 34 mph (55 km/h, 30 knots). Stickler framed the collaboration as a genuine step change for the category. "By combining Mercury Racing's propulsion expertise with Flite's innovation in electric hydrofoils, we've created an eFoil that redefines what's possible in speed, control and competitive performance," he said.
Flite was established in Byron Bay, Australia, in 2016, built around the ambition of giving riders the sensation of gliding freely above the water through premium foiling experiences. Its Fliteboard brand holds the position of world leader in electric hydrofoil boards, while FLITELab functions as the company's performance and innovation division. Flite products are now ridden across more than 90 countries, supported by a global network of dealers, Fliteschools, and partners.
