🍊 How the Team System Works

From First Ride to Confident Rider

At Big Orange, learning to ride is not just about a single lesson. It is a journey of progression, confidence, and community.

To help riders grow step by step, Big Orange uses a team-based progression system. Each stage reflects a rider’s experience, skills, and comfort on the water.

The system is simple and supportive:

Trainee → Team Orange → Team Pomelo → Team Durian

Riders move forward naturally as their skills improve and their confidence grows.

🟡 Trainee

First Steps on the Water

Trainees are riders who are new to electric hydrofoiling. At this stage, the focus is on:

• learning balance and body posture

• understanding board control and remote operation

• practicing safe starts and controlled riding

Training sessions take place on calm water, with guidance from experienced riders or instructors. The goal is to build a solid foundation and help new riders feel comfortable on the board.

Falling is part of the process.

At Big Orange we say:

Fall → Rise → Foil

🍊 Team Orange

Confident Beginner Riders

After gaining basic riding control, trainees become part of Team Orange.

Riders at this stage can:

• start and ride independently

• maintain stable balance

• glide above the water for short periods

Team Orange riders begin participating in more club sessions and group rides. This stage is about building consistency and confidence.

🟢 Team Pomelo

Intermediate Explorers

Team Pomelo riders are comfortable on the board and ready to explore further.

At this stage, riders typically:

• maintain stable hydrofoil flight

• control speed and turning smoothly

• ride longer distances with confidence

Team Pomelo riders often join Discovery Wednesday sessions and exploration rides to new lakes and waterways.

This is where the sport becomes not just a skill — but an adventure.

🟠 Team Durian

Advanced Riders and Mentors

Team Durian represents the most experienced riders in the club.

Durian riders are comfortable handling a wide range of conditions and often help support the community by:

• mentoring newer riders

• assisting with safety awareness

• contributing to exploration and discovery rides

They help maintain the culture of encouragement and safety that defines Big Orange.

Progression at Your Own Pace

Not every rider progresses at the same speed, and that’s perfectly fine.

The purpose of the team system is not competition, but confidence and belonging. Riders move forward when they feel ready.

Whether someone rides once a month or every week, the goal remains the same:

enjoy the water, improve steadily, and share the experience with others.

🍊 The Role of the Big Orange Council

As riders grow within the team system, some members also become more involved in helping shape the future of the club.

The 🍊 Big Orange Council is a member-led roundtable that helps guide important club discussions, ideas, and long-term projects. Council participants may include founding members, member representatives, and club staff working together to support the Big Orange community.

The council reflects one of the core values of the club:

Equal at the Table. Free on the Water.

It ensures that the voices of riders — from beginners to experienced explorers — continue to shape the culture and direction of Big Orange.

At Big Orange, every rider begins the same way.

Fall. Rise. Foil. 🍊