Messages

76

Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Coaching needed...

« on: October 12, 2021, 12:14:30 PM »

I have had pretty good success moving the mast fore and aft depending on conditions. Yesterday I had it nearly full aft and I was standing probably 4 inches further foreword as well.

This is often the sign of having to big a foil, and big adjustments of mast one way and feet the other creates geometry problems that are nearly impossible to overcome with any technique.  I am a bit heavier than you and 1400 is a big wing for me, hard to keep it in the water when it's nuking.

77

Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: The ART 999 Thread

« on: September 27, 2021, 10:47:25 AM »

My best wild 2 cent guess is that bigger tails don't push through the water, they hold altitude and this keeps the front wing from hitting a sudden high angle of attack and immediately stalling.

I despise the 390, but it helps in really light weak wind when I'm desperate and wouldn't be able to fly otherwise.   Reminds me of the slingshot 48 in that they are both super slow and hold altitude.

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: 2022 vs 2021 Fanatic Sky Wing Mast Track Changes?

« on: September 21, 2021, 08:32:24 AM »

I have come across this issue with several boards, easiest solution is to drop in a second set of tracks.  Yes it ads carrying weight but moving stance forward usually has a noticeable reduction in flying swing weight, and thus the board feels more maneuverable.  Best solution probably go custom or ask in the Armstrong threads...

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Wing Foil Videos

« on: September 16, 2021, 11:41:46 AM »

I upgraded my camera gear this year and shot video at 120FPS, so here is a my collection of Johnny Heineken footage in slow motion.  I have been enjoying seeing all the little details of how he pulls off each move:

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Axis Foils

« on: September 06, 2021, 12:32:11 PM »

Today had my first go on my new 980 HPS wind was avg 16-17 kts highs 22kts,not much swell / waves perfect conditions for testing the 980 out and got to say really liked it in those conditions.I have never been a big fan of HA wings as did not really like my old 1150,but the 980 is a big improvement for sure.After enjoying the speed of the 980 especially on a flat day and being a HW rider 225lbs was wondering if the 1050 HPS would be a good choice for lighter days to bring low end down a couple kts  is it worth getting a 1050 or not much low end improvement to the 980 to make it worth it? My go to daily driver is my trusty 1060 love it but the added speed of the 980 on flat days is pretty addictive had a blast on it today really fun albeit in nice wind speeds so inquiring with the crew here if the 1050 might be a good addition to my 980 in lighter days or not much difference? The 980 really surprised me in its handling for a HA wing nicely behaved good speed and good maneuverability,however for a big guy need 17-18 kts+ to get to it’s sweet spot.One thing I noticed about the 980 is it likes a runway approach of gaining board speed to takeoff on foil as opposed to my 1060 which likes to be pumped more,kinda like that little different style approach,also interested if the 1050 handles nicely like the 980.

Never seen nor heard of any experienced winger staying with low aspect foil.  Just a matter of finding the right wing for your weight conditions style.   I ride LA occasionally when trying a new to me skill and I want something slow and stable, but dang they suck for everything else, kinda like riding a full suspension fat tire bike on pavement.

81

Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Wing foil sessions - beginner

« on: August 31, 2021, 11:10:25 AM »

Clay, you know WAY more than I do. I'm just basing that statement on the slingshot teaser video. They said the foil is designed to have a downforce in the wing tip at high speed.
Check out minutes 1:30 : https://blog.slingshotsports.com/hydrofoil-wing-performance-3-new-hover-glide-infinity-foil-wings/

Apparently by magic. They might mean the wing has some washout, which would mean different amounts of lift at varied locations of the wing at various angles of attack. But saying it has downforce at higher speed without some kind of servos, shape-shifting, or a demon inside the wing is simply nonsense. It also means we're headed into the next level of marketspeak usually encountered with oddly-shaped fins.

Not magic at all,washout or twist is used in just about any foil application you can think of.
Wings,propellers,turbines,foils etc...

