You're not alone—and I’ve reverse-engineered the most common failure points. With proven solutions and tested upgrades, I help riders get back on the water faster with smarter, more reliable components. Here's how I do it:
Limited Documentation: GetFoil electronics lack proper documentation, making troubleshooting or sourcing replacement parts difficult. This includes the ESC (Speed Controller), remote and battery BMS, which all have a proprietary protocol—and no effective alternatives are available.
ESC Vulnerability: Submersion often leads to ESC failure. Replacement ESCs are unsupported by the vendor, and stock units fail quickly (within minutes).
Fragile Remote Controls:** Original remotes frequently fail due to battery issues, water damage, losses, and breakage. No replacement remotes currently communicate with the ESC.
Battery BMS Failures: Proprietary Battery Management Systems often produce unrecoverable fault codes or blown fuses. The BMS incorrectly signals "all good" to the remote.
TL;DR:
GetFoil's proprietary components cant be replaced easily—they don't integrate with other brands.
Smart Firmware + Mobile App Support
I install open-source VESC firmware on the board’s electronics. Users can connect via the free VESC Tool app (available on iOS and Android) to:
Monitor speed, power, temperature, and performance in real-time
Run diagnostics and calibrations
Update firmware without needing new hardware
This solution has been personally tested for over a month, riding 3x per day on weekends to ensure durability and reliability.
ESC Relocation + Protection
The stock ESC frequently fails due to water intrusion. I relocate the ESC to the battery compartment, inside a sealed, ventilated, and heatsinked enclosure.
This keeps it dry, cool, and much easier to service or replace.
Reliable Remote Control Replacement
The original remote is not replaceable and is prone to failure. I install a reliable third-party remote from a manufacturer with consistent supply and support.
These remotes are widely available and field-proven.
BMS Replacement & Battery Verification (still in development)
Test battery cell health.
Replace the proprietary BMS with a widely supported alternative.
Confirm charger compatibility with the new battery system.
CASE EXAMPLE: Initial repair with stock esc failed in 10 min. After relocating and installing open‑source firmware, the board had been stable for over a month.
TL;DR:
We replace proprietary parts with future‑proof, open‑source alternatives that are easy to repair or replace—so you can rely on quality and longevity
GetFoil uses proprietary communication protocols that lock out third-party components. Because of this, upgrades must follow a paired or complete system replacement depending on which part has failed:
If the ESC or Remote Fails:
You must replace both the ESC and the Remote together. They work as a matched system, and cannot communicate with third-party parts independently.
The original battery and BMS can still be reused in this case.
If the Battery BMS Fails:
The BMS communicates directly with the remote and ESC. A BMS failure means you’ll need to replace all three components (Remote, ESC, and BMS) to ensure compatibility and safe operation.
TL;DR:
You can’t “cherry pick” upgrades. Some components must be replaced together to ensure the system works reliably.
ESC & Remote Replacement — $1200
Includes:
New ESC with Bluetooth
Monitor battery, performance, motor current, RPM, and create custom ride profiles using the VESC Tool app (iOS + Android).
Custom ESC Enclosure
Waterproof, impact-protected, and mounted to a heatsink for improved cooling. Velcro-mounted for easy removal during storage or servicing.
New Remote with 3 Speed Modes (H/M/L)
Displays battery levels, signal strength, GPS-based speed, odometer, and telemetry data (e.g. amp draw, ESC temp, wattage).
Pre-Paired Remote
Ships paired to your ESC. Easily replaced or added if needed.
Wireless Charging
Remote charges via wireless dock — no cables required.
Optional Upgrade (+$165):
Remote with:
20 Gears (for finer throttle control)
Enhanced waterproofing
Larger screen & upgraded trigger
Floats on water — no lanyard needed
Battery Replacement (BMS Upgrade) — ~$1650
Includes:
Full ESC & Remote Replacement (see above)
New Smart BMS with Bluetooth monitoring via app
Allows real-time monitoring of individual cell voltages for better safety and maintenance.
Potential integration of external power switch (TBD)
⚠️ This package is required if your original BMS has failed
Motor Failure Repairs — TBD
Motor replacement is currently the most complex and costly repair. It involves:
Diagnosing and isolating issues within the motor or ESC
Bypassing or replacing proprietary motor sensors
Custom motor mount design and fabrication (if needed) Pricing will be provided after assessment.
ESC and Remote must be replaced together
GetFoil’s protocol does not allow standalone replacement of either part.
If the BMS fails, the entire system must be replaced (Remote + ESC + BMS).
Cherry-picking components is not supported due to firmware restrictions.
ESC and Remote must be replaced together
GetFoil’s protocol does not allow standalone replacement of either part.
If the BMS fails, the entire system must be replaced (Remote + ESC + BMS).
Cherry-picking components is not supported due to firmware restrictions.
Diagnostics and repair are guided by verified issues and community-tested fixes.
If stock components are irreplaceable, you’ll be offered modular open-source alternatives.
Final pricing may adjust based on time spent and complexity of issues.
Eliminates GetFoil system lockouts
Improves ride performance and telemetry
Makes future repairs simpler and cheaper
Gives riders full visibility and control of board systems
Please fill our the requested information in the Contact Us page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Upon purchase of a repair package, a deposit request will be sent. This initiates parts procurement. We will then coordinate shipment of your mast, motor pod, and battery (if required).
To expedite repairs and minimize costs, please send the mast, motor pod, and, if required, the battery. I will integrate these components with my existing board, wing, and battery to calibrate and verify functionality.
Board repair time is an estimate. Parts need 2 weeks to arrive due to demand. Repair takes 1-1.5 weeks after.
Due to the irreversible nature of this process, returns and refunds are not offered. A warranty covers parts malfunctioning due to our installation errors. For example, an ESC failure caused by incorrect parameters is covered. However, damage resulting from pre-existing conditions, such as a board leak causing ESC or battery failure, is not covered by our warranty.