Foil Question

[Aloha]

Other point to note: foiling (on a low aspect foil at least) despite greatly increasing the low-end of a kite I don't find to really lower the top-end of the kite. For example going out in overpowered conditions on a 9m on low-aspect foil has the same level of manageability for me as going out in those same overpowered conditions on a surfboard or twin-tip.

High aspect foiling is probably a different story because you're traveling much faster once the foil is engaged than your average board, so I could see it creating unwieldy apparent wind on that same 9m

Kite quiver of 1 is pretty easy if you have a low-aspect foil especially if you're of weight & strength to hold down a 9m in most conditions

[drroc]

Since we touched the beat up knee topic. Last week, I rode a 5'2'' FireWire Vanguard quad at Waddell in very choppy conditions. I haven't ridden for a month or so, and was super surprised that my legs didn't get demolished. It feels like the board just slides through the chop without being affected by it. It felt a bit like riding a twin tip with a lot of rocker.

[Captain John]

It can be helpful to learn to foil behind a boat if you have some boat towing experience-wakeboarding, water-skiing, etc...but if you don't, it is more difficult as there are a number unfamiliar actions/reactions that can occur due to new experiences of the foil and hanging on to the tow rope. Ultimately, it's easier kiting with a foil b/c you can hang from the kite via harness while gaining more balance and lower body usage with the foil. It's also better to wipeout while relying on the kite to "float you away from the crash scene".

If you have a boat and are anxious to try some towing, go for it! The smooth water aspect can be pretty sweet and a good teaching environment. You will for sure learn some basic board handling skills while in the water. Just makes sure your boat driver knows how to treat a beginner foil-rider... Keep an eye for that right speed and allow the rider to get into the initial positioning, working the reverse/neutral drive.

https://vimeo.com/54194690[/video]