And of course they create downforce if the angle of attack gets low enough (like going fast).
I remember pulling the bar full back when i flew Hang gliders and watching the tips go negative as the speed went up.

I'm pretty certain I mentioned all that, but downforce? You actually think there's enough washout to produce downforce in the tiny range of AOA on a foil with two feet of air space (at the most) between flying and not? I'll buy relatively less lift (and I still doubt that), but downforce--nope. Washout is twisting the wingtips so the trailing edge is higher than the leading edge. The aim of washout is to equalize lift at the wingtips at low angles of attack and low relative speed, like turning tightly where the inside wing is moving slower than the outer. Hang glider wings flex a lot and can change their washout when speed and therefore pressure on the wingtips increases. Foil wings don't flex.  I used to fly ultralights--mostly a pterodactyl, a fledge with a snowmobile motor. Other than flattening the wing which makes them prone to spinning, I have no idea what you're talking about when you say "go negative". And it certainly doesn't happen with a foil.

It does go negative meaning it creates high pressure on top and low on the bottom,therefore downforce,because unlike a HangGlider or your Ultralight our foils are fully rigid and they cannot flatten out.

This downforce does not have to be big at all to create control problems.You are mixing low pressure in the root and high pressure in the tips on the same side of the foil,there is nothing stopping those pressures from trying to equalize.And they do.

I would love to see some gopro slo mo video of a foil doing this.

I rode the infinity 76 for many moons and never experienced down force at speed, on the head+ days I resorted to a longer mast and a washer in the stab to try and take the lift out and keep the foil from breaching.

The Kujira has a speed range unique from other foils I've ridden and to flexy for me so I didn't go on a very deep test to figure why it rides differently.

82

Gear Talk / Re: Limestone wetsuits

« on: August 30, 2021, 12:06:46 PM »

Clay, I normally don't say anything negative on forums as there are often two sides to a story, but I got ripped off, plain and simple; a wetsuit should be snug, and not too long in the arms such that there are bunches and bunches of suit...

Eric's the one who took the measurments via a 45 min video fitting.  I showed him how my normal size L O'neil, Matuse, Xcel, Patagonia, Ferel all fit ok, and that I tried on a Japanese suit made under the "Moonsuits" label and was impressed by the materials, but not the fit. He explained AXXE custom suits would fit my broad shoulders better and last longer because they fit correctly, not "stressed"... the suit showed up and was way too big.  Layed on top of an Oneil L, its 2" wider on either side, so 4" larger chest and so on.  It is exactly the same as an xxl and I'm 185lbs, 5'10.  With no offer to alter or return, I was instructed that that is just the way AXXE fits it's suits, specifically, they are not "stressed."  What a joke.  A $900 dollar joke on me because they only take checks or venmo.  I tried it a few times per instructions from Eric, way way too big, but again he just stated it was as designed.  Around the 4th use for kitesurfing since surfing wasn't functional, the seams started opening at the shoulders and other panels.  Lesson learned, try before you buy, and with a credit card, because there are some truly unscrupulous people out there.

Ah bummer, sounds like a ruff ride

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Gear Talk / Re: Limestone wetsuits

« on: August 29, 2021, 04:00:22 PM »

All I have worn for a decade give or take a few years.
Axxe, patagonia, isirus and matuse.



Axxe suits are ridiculously warm, norcal winters at OB were the reason for paying that big price tag.

I have a couple of Matuse suits that are in terms of water retention and weight way lighter and warmer than an equivalent O'Neil.  The Scipio 3mm is truly as warm as most 4/3's, but much lighter and faster drying.  It's crazy expensive though, and somewhat fragile.  Unfortunately, covid has ruined all chances of getting one on sale, so it may be hard to justify the cash... speaking of cash, I bought an AXXE thanks to some possitive forum reviews and the lack of an off the shelf suit in the Covid crissis-no supply months ago.  The AXXE was beyond a dissapointment.  Horrible fit, fell apart at the seams quickly, heavy when wet, no warranty.  Avoid.

