Standup Zone Forum
The Foil Zone => Foil SUP => Topic started by: Beasho on September 18, 2019, 06:49:08 AM
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As a traditional SUP'r I would scoff at the notion of taking a hand off the paddle when surfing the wave.
It just looked Kooky!
However my primary foil amigo Jeff Clark has been taking his hand off the paddle and flying with one hand holding the paddle almost since inception. He claims he learned it from Kai Lenny watching Kai catch a wave on a prone foil board at Cowells and using his arms to 'surf' the foil board. It is hard to debate the perspective of this duo.
Last weekend I started to take my hand off the paddle and I am thinking it is 15% better. This is ESPECIALLY true on SMALL foil boards. When the inertia of the board is reduced there is much, much less of a need for the paddle as a stabilizer and control lever.
Sample here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wPfJp4_5Mg
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Laird ONLY holds the paddle in one hand while riding. I'm prone though so I don't know.
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I haven't foiled as yet, but it is in the very near future. From all the videos I have watched I could see how when foiling, holding the paddle with two hands would be a bit restrictive. I think on a wave going down the line I'd have two hands, but when circling back and forth and down winding, one hand seems to be right. Seems like much more freedom of movement one handed and can follow the movement of the foil....it looks so graceful at times.
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I try this someday as sometimes I feel like I can't see where I should be going.
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Two hands on the wheel at all times! When learning, it helps to have both hands for balance, after that, whatever works.
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Next thing you know you'll have no hands on the paddle.
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YES! one hand on the paddle WORKS!
I am immediately more dynamic with my upper body and my balance is much better. I thought it looked super dumb when I first saw Jeff do it, but now that I've been trying it for the last 6 months, I'm sold. Still have a habit of using the paddle in the water during tight turns, and I don't really think doing that is helpful.
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I prefer foiling without the paddle. I teach people not to use the paddle.
Unfortunately, I still catch myself holding it with both hands sometimes. It’s hard to break the bad habit.
It’s also hard to switch from foiling without it, then with it, for pumping. I need to figure out a pump rhythm that works with that annoying paddle in my right hand only.
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On bigger heavier boards I have a harder time flying 1 handed. And in critical sections or if I need to fly around or through a crowd I feel more comfortable with both hands on.
This 7'6" board is 17 pounds with foot hooks, noticeably lighter and I feel I have better flight control:
www.facebook.com/clay.schmitz/videos/vb.1564381389/10213773645566403
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I like to hold one hand just for cut back, it is easier to open my shoulders without holding the paddle with two hands.
But other than this I like to hold it two hands jsut like sup.
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You're killing it in that video Clay, schweet!
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Lets try convincing Derek Hama.. that he should fly with one hand off of his paddle. I have tried both and both ways have their advantages. Lately, I prefer keeping both my hands on the paddle. Staying low and using my blade to pivot around seems to offer me the ability to change direction more quickly. Very easy for toe side turns. Not so easy for heel side yet. I do sometimes miss that sense of freedom one gets when arms are fully extended and used for creating turning momentum.