@JohnJBurnsIII @alex

I think it could be done with a specially designed hydrofoil that is very large and very light. Expensive material. It would have to be a special kind of pumpfoil designed for open water starts

Or an electric assist. Or a paddle you have to carry with you slung over your shoulder or else. If you lose it: you're stuck

And with all these caveats, it would still only be possible for very athletic people