A method of controlling a hydrofoil board powered by a motor driven propeller, in conjunction with a hand controller (6, 210) with an interface comprising at least a throttle such as a trigger for regulating motor power and at least one switch button for accepting user selectable operating pre-sets comprising: a first operating pre-set, wherein the motor power is limited to a first maximum value corresponding to a first speed which is less than that required for the board to hydrofoil and to rise from the water surface; and a second operating pre-set, wherein the motor power is limited to a second maximum value corresponding to a second speed which is sufficient for the board to hydrofoil and rise from the water surface, wherein the user selects their weight and the type of board used via the hand controller (6, 210), such that the first and second speeds are determined via a processing system of the hand controller (6, 210); and wherein the hand controller (6, 210) is used in conjunction with the board to achieve the method in the following manner: a) with the board stationary and the user balanced thereon, the throttle is fully engaged in the first operating pre-set, wherein the board is accelerated up to the first speed; b) once the user is comfortable with the board moving at the first speed, the user orientates themselves on the board in their preferred riding stance for hydrofoiling, while maintaining engagement of the throttle; c) with the user orientated in their preferred hydrofoiling position, the user selects the second operating pre-set using the switch button, thereby causing the board to accelerate up to the second speed; and d) with the board in the second speed, the user may shift their weight backwardly in relation to the board thereby causing the board to begin hydrofoiling and lift above the surface of the water. a first operating pre-set, wherein the motor power is limited to a first maximum value corresponding to a first speed which is less than that required for the board to hydrofoil and to rise from the water surface; and a second operating pre-set, wherein the motor power is limited to a second maximum value corresponding to a second speed which is sufficient for the board to hydrofoil and rise from the water surface, wherein the user selects their weight and the type of board used via the hand controller (6, 210), such that the first and second speeds are determined via a processing system of the hand controller (6, 210); and wherein the hand controller (6, 210) is used in conjunction with the board to achieve the method in the following manner: a) with the board stationary and the user balanced thereon, the throttle is fully engaged in the first operating pre-set, wherein the board is accelerated up to the first speed; b) once the user is comfortable with the board moving at the first speed, the user orientates themselves on the board in their preferred riding stance for hydrofoiling, while maintaining engagement of the throttle; c) with the user orientated in their preferred hydrofoiling position, the user selects the second operating pre-set using the switch button, thereby causing the board to accelerate up to the second speed; and d) with the board in the second speed, the user may shift their weight backwardly in relation to the board thereby causing the board to begin hydrofoiling and lift above the surface of the water. a) with the board stationary and the user balanced thereon, the throttle is fully engaged in the first operating pre-set, wherein the board is accelerated up to the first speed; b) once the user is comfortable with the board moving at the first speed, the user orientates themselves on the board in their preferred riding stance for hydrofoiling, while maintaining engagement of the throttle; c) with the user orientated in their preferred hydrofoiling position, the user selects the second operating pre-set using the switch button, thereby causing the board to accelerate up to the second speed; and d) with the board in the second speed, the user may shift their weight backwardly in relation to the board thereby causing the board to begin hydrofoiling and lift above the surface of the water.