Kelp,paddle length, retrofiting a 7'10x32 with a foil

[IRideYellow]

So I have decided to take the plunge get a foil so I can surf in new and empty places. 

1. Is running into kelp likely to result in body contact with the foil if you are pitched forward off the board?

2. Is there any way to determine the length for a new paddle.  All my paddles have been cut pretty short for SUS so when I'm up on the foil I don't think they be long enough to reach the water on turn

3.  I looked at the GoFoil instructions for installing a Tuttle box and it seems like an decent ding fix guy can install it.  My question is does adding the new box change the surfing characteristic of a board when I want to use it without the foil?

4. Is it better to retrofit a 7'10x32 sup or buy a foil board like the Starboard Widepoint  or F-one Magic?

[Kookalicious]

From my limited experience so far (~15 sessions)

1. No experience with kelp but I do know a tangled leash around the foil has allowed me to take off on a wave but I would not attain any lift. I have since switched to a coiled leash.

2. I'm still using my surf paddle which is pretty short with no issues. Once up on the foil, turning is achieved by slight hip/torso movements and I only use the paddle when I dip down and need to stroke and pump a bit to get back up on the foil.

3. I had an experienced board repairer install my box, no issues but it needs to be done right per Go Foil video. I've surfed my board with the foil box open and also with a piece of duct tape sealing it...seems to perform the same when on a wave, at least I can't tell a difference yet. Might look into a temp plug like some guys have fabricated.

4. I did a retrofit on a 7-7x27 SB pro because there were no production boards available and even now with some hitting the market, I couldn't justify the added cost of another board. I'm still struggling to get into barely breaking bumps with my board but once in and up foiling, that's where the small board has its advantage. If you have the cash to burn, just buy a production board that has all the fins boxes as well as the strap option. Now that the foil addiction has taken hold, my next move is to retrofit another old board and this time use a wider tail/less rocker one for earlier swell entry. Also, the original tuttle boxes are back ordered I think so keep that in mind.

[IRideYellow]

Kook,

Thanks for the response. 

I already use coiled leashes on my boards so one less thing to buy.  Good news on the paddle, I have 3 of different lengths so one of them will work.  I found out that SB offering is a Widepoint 8'2x32.  I already have a SB Widepoit 8'10x32 so I'm going to have Stretch install the tuttle box in that. 

Do you find the strap necessary or just helpful?

How did you learn to foil? I have heard behind a boat is the best way to get started

[container]

definitely start behind a boat! these things are down right dangerous in the wrong hands. most boats over 3 or 4 tons  will put up a good enough wake for you to ditch the rope and pump along anyway

[Kookalicious]

+1 on the boat if you access. I didn't so I basically tried to figure it out on my own. Lots of ejections and kook-like crashes...very humbling. I finally figured out my problem was not getting my back foot over the mast. Since I didn't have foot straps, I made a little nub out of deck pad that attaches above the rear bolt hole. That way I know exactly where my foot should be and I can concentrate on my front foot placement/pressure. That Dave Kalama instruction video on the other thread is definitely worth watching.

One other note, best to practice when conditions are glassy and the waves are predictable. I found once the off-shores kicked in and the water got turbulent, session was over...



 

[PonoBill]

You can get a commercial tuttle box insert.