Marc Willers is on a mission to revolutionize the world of cycling by turning it into a watersport. With a background in BMX racing, Willers has always had an eye for jumps and an obsession with bicycles. This unique combination led him to create SUBI, a hydrofoil bike that rides above the water on a foil, offering a thrilling and innovative riding experience. Willers' journey began with a simple idea: to build a bike that could ride on water, inspired by the growing popularity of foilboarding. He envisioned a bike that would behave like a BMX bike, providing a dynamic and engaging ride on the water's surface.
SUBI is not your average water bike. Traditional water bikes are often slow and awkward, designed for leisurely cruising. But Willers wanted something more exciting. He mounted a hydrofoil beneath the rider, allowing the bike to lift off the water as speed increases. This design enables riders to steer using handlebars connected to a rudder system, offering a unique and intuitive riding experience. SUBI can be ridden on a wave or pumped on flatwater, providing a versatile and engaging experience for riders.
One of the biggest challenges with hydrofoiling is the learning curve. Willers believes that handlebars help shorten this process, making SUBI feel more intuitive. He compares it to riding a pump track on water, where riders can imagine themselves making their own jumps as they go. This unique riding experience offers a sense of freedom and excitement, with no impact or vibration, allowing riders to carve around and back and forth.
Willers doesn't see SUBI as a replacement for mountain bikes, but rather as a new category of riding entirely. He envisions SUBI being used in various settings, from being strapped to wake boats to being rented at resorts. The Kickstarter campaign describes SUBI as a new category of riding, and with nearly reaching its funding goal, it seems like this innovative concept is gaining traction.
Looking ahead, Willers plans to keep SUBI as pure and raw as possible, with no plans for an electric version yet. He believes there's room for SUBI in the market, offering a unique and exciting experience for riders. If you're looking for the N+1 experience, consider supporting Willers' Kickstarter campaign and getting your SUBI as early as fall 2026. Personally, I think SUBI has the potential to revolutionize the world of cycling and watersports, offering a thrilling and innovative riding experience that will appeal to a wide range of riders.
