Wing Foil in the Lightest Winds Possible With a Downwind Board

[Badger]

https://youtu.be/6v_CogKWh6I

[deja vu]

It's not just the new DWS boards!  The new huge HA foils from Gong and Sab, when combined with the new DW boards, have dramatically dropped the wind range for fun winging.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CCLHFRNT3Y

[Badger]

It's not just the new DWS boards!  The new huge HA foils from Gong and Sab, when combined with the new DW boards, have dramatically dropped the wind range for fun winging.

For sure. I'm ordering an Axis 1300 as soon as my old board sells.

The Gong Sirus foils look insane. The XXXL is over six feet wide with an aspect ratio of 15!

[deja vu]

I have the 7' 2" Armstrong board and a Sab 1750 (wingspan of 5' 10").  I was out yesterday in 7 to 9 knots with a 6.5 hand wing and could have used a 5 metre instead.  This is going to open up many more days for those who live in marginal wind areas (summer lake breezes).  When there's no wind just get out your paddle and practice pumping your DW board up onto foil = exercise and entertainment (and a little frustration thrown into the mix).   

[VB_Foil]

My 6'3" Armie DW board paired with 1750MA and 7M OR Glide is a crazy combo.  I just need enough breeze to hold the wing slightly vertical so I can bounce the board, the foil gets going on it's own and I basically can start pumping the board before any wind is really helping much (just some light back foot/calf pumps to create a rocking motion). Then I can get speed up and take find the wind.  It helps weighing only 65kgs.

Last session was averaging in the 8 knt range and I was able to get up super easy on my strong stance.  The session goal was focusing on learning to ride goofy (i'm a regular stance rider).  Despite over 1,300 miles logged winging, I've never taken the time to learn to switch my feet!  Trying to take off switch stance was just impossible! I would taxi around to my strong stance and presto, no issues.  It's crazy how much you can dial in muscle memory for efficient take-off.  With out putting in the time to build the skill, no matter how good the gear, it's a struggle.  In the end I was finally able to switch stance on foil and managed (2) 20 second rides in my switch stance and was beyond stoked, haha, just like learning all over again. 

I want to test my 1750MA vs 1325HA back to back in really light wind to see how they compare.  The low end lift of the MA will be hard to beat I think.  Those monster HA wings are wild and I'd love to try one. 

[jondrums]

getting good at switch stance comes faster than you think.  Getting good at pumping switch stance might take a little longer.  I'm still back foot pumping instead of front foot pumping my board when switch stance, which works ok, but not nearly as well.  Same with active foot-switches while foiling.  At first it seems nearly impossible to avoid an explosion, but then it clicks.   Go a few more sessions and check in and I bet you'll have it figured out.