Mastering the Lift X 4.3 – The Small Beast of Efoils

The Lift X 4.3 is an incredibly hydrodynamic efoil – compact, powerful, and beautifully engineered. But make no mistake: for heavier riders, getting up and flying on this small board can be quite a challenge.

At first, we honestly thought we had met our master efoil – the one that would finally defeat us. But once you manage to get up and start flying, the feeling is absolutely incredible. It’s as if the board disappears beneath your feet – pure, effortless glide.

What We Learned Along the Way

1. Don’t overstress the motor or battery
If you keep trying too hard, too much, or for too long, both will heat up quickly — and you risk damaging them. Give the system breaks and keep an eye on temperature.

2. The “Tornado Start” makes all the difference
For our setup (rider 1.80 m / 80 kg), the Tornado Start was essential to get the 4.3 up and flying. Here’s how it works:

• Start by gently pressing the throttle, gradually but fast increasing to full power – we needed Powerlevel 15
• At the same time, twist the board slightly to lift one side and help it glide.
• Once it starts planing, jump on and — if you’re lucky — you’ll take off smoothly.

For us, a straight-line start from the water was nearly impossible, but the Tornado technique changed everything.

Once you find that balance point, the Lift X 4.3 becomes one of the most exhilarating efoils out there — agile, precise, and pure fun on the water.

Video of the first ride with the liftX