33
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.
To Next Page
Loading...