Where would you Foil?

windnutter · Joined: 19 Oct 2015 Posts: 7

I've been using one in the LI sound since last fall. The weeds(the grassy stuff) don't seem to catch too badly. I have been launching off a boat dock. You can sail upwind easily with a 3ft fin when not flying so getting around is easy. Only issue I have had is if you catch a winter mooring stick that has a trailing rope. Helmet is not a bad idea as the catapult is from about 2 feet higher than usual.
With my 7.7m sail I really think 8 to 10 kts and some pumping is enough to get going. One other issue as I'm not that good yet is if the wind strengthens while you are out It's tough manhandling everything back to shore with so much lift.
Really looking forward to summer evenings when that frustrating LI thermal kicks in and always just too little for a slalom board.

outcast · Joined: 04 May 2004 Posts: 2724

That's exactly what I wanna know!

Put some lights on that puppy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa2RWyCFG3U

windnutter · Joined: 19 Oct 2015 Posts: 7

I've been using the Horue Lightwind and an 80cm Slalom Board. Nothing easy about it but it turns a light wind day into a lot of fun. When you get it right it's a great feeling.
If you can get a foiling board board or an old slalom board I think its a good idea, there's alot of stress on the box vertically. I would n't feel comfortable ever selling this board to someone.

jfeehan · Joined: 27 Jul 1998 Posts: 156

windnutter - where on LIS are you sailing?

windnutter · Joined: 19 Oct 2015 Posts: 7

Mamaroneck to Stamford areas

jfeehan · Joined: 27 Jul 1998 Posts: 156

joethewindsufa · Joined: 10 Oct 2010 Posts: 1190 Location: Montréal

crap, I am going to Fairfield for Easter in 2 weeks
should I bring my longboard and 6.9+8.5 sails and where to launch ??
thx in advance !!

jfeehan · Joined: 27 Jul 1998 Posts: 156

Wind-NC.com · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2017 12:31 pm Post subject:

So... My personal take on the whole thing- It is so much fun in conditions that otherwise are so extremely boring, that you will seek out and find your own answers to all of your questions.

Regarding conditions- The conditions need not be great for foiling to be fun. Wind can be light and of poor quality, so your normal launches with wide open fetches aren't quite so important anymore. This might open up some locations that are closer to home, or have easier parking, or have great amenities for your non sailing family members to enjoy, or whatever... But if you start thinking outside of your normal spot box, there's sure to be a spot that has deep enough water somewhere nearby.

And as far as waves go... you don't need them AT ALL to have fun on the foils. Once you get your feet underneath you, you can carve all over the place on perfectly flat water, all the while feeling like you're on a bobsled track or overhead wave with the amount of "G Force" you're creating. I'm not sure why all of the windfoiling videos just show people cruising back and forth, because the sensitivity and therefore maneuverability are amazing.

That said, even just cruising back and forth is pretty addictive.

Regarding weeds- Light, floating weeds are a non issue. You won't even notice them. If they get a bit heavier, you just need extra sail power to blow through them, but they don't hang up on the foil or cause cavitation or anything like that. If the weeds are attached to the ground, then all bets are off and it will probably be a no-go, although I haven't personally been in that situation so that's just a guess.

Regarding transport- Some foils are easy to disassemble, some aren't... Feel free to call for recommendations.

Regarding cross sport use- There are very few foils that work well for multiple sports, like both SUP surfing and windsurf foiling on the same wings. The AHD AFS-1 has a proven track record in this regard. And with nearly every major brand introducing a foil these days, I'm sure more options will exist soon.

Anyway, I find it insanely fun. It is a very unique and addictive sensation.

Cape Cod, RI, LI folks- I'm hoping to do a bit of road tripping with demo gear this summer, so if you have a nice spot, let me know about it and maybe I'll come meet up with you and show your crew some of the gear first hand!

Alena · Joined: 04 Jul 2000 Posts: 43

Hello
So happily I have a foil for my windsurfer and I got it with various lengths for learning.
I went twice and got better and periodically hop around trying to fly. It is fun and not hard or dangerous.
Very strange feeling, very quiet and light.
Do you know of a good source to look at to learn the technique so it is not just learning by falling?
There are many nice videos but I could not find concrete instructions.
Or anybody around Boston I could learn from?
Thanks
Alena