ive kited consistently for the last 10 years. I mostly wave ride strapless on surfboards as i come from a surfing background. however, there are many days when the waves are really junky or i want to ride the large open bays with the notorious waist to knee high, short period waves, places that are normally unappealing for conventional kite boarding. i have found that this is where the foil board shines. i can ride my 10m (tube kite) in 12kt wind and just go sailing or traveling (best conditions on foil are in the lower 1/3 of the kite's wind range). on foil, i feel like i am defying physics and those nasty short period waves.
In addition to defying otherwise marginal conditions, the upwind ability is absolutely unreal. foil boards can point almost 30 degrees off of windward due to the large mast area and almost 0 drag. This allows one to get to any point with little to no reaching.
There are a few of us that like to do bay crossings on foil to other towns that have beach bars. we'll have some beer and snacks and then head back, gliding over 15 miles of open choppy water. (not too many beers as you need a little more finesse on the foil)
foiling is not always my favorite aspect of kiting but it can really clear your head when you just need to get out on the water.
Select to expand quotecctx said..
There are a few of us that like to do bay crossings on foil to other towns that have beach bars. we'll have some beer and snacks and then head back, gliding over 15 miles of open choppy water. (not too many beers as you need a little more finesse on the foil)
Next summer I want to organise foiling to Rottnest for lunch and a beer then foiling back with friends.
Select to expand quotecctx said..
ive kited consistently for the last 10 years. I mostly wave ride strapless on surfboards as i come from a surfing background. however, there are many days when the waves are really junky or i want to ride the large open bays with the notorious waist to knee high, short period waves, places that are normally unappealing for conventional kite boarding. i have found that this is where the foil board shines. i can ride my 10m (tube kite) in 12kt wind and just go sailing or traveling (best conditions on foil are in the lower 1/3 of the kite's wind range). on foil, i feel like i am defying physics and those nasty short period waves.
In addition to defying otherwise marginal conditions, the upwind ability is absolutely unreal. foil boards can point almost 30 degrees off of windward due to the large mast area and almost 0 drag. This allows one to get to any point with little to no reaching.
There are a few of us that like to do bay crossings on foil to other towns that have beach bars. we'll have some beer and snacks and then head back, gliding over 15 miles of open choppy water. (not too many beers as you need a little more finesse on the foil)
foiling is not always my favorite aspect of kiting but it can really clear your head when you just need to get out on the water.
You nailed it....More time on the water is always a good thing.
A foil is at the top of my purchasing list. I hear nothing but positive things about it. And as Dafish says it, anything that gets you out on the water more can only be a good thing.
There is definitely something magical about foiling.
I honestly thought I'd get tired of it some day but even after 3 years I still look for every opportunity to go out an enjoy a session. More recently starting to work on my wave riding skills which is just an incredible feeling!
Just add one of these to your sessions and you'll find yourself going out for 2x or 3x longer!
It's not very everyone though, I could give you a long list of experienced kiters who have tried and simply gave up. You need a good level of perseverance and humility.
A methodical approach with coaching definitely makes a big difference in how quickly and safely you get into foiling. Those who think they'll just ''give it a go'' once and figure it out straight away are usually the ones who quit.
Christian
Select to expand quoteBletti said..cctx said..
There are a few of us that like to do bay crossings on foil to other towns that have beach bars. we'll have some beer and snacks and then head back, gliding over 15 miles of open choppy water. (not too many beers as you need a little more finesse on the foil)
Next summer I want to organise foiling to Rottnest for lunch and a beer then foiling back with friends.
OMG. What next? Foilers wearing lycra, riding two-abreast, and a latte at the end? 
Select to expand quoteNorthernKitesAUS said..Bletti said..cctx said..
There are a few of us that like to do bay crossings on foil to other towns that have beach bars. we'll have some beer and snacks and then head back, gliding over 15 miles of open choppy water. (not too many beers as you need a little more finesse on the foil)
Next summer I want to organise foiling to Rottnest for lunch and a beer then foiling back with friends.
OMG. What next? Foilers wearing lycra, riding two-abreast, and a latte at the end?
I've started to foil, and I take your MAML point very advisedly.
Wise, man. Wise. Thanks for the warning
.
Secondly, yes .. a 'nip' over to Rotto and back - if more for a lamb and rosemary pie they only have at the bakery - is also a goal.
And lastly, the goal is to foil in the morning, with the river or coast almost to yourself, and tackle the waves or a freestyle sesh in the arvo when the seabreeze comes in.
Double the fun.
Select to expand quotecbulota said..
There is definitely something magical about foiling.
I honestly thought I'd get tired of it some day but even after 3 years I still look for every opportunity to go out an enjoy a session. More recently starting to work on my wave riding skills which is just an incredible feeling!
Just add one of these to your sessions and you'll find yourself going out for 2x or 3x longer!
It's not very everyone though, I could give you a long list of experienced kiters who have tried and simply gave up. You need a good level of perseverance and humility.
A methodical approach with coaching definitely makes a big difference in how quickly and safely you get into foiling. Those who think they'll just ''give it a go'' once and figure it out straight away are usually the ones who quit.
Christian
How much? Where?
Foiling has re-invigorated my kiting for sure. I've only been out on my twin tip once in the 3 months since I took it up. The sensation of foiling is hard to describe to people who haven't tried it before. It must look boring to others - it certainly did to me. But when you try it.............
BTW - shouldn't this be in the foiling section?
