Best beginner Foil Board

rtz · Joined: 31 Oct 2010 Posts: 296 Location: Oklahoma City

Is there a board and foil combo out there now that is the best for easiest and quickest learning? I'm looking for something so I can be out there foiling when the wind is light. 10mph or less.

grantmac017 · Joined: 04 Aug 2016 Posts: 946

Just for foiling or also to use with a fin?

<10mph is just barely possible for extremely talented, lightweight riders. Moderate your expectations.

rtz · Joined: 31 Oct 2010 Posts: 296 Location: Oklahoma City

I'd likely use it with just the foil. I could use it with a fin if it was also a good board for that.

What are ideal wind speeds for learning to foil in?

grantmac017 · Joined: 04 Aug 2016 Posts: 946

Some of easiest foil boards can't be used with normal fins, such as the Exocet RF91.
But fairly generic freeride boards can also work if they have an appropriate fin box.
Certain foils are also easier than others to use.

A steady 15mph is ideal. Basically just as the first whitecaps happen.

SergioKapul · Joined: 04 Apr 2014 Posts: 65

150 l xlarge slalom or formula would be easy boards to foil
If you want something used, or new dedicated foil board over 82cm wide and >120l. As for the easiest windfoil on the market, check out
New foil from Tillo International, wfs3 model , he just came out with
Is stupidly easy, fast and excellent in light winds:
http://www.tillo-international.com/?page_id=458

You can also order perfect foil board from him, but wait list
probably 6 months +....

NOVAAN · Joined: 28 Sep 1994 Posts: 1520

Its really about foil type and size for lite winds. The larger the front wing the less board speed needed to fly. 10 mph winds is pushing the low end to get the foil up and flying. I went with a dedicated foil board and foil because I wanted everything to be set up and in the right place. And a strong foil box.
Mine is the Sling shot 130 dialer and foil. It works well for me and i can get it flying in 12ish gusts with some pumping. The Naish board and foil are built for lite winds and foil stability. Lots of good reports from folks that have one.

LUCARO · Joined: 07 Dec 1997 Posts: 659

1+ for slingshot. The wizard is generally considered a better long term option but the dialer is easier to uphaul and apparently is easier on the learning process.

http://www.windance.com/Slingshot-%2718-Dialer-130L/46279/

The 2018 foils are pretty cheap but I believe only 68cm front wing.

https://www.bigwinds.com/slingshot-foil-hover-glide-fwind1

Most people are running a 76cm or 84cm front wing for light wind. The 2019 set up comes with the 76cm which seems to be a better one size fits all.

https://www.bigwinds.com/slingshot-foil-19-hoverglide-fwind-foil

Personally I would probably just go with the 2018 foil and use the savings to purchase an 84 cm front wing that will slot right onto your 2018 set up

https://www.bigwinds.com/slingshot-foil-19-infinity-84

Then you have a high wind wing and a light wind wing

Your local retailer might have similar prices if you are not in the pacific northwest.

Someone will correct me if I am wrong on the sizing of the 2018 wing.

SergioKapul · Joined: 04 Apr 2014 Posts: 65

Did try slingshot foil, hover, is is good but Tillo at a different level of stability and ease of ride. Slingshot boards are too narrow for efficient light wind ride

coachg · Joined: 10 Sep 2000 Posts: 3492

I have the Naish & it has been awesome for light wind foiling. Of the 50 days I foiled last year only 3 of them were in winds over 13 mph.

Just make sure the foil you choose has a large front wing. You need lots of surface area on the foil to fly at low speeds.

Coachg

dvCali · Joined: 23 Aug 2007 Posts: 1314