Surprised to hear this, mine were custom direct from axxe, I milked a couple to last almost 6 years.
Maybe try email:  eric at axxewetsuits.

84

Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: ~95L Board Weights/densities

« on: August 28, 2021, 01:33:48 PM »

Swing weight and overall weight are certainly noticeable to me.

One question I ask is why do same volume boards have different weights?   Inserts and such add weight.  Crucial for me is durability, a super light board that dings easily becomes a tank real quick.  I prefer an extra pound of durability to say 5 pounds of water logged weight/repairs.

85

Gear Talk / Re: Limestone wetsuits

« on: August 28, 2021, 01:25:26 PM »

All I have worn for a decade give or take a few years.
Axxe, patagonia, isirus and matuse.

First most obvious difference is they don't smell or have that horrible toxic smell.

Quick drying, I wore a 5/3 Isurus and my gf a 4/3 cheap big brand neoprene.  Hung them to dry for an evening session, mine was almost bone dry and hers still soaking wet.

Fit and comfort for me are good, hard to get on at first and again at end of life.

They last great until they hit end of life and then just start falling apart, can be repaired for a while end then it starts to get ridiculous.

Axxe suits are ridiculously warm, norcal winters at OB were the reason for paying that big price tag.

86

Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Wing foil sessions - beginner

« on: August 19, 2021, 11:11:42 AM »

Cowboy...thanks for the reply, but I miscommunicated my problem. I'm making great progress on flying, especially when I can gather enough speed without pumping. I've been working on pumping up to foil, though, and sometimes I can get up on foil, but then stall as Hwy1north mentioned. I will definitely try and keep the nose down when pumping.
I was more curious if this idiosyncrasy was specific to the Infinity 84 and that maybe a different foil would be more forgiving. For example, if the naish of gofoil were really that much better (they've gotta be lighter!)
I was also curious if I should invest in a fuselage with multiple mast mounting options. My fuse can only take the mast in one spot.
I also mentioned my 99cm wing, though I suppose I was simply thinking out loud. That thing pops onto a foil so easily. The only downside is that when you start going fast, it really wants to nose dive. I have to shift all my weight back just to keep the nose from diving. I believe it is designed that way to prevent overfoiling with such a large wing.

Easiest sure fire way I have found to know is have an advanced foiler ride your gear, just seeing someone ride it with ease will dispell doubt and show that it's possible.
Going fast and nose diving is usually a sign that the rear stabilizer needs more down force, basically shim the trailing edge up or the leading edge down.  I have yet to ride a front wing that has a negative angle of incidence and nose dives by design.  The 48cm stab is a beast and can be difficult to adjust pitch, the 42 is similarly sized to a lot at stabs out there.

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Random / Re: Delta Variant is here...

« on: August 13, 2021, 09:18:42 AM »

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Wing Foil Videos

« on: July 30, 2021, 07:08:36 PM »

@gone_foiling Thanks!

@Dwight thanks, that's in Richmond, I saw a couple more of your boards this week, if I remember correctly it was at Coyote Point.
Wow, hang gliding, this sport boggles my mind especially in the fog.  I have much respect for you doing this.   Seems pretty intense, that guy doing the big turns...I can only imagine how good those feel.

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Wing Foil Videos

« on: July 30, 2021, 12:33:52 PM »

Our newest video:

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Wingsurfing, Windfoiling, Wingfoiling, Wing SUP / Re: Wing Foil Videos

« on: July 30, 2021, 12:32:59 PM »

Nice video clay. I watched the whole thing. My takeaway is ...

Why are BRM wings so much more powerful than everything else? All the BRM wings are 2M and everyone else is on 4m or bigger it looks like.

Thanks!   Oh I hadn't considered that, I just assumed the BRM guys are generally more advanced...now I will follow up and poll the guys, seeing the v2 out there now...