but the advantage is: this baby is designed to be ridden without a foil as well. Oh, but don't take my word for it
Stoked to get the new toys in ... Low aspect ratio foil for easy learning. Interchangeable parts for faster foils down the track. Full carbon = lots of stiffies. Work of art.It's up for grabs!
Im interested to see how many more foil boards we'll see at this years L2L..coming from a sailing background racing is something that i'd like to get back into, somewhat glad I didnt end up buying a raceboard as i do see foils being a big thing (especially as they get easier and easier to use)..Any WA mobs thinking of demoing some? I do remember seeing somewhere a one day clinic?
Sir V - it was your enthusiasm and beautiful surf shots that got my interest in a foil to begin with - my aim would be to end up in the surf (or out the back of it) too. Do you find you can stay in the same spot easily enough as opposed to doing a downwinder?
Kitethrills - I dropped by a few weeks ago but only Claudia was there, I'll come by again & try to catch you for a drool..
Cool Jason he definitely sounds enthusiastic.
Part 2 here
www.leepasty.co.uk/technique-blog/category/foil
That cloud rider guy has an interesting take on it, strapless all the way.
I found this diary too
www.iksurfmag.com/kitesurfing-news/2015/06/first-blood-foil-diary-part-1-by-rou-chater/
Hi Green Cherub,
We bought the new North foil LTD as a demo board initially, however, the way I see it, is there will be little point in demoing the board as you aren't going to "get it" in a demo if you have never flown a foil before.
I would think that demoing a board is more likely to put you off buying a foil rather than enticing you to pursue the discipline. I think it is one of those sports where ante up and buy in, that way you have the leverage to keep at it because it's not cheap.
Having said that, we will offer our foil maybe for tuition purposes. I have spent a total of about 45 minutes learning and cannot ride straight and level on the foil with the board out of the water for more than a few seconds. I will bring the foil to our demo days this season, so if you are keen to see what all the fuss is about, by all means drop by and take a peek and maybe a ride?
DM
That is a truly graphic description :)
For any aspiring foilers, I reckon it took me 10 hours to be able to confidently ride upwind, downwind and start to air-gybe and ride toeside. I'll never look back - it's amazing.
But DM is right - pony up and give it 5-10 hours before you might expect success.
If anyone having corrosion issues due to steel bolts in aluminium (eg LF fish foil) - I have invested in a tube of Dura Lac from Whitworths chandlers.
its expensive and I will only need a few drops every few months so let me know if you need some. I'm usually on the river at Melville beach rd in s and sw and PW dog beach in e winds with Peter Lynn or ASV kites.
Cheers
( or PM me)
Havent had anything bind or sieze yet, have had lots of use from my LFFF. I believe the bolts are also an alloy (have bent a set).
Looking forward to faster wings.... Maybe you WA Foilfishers can hook me up with a set?
Hey mate looks interesting.Any close ups of your foil wings and fuselage.Zero floatation on Shinnster.Have you commissioned it yet?
It floats, just. Its a Fastafoil Sencilio - full carbon, weighs around 2.3 kg - ie under 1kg when in water and the shinnster can carry 2kg before sinking. We shall see what thats like in practice, fingers crossed. I hesitated with the Moses foil, which actually floats by iitself, but wasnt happy with the idea of swimming around the foil upright like that.
Sencilio is an intermediary foil, good up to 24 knts - not sure the shinnfoil will be good in higher stress situations (it has some flex) but for lighter wind poodling about and travelling with my surfboard it suits my needs : I didnt want a third foil specific board in my baggage and I wanted to keep the shinnster for shallow waters and chasing my kids - its now a convertible.
. Fastafoil is compatible with Ketos wings so I can take it to the next level with a stiffer board once Im ready.
havent heard of anybody rolling a knee learning to foil, cant think of any WA foilers that havent used front straps while learning
More chance the foil will try and kill you when you stack riding with out straps. With your front foot in a strap it normal directs it down when you fall off the front.