Having watched the PWA slalom races, in my opinion, if fin and foil is not separated, the fin will simply disappear. It looks like fin is only there because of the established and experienced slalom racers. So it's a question if they/we want to see fin sailing in the future something will have to be done.
having watched the video posted by John i can confidently say that fin kicks arse over foil when it comes to negotiating shore break. That's just a fact. As for the rest of it, whatever turns your crank, get out there and enjoy some tow...
as someone else so eloquently put it (in a windsurfing TV comment?)
anything foil is like having sex while wearing a condom and smoking weed at the same time
Select to expand quoteHaircut said..
as someone else so eloquently put it (in a windsurfing TV comment?)
anything foil is like having sex while wearing a condom and smoking weed at the same time
so better than no sex?
Select to expand quotethedoor said..Haircut said..
as someone else so eloquently put it (in a windsurfing TV comment?)
anything foil is like having sex while wearing a condom and smoking weed at the same time
so better than no sex?
Windsurfing is better than sex, so foiling has to be better than no sex.
Select to expand quoteGestalt said..
An AI opinion after 90 seconds.
Exploring The Battle: Windfoil Vs. Windsurfing. In the world of water sports, two contenders are emerging, engaged in a thrilling battle for dominance - windfoil and windsurfing. These adrenaline-fueled activities have captivated enthusiasts worldwide, pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible on the water. Windfoil, the new kid on the block, combines elements of windsurfing and hydro foiling to create an exhilarating experience like no other. The hydrofoil technology allows riders to glide effortlessly above the water's surface, achieving incredible speeds in winds considered to light to windsurf.
On the other hand windsurfing has long been hailed as a classic and beloved sport that has withstood the test of time. Its combination of athleticism and skillful sailing techniques continue to attract a loyal following who revel in its high-energy performances.
Windsurf: The classic Watersport that reigns supreme
Since its inception in the 1960s, windsurfing has captured the hearts of adventure-seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Combining the thrill of sailing with the adrenaline rush of wave riding, windsurfing has stood the test of time as a classic watersport. One of the main reasons for its enduring popularity is its accessibility. Beginners can quickly grasp the basics, while advanced riders can push their limits and master complex maneuvers. Windsurfing offers a unique sense of freedom as you harness the power of wind and waves, gliding effortlessly across the water. Moreover, windsurfing has evolved over time to incorporate new technologies and equipment advancements. With modern lightweight boards and high-performance sails, riders can achieve incredible speeds and execute jaw-dropping tricks.
Windfoil: The Revolutionary Evolution Of Windsurfing
In recent years, a new player has emerged in the world of windsurfing, revolutionizing the sport and challenging the traditional windsurfing setup. Enter the windfoil, a cutting-edge innovation that has taken water sports enthusiasts by storm. The windfoil replaces the fin with a hydrofoil, enabling riders to glide effortlessly above the water's surface. This revolutionary design significantly reduces drag and increases speed, providing an exhilarating experience like no other. Unlike traditional windsurfing, where maneuverability can be challenging in light winds, windfoiling allows riders to take full advantage of even the slightest breeze. Its efficient hydrodynamic design also enables smooth sailing in rougher conditions. Moreover, windfoiling opens up new possibilities for aerial tricks and stunts that were once unimaginable with traditional windsurfing equipment.
Which Sport Truly Reigns Supreme?
When it comes to comparing the excitement factor between windfoiling and windsurfing, both sports offer a thrilling experience that can get adrenaline pumping. Windsurfing, with its long-standing popularity and rich history, has captured the hearts of many water sports enthusiasts over the years. The feeling of harnessing the power of the wind while maneuvering through waves and performing jumps is undeniably exhilarating. On the other hand, windfoiling brings a new level of excitement to the table. Flying above the water's surface on a hydrofoil board gives riders a sensation of gliding effortlessly through the air. The speed and agility achieved by windfoilers in light winds has provided windfoilers more options to enjoy their sport. Ultimately, determining which sport truly reigns supreme in terms of excitement is subjective. While windsurfing offers a classic thrill with its dynamic manoeuvres, windfoiling introduces an element of futuristic excitement that sets it apart.
Very well said!!!
Select to expand quotepatronus said..
Doesn't matter, everyone will be winging.
Not sure about "everyone". Growth market, promotion, popular trending. Opening up a new population of never have windsurfed people to what we enjoy using a sail. Which is good. Personally wouldn't bother with wing foiling unless I lived somewhere with real waves to surf on a consistent basis. Have only wind foiled once "along side" with a wing foiler. I thought I was relatively slow on a foil. Winger was like foiling with a drogue dragging.
Windfoiling just another form of windsurfing that allows expansion of your skill range. Reduces beach butt days waiting for the wind to build. For those "purist". Saying no is like saying unless you wave windsurf you are not a windSURFER.
Select to expand quoteOldGuy3 said..patronus said..
Doesn't matter, everyone will be winging.
Not sure about "everyone". Growth market, promotion, popular trending. Opening up a new population of never have windsurfed people to what we enjoy using a sail. Which is good. Personally wouldn't bother with wing foiling unless I lived somewhere with real waves to surf on a consistent basis. Have only wind foiled once "along side" with a wing foiler. I thought I was relatively slow on a foil. Winger was like foiling with a drogue dragging.
