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In a market flooded with hydrofoils promising ever-increasing precision, performance, and playfulness, it’s rare that a product really redefines expectations. Yet that’s exactly what SABfoil appear to have done with the Sea Devil, their 2-in-1 system that seamlessly bridges the gap between beginner freeride and advanced wave riding. After weeks of testing across varied conditions – from long open-ocean runs to punchy coastal swell – I can confidently say the Sea Devil isn’t just another piece of foil equipment… it’s a whole new way of foiling.
Unboxing the Sea Devil, you’re immediately struck by the unconventional design. The foil’s aesthetic mimics the shape of a stealth aircraft, with its distinctive low aspect ratio, an outline that diverges from the traditional whispering innovation and progression. But more importantly, there’s no fuselage! Yes, instead of a traditional fuselage, what you find here is a fully integrated, monocoque construction meticulously contoured that is nothing less than revolutionary for the foil world.
In fact, with its unique design, Sea Devil offers two distinct, yet seamless, experiences in one setup. “tail mode” and “raw mode”, as SAB refers to them. With the tail inserted, it delivers exceptional pitch stability and smooth, forgiving handling, ideal for beginners and intermediate riders looking for a platform to progress with confidence.
In “raw mode” the Sea Devil transforms into a radically responsive carving machine, simply the most maneuverable foil I've ever tried to date. It literally spins on a dime, unleashing a playful and dynamic character, just by removing the tail, something that takes no more than 15 seconds. When it comes to carving, the Sea Devil in tail-less mode responds beautifully to rail-to-rail input, it rolls smoothly, giving highly satisfying feedback, even to novice riders.
The “raw mode” is, in fact, a novel sensation of riding: with its unmatched responsiveness, it lets you carve and pivot in a totally new way, maintaining speed and control even in the tightest turns. In the “raw mode”, I found myself landing carves and tight turns multiple times that I would not have normally landed, making it clear that this is by no means a foil just for specialists – on the contrary, it’s an innovation that brings advanced capabilities even to average riders. A double foil system that guides your progression from relaxed freeriding to radical wave riding, all while maximizing fun and accessibility.
I thoroughly tested the two sizes: 1040 and 840. The 1040 is designed for conditions between 8 and 20 knots, getting going with minimal rider input, while maintaining full control and fluidity. With just a few pumps, you’re airborne and immediately aware of the foil’s efficiency. It lifts off earlier than the Leviathan 1350, offering a faster, more stable ride with less drag and remaining incredibly easy to control. Removing the tail, it becomes so fun, agile, and playful that it makes you forget that you are riding and carving so smoothly in such marginal conditions.
The SD-840 is faster and more responsive than the 1040, pushing the progression even further, while remaining extremely accessible and fun to anyone. In its tail-less configuration, it unlocks unmatched maneuverability, turning every session into a playground of possibilities.
In conclusion, with the Sea Devil series, SABfoil has delivered not just a foil, but a vision for the sport – one that prioritizes playfulness and progression. Whether you're learning your way into wingfoiling with the ultra-stable 1040 or exploring the capabilities of the ultra-responsive, super playful 840, these foils redefine what’s possible in both freeride and wave foiling. Their versatility brings a level of freedom and flow that feels almost rebellious – the Sea Devil is the go-to foil for riders who want to blur the line between control, progression, and creativity. It blew my mind.
