Flite 2 Series - Foiling for the first time

43
Foiling for the first time
Like learning to ride a bike for the first time, learning to foil
is challenging as it requires your brain to learn a new way to
balance. There is also potential for you to fall on the Wings if
not careful. Wear appropriate safety equipment including a
Helmet and PFD, take your time and follow these steps.
Once comfortable standing at medium speeds, practice
going faster with as much weight as possible over your front
foot. Unlike surfing, you control the board more with your
front foot. Weight on your front foot with your body leaning
forward is safe - as it keeps the foil in the water. Whenever you
become uncomfortable, lean forward toward the nose of the
board. This will ensure the board is on the water and stable.
1 Practice standing in the riders stance and gradually increase
your speed. The initial goal is to be able to ride at safe foiling
speed (so you are in control and still within local laws) with the
board still on the water. You do this by keeping your weight
forward.
2 While planing at the correct speed with your feet in the
correct position and the board LEVEL on the water; very
gradually start to transfer weight backwards. You will feel
slightly less pressure on your front foot and more pressure
on the back foot. Do this carefully, with your weight over the
centre line of the board and your core engaged.
3 As soon as you feel the board leave the water (you will hear
the noise change) lean forward again and touch down. The
goal is to foil as LOW as possible for very short sections.
Foiling for 5 meters at a time and then touching down again is
all you need to do.
Practice this and your brain will work out the rest. Before long
you will be foiling for longer periods and then continuously.
Don’t go too high
More pressure on front foot
PRO TIP The safest and easiest way to learn to foil is to foil low and
practice repeated touch and go’s. As you foil higher you expose yourself
to the risk of a crash where you could hit the wings. You may lose your
confidence and learning will take longer.