Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Keda.
Hi Tom, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I got into kiteboarding about 13 years ago after getting a 1-way ticket to Puerto Rico. I fell in love with the sport and went from learning it to instructing it there. I later moved to Miami, where I managed a kite school with Adventure Sports for 6 years. In that position, you’re up close with the newest water sport gear that gets released, so I was familiar with E-foils pretty early on.
I eventually moved back home to Michigan and tried to do something with kiteboarding, but unfortunately, it’s not the easiest place to instruct the sport, and there isn’t that much wind in the summer. I was trying hard to figure out how to earn an income with something I would enjoy doing.
I knew a few friends back in Miami who started their own E-Foil business, which allows you to get out on the water without the wind. I asked a bunch of questions and pulled the trigger on buying one. My friend and business partner ended up buying one too. We started advertising on Instagram to see if people would be interested in it, and to our luck, there was.
I finally found a cool new way to be out on the water without wind, and I wanted to share this experience with others.
Detroit has been experiencing significant development, and I wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to bring something back that was unique—another way to experience the city and share my passion for water sports.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We’re still in our infancy, having just finished our second season, and so far, it’s been pretty smooth. We are using electronics in water, so there will always be something that can break down over time. As we experience these problems, we get better and faster at solving them.
We’ve been impressed with Detroit E-Foil , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
E-Foiling is basically an electric surfboard with a hydrofoil on the bottom. The hydrofoil allows you to ride several feet above the water, giving you a feeling of flight. Since the board is electric, you’re able to ride without wind or waves, which you need with traditional foil boards. Detroit E-Foil allows you to experience this by providing efoil lessons, rentals, and efoil sales.
We are passionate about what we do, and our team is very experienced with thousands of hours teaching hydrofoiling and kitesurfing. When you take a lesson with us, you’re part of the tribe.
I am most proud to share my passion with the people of Detroit. It’s awesome to be out on the water and seeing a student get up on the foil for the first time. They usually just have a huge smile on their face.
We provide private and group lessons in Wayne and Oakland County. We also host parties and special events for those who want a cool new way to entertain their guest or clients.
What are your plans for the future?
We plan on getting more boards to accommodate more lessons and expanding to different areas in Michigan.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://detroitefoil.com/
- Instagram: detroit_efoil
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/detroitefoil
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DetroitE-Foil
