Hello
So I'm 100% new to wing foiling. I live in Florida on the central west coast of FL "clearwater area". I did windsurfing for a small period of time when I was in my teenage years "going on 30 now".
I just purchased my board and a set of wings(3 sizes) but I believe I might have got the wrong board for my size. I purchased a board called the Cabrinha Code, it's a 118L. I did research on this board and was content with the reviews enough to go with it, however the biggest size available was the 118. After originally doing the math based on my size (200 lbs/ 90kg) I determined the 118 was just a little under sized but figured that little difference wouldn't make a difference. After doing some research, I'm second guessing this assumption that the little difference won't matter. What do you think? Too small?
I wouldn't worry too much at the moment. Get out there and give it a crack. Some people want a huge board to learn on (which really does help) but that's not the only way to learn. If it's big enough for you to balance on and get to your feet then you can begin the learning process. If you put in ten sessions with zero progression then you will probably want to reassess.
I will give it a shot for sure. I learned windsurfing on a very narrow racing style Obrien board and made some progression for sure. Even though he size might have been right, that board was not an easy board to learn on.
On another note, if it isnt working for me would I be able to use it in the future once I learn or is it over with? Any board/size recommendations as alternative?
Did I buy a good board?
Select to expand quoteSchwerve said..
I will give it a shot for sure. I learned windsurfing on a very narrow racing style Obrien board and made some progression for sure. Even though he size might have been right, that board was not an easy board to learn on.
On another note, if it isnt working for me would I be able to use it in the future once I learn or is it over with? Any board/size recommendations as alternative?
Did I buy a good board?
Share dims on your gear, it always helps further the discussion. I assume it's the 5'8"x29.5"?
That's a very traditional old school beginner shape that should be fine. I learned on a 5'10" x28.5" 120l that was fine.
You'll probably sell it in a year or two to another beginner.
Correct on the 5'08 x 29.5. Any suggestions on foils for it. The foil is the only thing I'm missing. I'm not trying to spend any crazy amount of money for it.
Thanks
Lots of wingers learn on one type of foil and later switch to different types and often brands. As a beginner with your weight and not a lot of wind, you'll be looking for something around 2000 square centimeters area, like a used Slingshot 84 or 99. Most people move on to different brands once they get better, but Slingshot can be a good option to start if you can get one at a good price. If you want to buy a brand where you can re-use parts later when you upgrade to more advanced foils, Axis is a good option. But the used market for Axis foils in the US seems to be pretty small, and you might end up replacing most components when switching to faster/turnier foils later.
Your best bet might be to take some lessons with North Beach Windsurfing at St Pete beach (www.nbwindsurfing.com/wing-foiling-lessons.htm), and have them supply the foil (and perhaps a bigger board for the first couple of lessons). You may be able to try foils that they also sell, or that are available used in store or private in the area.
Select to expand quoteSchwerve said..
Correct on the 5'08 x 29.5. Any suggestions on foils for it. The foil is the only thing I'm missing. I'm not trying to spend any crazy amount of money for it.
Thanks
All depends on the rider for that one. I taught a buddy on my cloud ix fs1150 and he progressed really fast. I still ride that foil in light winds despite riding my fs700 a lot now. A lot of your foil choice depends on athleticism for those first water starts.
you don't have to break the bank but good gear makes a huge difference.
I wouldn't worry about the 118L board, sounds good to me. I bought a 105L to learn on 3 months ago and it's fine (1305 foil). Time on the water is the best. I found windier days much easier to progress (15knts +), but the lighter days help technique and getting used to the board balance.
I was a little heavier than you when I started. I bought a 126 liter JP Australia board to learn on. I still have it and use it regularly even with two smaller boards available now.
You will be fine on the 118 liter Code. I used a smaller Code board from a rental place on vacation and thought it was a nice board. As far as a foil, take a look at the North Sonar series if you want a new foil. Or you should be able to find something cheap in the used market to get you going. welcome to the sport!
