Real world....when you foil, itxs not 3.5 windsurf conditions nor is it 5' pounding shorebreak, so it's simple to drop the sail in a calmer spot and adjust.
Select to expand quoteWillyWind said..
One bolt tendon base is not hard to bend to reconnect the mast. Check at 1:10. I can do that in over 25 knots and 2 feet of swell. More than that and I do it closer to shore in case something goes wrong. The first few times can be hard but with practice takes no time.
Yes I do it exactly like in the video, un-clip the mast foot and let it rest on the board, than adjust the mast base position and clip back in, no problem. With some practice you can do it in turbulent waters, just try close to the shore first to build confidence.
I use the mechanical universal joint from Bic (now Tahe) and it is a great piece of gear.
tahesport.com/us_tahe_en/universal-matt-foot-100350
The whole joint itself is flexible so it acts like a tendon with the pivot point in the middle. I don't think the Chinook type versions with 2 bolts feature this, they just look made from plastic.
I never use my tendon uj anymore because I don't or avoid higher jumps where the shock absorbing property would be superior.
I just bought a Surfbent board protector for foiling. Attached some photo's.
My mast extension is a North / Duotone POWER.XT and it is fantastic to be able to adjust the downhaul on the water. Sometimes you can do that without un-clipping the mast (like in the video) but there is the risk of braking the lever in a wave so most of the time I un-clip.
The Power.TX is a bit complicated part wise but with some small maintenance it goes for years and you can buy spare parts easily.
I have to say that with the Surfbent it get's more difficult to clip back in but I tried last time, and it worked.
Sitting in front of the track (I sometimes have both legs in the water for added stability), like in the video at 01:24, you bring the pin from the UJ to the hole from the extension, insert it just a little bit and than lean the board over a few degrees with your body weight to push the pin in all the way and feel the click.
Again, just needs some practice but it is very useful in places where it is hard to get back to shore!
Select to expand quoteWillyWind said..
One bolt tendon base is not hard to bend to reconnect the mast. Check at 1:10. I can do that in over 25 knots and 2 feet of swell. More than that and I do it closer to shore in case something goes wrong. The first few times can be hard but with practice takes no time.
Nothing better than that first flying gybe!
Thanks for the tips everyone. I'll try unclipping close to shore next time and see. If needed I'll get a mechanical joint next time.
