🍊 The Mid-South 100 Waters Project
- Howard Xing
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Mapping the Waters for eFoil Exploration
The American Mid-South contains one of the richest freshwater landscapes in the United States.
Across North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia, thousands of lakes and waterways shape the outdoor life of the region.
The Mid-South 100 Waters Project is Big Orange’s long-term effort to explore, document, and evaluate these waters specifically for recreational eFoil riding.
Within only a few hours’ drive of North Carolina’s Triangle region lie hundreds of lakes.
But not every lake is suitable for eFoiling.
Some waters are ideal — calm, scenic, and safe for long gliding rides.
Others may have heavy boat traffic, unpredictable winds, or shoreline conditions that make them less suitable.
The purpose of this project is simple:
to understand which waters are best for eFoil exploration.
A Map Built for Riders
The Mid-South 100 Waters Project is not a traditional geographic map.
It is a rider’s map.
Each lake is explored with the goal of understanding how it behaves for eFoil riding.
Exploration focuses on identifying:
• calm water zones suitable for hydrofoil riding
• wind patterns that affect stability
• shoreline geography that protects water from chop
• safe launch points for boards and batteries
• boating traffic levels and safety considerations
This knowledge helps riders understand where eFoiling can be enjoyed safely and responsibly.
Over time, the project becomes a practical guide to the region’s best eFoil exploration waters.
Understanding the Water
eFoil riding depends heavily on water conditions.
Unlike many traditional watercraft, hydrofoil boards require stable water surfaces to achieve smooth lift and efficient glide.
Route Surveyors participating in exploration rides observe details such as:
• wind exposure across open water
• wave patterns created by boat traffic
• shallow areas and underwater hazards
• quiet coves where water remains calm
These observations help determine whether a lake is:
• ideal for beginner riders
• suitable for long exploration rides
• better for experienced riders only
Some lakes may even be identified as not suitable for regular eFoil riding, which is equally valuable knowledge.
A Region Connected by Water
The Mid-South contains several remarkable freshwater landscapes.
Some of the most promising exploration corridors include:
Appalachian Foothills CorridorMountain lakes in Virginia and western North Carolina with protected waters and dramatic scenery.
Carolina Lake NetworkLarge reservoirs across North and South Carolina with established boating communities and extensive shoreline.
Tennessee Valley RouteWide lakes and river systems stretching across Tennessee and northern Georgia that offer long exploration distances.
Each region presents different opportunities and challenges for hydrofoil riding.
Universities and Exploration
The Mid-South 100 Waters Project also creates opportunities for collaboration with universities and student programs.
Many schools in the region support:
• outdoor recreation programs
• environmental observation projects
• engineering research
• cooperative education internships
Through collaboration with universities, students can help document lake conditions while learning about water environments, outdoor exploration, and hydrofoil technology.
These partnerships allow the exploration project to combine:
riding, research, and education.
Exploration That Grows Over Time
The Mid-South 100 Waters Project will develop slowly over many seasons.
New lakes will be explored gradually.
Some waters may only be surveyed once every few years.
But over time the project will create something unique:
A regional knowledge base of lakes evaluated specifically for eFoil recreation and exploration.
A map created not by satellites or charts —but by riders moving quietly above the water.
The Beginning of a Regional Exploration Culture
What began as a small eFoiling club in North Carolina’s Triangle Area is gradually growing into something larger.
A network of riders exploring lakes.
A collaboration with communities and universities.
A shared effort to better understand the waters of the Mid-South for safe and enjoyable eFoil riding.
Because every great exploration begins with a simple question:
Is this water ready to be ridden?
And the only way to find out…
is to explore it.
Explore the Big Orange Exploration Network
The Big Orange Exploration Network connects riders, communities, campuses, innovators, and waterfront partners across the lakes of the American Mid-South.
Learn more:
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