Efoils and powered surfboards will be under the spotlight at the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) Standards Week 2026.
The focus follows a request from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to evaluate the need for standards addressing these rapidly expanding segments of the recreational boating market.
Topics to be considered will include emergency cut-off mechanisms, capacity, battery and electrical system safety and on-product warnings and labelling.
“This meeting is a critical first step in evaluating how ABYC standards can support safe innovation in emerging watercraft technologies,” explained Brian Goodwin, ABYC director of standards and compliance.
This meeting is a critical first step in evaluating how ABYC standards can support safe innovation in emerging watercraft technologies.
Brian Goodwin
“Federal regulations lag behind market evolution, and ABYC standards provide the marine industry with practical, consensus-based guidance that enhances safety and supports responsible growth.”
The Standards Week will also include project technical committee meetings covering topics such as electrical, hull performance, fuel and ventilation, and thermal appliance.
The week will take place from January 11–15 2026 in Charleston, South Carolina, and bring together marine industry leaders, technical experts, and safety advocates to address emerging technologies and shape the future of boating through collaborative standards development.
Potential standards development
Efoils and powered surfboards will be discussed at a new exploratory subcommittee meeting scheduled for January 12.
The meeting is open to all, and the outcome will help determine next steps in potential standards development.
ABYC Standards Week is a key platform for the marine industry to discuss and progreas safety and innovation.
Manufacturers, technicians, surveyors, regulators, and other experts will collaborate to ensure the standards are practical, widely adopted, and directly tied to safer boating.
