Aidan Switzer grew up doing all kinds of sports – basketball, football, lacrosse, as well as watersports like wakeboarding, water skiing, standup paddleboarding, and more. Today, he’s the owner and operator of Devil Ray Watersports, the Lake George region’s first and only eFoil school.
Find out why this is the sport Switzer stuck with when he decided to start his own business, and how you can get in on on this awesome activity.
eFoiling – It’s Thrilling, It’s Relaxing, It’s More Than Fun
The eFoil is an electronic-powered, hydrofoil surfboard with an underwater wing that lifts the board and rider out of the water for an exhilarating soaring experience. This activity is perfect for those who love the water, seek adventure, or simply want to try something new.
“Watersports have always been a very therapeutic, super-fun, adrenaline-filled sport, but this is silent. There’s no wake. You have to be engaged with your body,” Switzer told us. “It’s not just fun – there’s something extra to it that makes it that much better of an experience.”
How It Works & Why You’ll Feel Safe
Switzer provides one-on-one lessons with individuals – he only takes one person out at a time to preserve that personable and luxurious experience for the student. He plans to expand Devil Ray Watersports in the future to incorporate three to four people, but will definitely keep groups small; this also helps to ensure everyone stays safe.
“I want to get out on the water, I’m all excited when they show up, but I pull myself back,” Switzer told us when we were chatting about safety and how he starts the lesson on the shore. “I try to be as thorough as possible and take that time on land. It’s necessary to keep everyone safe.”
By prioritizing this safety and instructional briefing on the shore first Switzer puts the student at ease, allowing them to feel confident when out on the water, and comfortable enough to ask any questions that might come up.
Where & When You Can Try This Incredible Activity
Switzer plans to run his season from Memorial Day through Columbus Day each year, but with wet suits and the weather, it’s possible to extend that longer if there’s interest.
So far, he’s primarily operated on Lake George but strives to expand the business throughout the Adirondack Park. Mirror Lake in Lake Placid is one of the places Switzer is looking to bring the eFoiling sport, but he’s also willing to accommodate customers as far out as Old Forge and the Chain Lakes.
If you’re not sure where you’d like to take the lesson, or perhaps you’re coming in from out of the area and don’t know the region as well, Switzer was born here and knows all the hotspots. He can help recommend a location on Lake George, Glen Lake, or other local lakes.
Basically, Switzer is itching to get the word out locally about this revolutionary sport, and will meet you on your terms whenever possible. So if there’s a particular water body you’d love to try this on, reach out!
Expect Less Talking, More Riding at a Return Lesson
You tried eFoiling and you love it – now what? Switzer offers a “return flight” for repeat customers wherein the pre-lesson on land isn’t as long, so you get more time out on the water, and it’s all at a discounted price.
If you’re ready to invest in your own eFoil Switzer is a sales rep for Lift Foils. He’s excellent at advising people on what size board to get and can help you put an order in. So when you get involved with Switzer and eFoiling, you’ll have a solid resource to guide you into wherever the activity may take you.
Owner Aidan Switzer & How He Gives Back to the Community
“I don’t have a strict business background,” Switzer – who launched this amazing eFoil business during the COVID-19 pandemic – told us. Switzer was in the Marine Corps and this, in addition to his background with various watersports, is what sparked his interest in starting Devil Ray Watersports.
“I didn’t want to just start a business to have my own business,” he said. “I wanted to give something back and make sure there was some sort of positive impact on the community. So I attached myself to the Travis Manion Foundation.” A portion of proceeds from each eFoil lesson goes towards the foundation, as well as all merchandise.
The Travis Manion Foundation is an organization that serves veterans, fallen heroes, and their families, but they go above and beyond just supporting these people. This nonprofit empowers veterans and their families to take what they’ve learned and put it back into the community. They do this through character development seminars, fundraising, and by supporting other charities.
This article is sponsored by Devil Ray Watersports.