Windfoiling just another form of windsurfing that allows expansion of your skill range. Reduces beach butt days waiting for the wind to build. For those "purist". Saying no is like saying unless you wave windsurf you are not a windSURFER.
Wingfoiling is getting faster. It requires much less physical strength and can therefore be taught at an earlier age.
Select to expand quoteImax1 said..
Maybe windsurfing is gender fluid. A they. When people look at us doing our thing on foil or fin , they will say ," look at them go ", so Ill identify as a them.
Kiting is different , they should all be sent to Tasmania.
What should we say about surfers? Are they in a league of their own? How do they identify with other surfcraft like boogie boards? Have they been overtaken by more exciting forms? Have they been made redundant? Should they go to Tasmania with the kiters so that some can complain about the kiters? These are really serious questions
Select to expand quoteMarkSSC said..Imax1 said..
Maybe windsurfing is gender fluid. A they. When people look at us doing our thing on foil or fin , they will say ," look at them go ", so Ill identify as a them. Kiting is different , they should all be sent to Tasmania.
What should we say about surfers? Are they in a league of their own? How do they identify with other surfcraft like boogie boards? Have they been overtaken by more exciting forms? Have they been made redundant? Should they go to Tasmania with the kiters so that some can complain about the kiters? These are really serious questions
Surfers should not be sent to Tasmania.
You have to understand kiting was not invented so some can complain about them , kiting was invented by a windsurfer so that we have something to make fun of. It's so we distract ourselves so as not to turn on each other over forums on how much toe in side fins should have.
Select to expand quoteFaff said..OldGuy3 said..patronus said..
Doesn't matter, everyone will be winging.
Not sure about "everyone". Growth market, promotion, popular trending. Opening up a new population of never have windsurfed people to what we enjoy using a sail. Which is good. Personally wouldn't bother with wing foiling unless I lived somewhere with real waves to surf on a consistent basis. Have only wind foiled once "along side" with a wing foiler. I thought I was relatively slow on a foil. Winger was like foiling with a drogue dragging.
Windfoiling just another form of windsurfing that allows expansion of your skill range. Reduces beach butt days waiting for the wind to build. For those "purist". Saying no is like saying unless you wave windsurf you are not a windSURFER
Wingfoiling is getting faster. It requires much less physical strength and can therefore be taught at an earlier age.
Not so sure, judging by the GPS tracks published around here wings normally stay WELL BELOW 20 knots. Right now my FSW, that typically travels in the 23-25 knots range, and can peak to 27, passes them as if they were standing still. And really, even if they'll progress speed wise, who will want to do that? Anything above 23-25 knots with a foil is very scary, and it is dangerous, something not for a casual sailor!
And I am not so sure about the physical aspect. I see a lot of my friends being completely spent after one hour plus of winging. They do down winders (not sure why) and they are done after a single 5-6 km stretch, something that for a windsurfer is effortless.
Windsurf was pronounced dead when Kites came along. Now around here kites are gone and windsurf is still alive. Maybe this time wings will take over completely but I doubt it. Windsurfs have a lot of advantages: they float, they are very safe, they can go long distance, and they can go very fast. Hard to imagine that they will disappear.
Just like truth nowadays, speed is relative
. I just had three sessions on different gear in 3 days: wing, windfoil, and windsurf. The 17 knots windfoiling felt a lot faster than the 27 knots windsurfing. But the top speed is a bit misleading - half the time, the speed difference was closer to 3 knots:
Fin is blue, windfoil red. Chop was about 5-10 cm for the fin in 22 knots wind, and ~ 30 cm for the foil in 12-14 knots; going all out on the fin, holding back on the foil. Winging is even slower, but I'm holding back even more, and am on slower foils. Funny thing is that I can usually go as fast as I want to with a foil, but rarely with a fin.
Select to expand quoteboardsurfr said..
Just like truth nowadays, speed is relative. I just had three sessions on different gear in 3 days: wing, windfoil, and windsurf. The 17 knots windfoiling felt a lot faster than the 27 knots windsurfing. But the top speed is a bit misleading - half the time, the speed difference was closer to 3 knots:
Fin is blue, windfoil red. Chop was about 5-10 cm for the fin in 22 knots wind, and ~ 30 cm for the foil in 12-14 knots; going all out on the fin, holding back on the foil. Winging is even slower, but I'm holding back even more, and am on slower foils. Funny thing is that I can usually go as fast as I want to with a foil, but rarely with a fin.
hum ... speed is not really relative, and what you feel is certainly not what it is!
But sure, being out of the water is scary, and the adrenaline gives you a "speed rush"! Wind Foiling for me, at probably 15 knots at most, feels terrifying.
Select to expand quoteFaff said..
Wingfoiling is getting faster. It requires much less physical strength and can therefore be taught at an earlier age.
Wingfoiling is like holding a stop/go sign up all day
Select to expand quoteHaircut said..
anything foil is like having sex while wearing a condom and smoking weed at the same time
To (mis-)quote Joey Tribbiani:
" Well, I like it. I mean, what's not to like? Sex? Good! Condom? Good! Smoking weed? Good!"
Wingfoiling is like having a blow up sex doll - its ok to have one but no so cool to bring it out in public...
Select to expand quoteGestalt said..
Oof... a) that body position and b) falling on those foils. Well, ya gotta start somewhere I guess. Interesting pic.
Surprised you havn't gone foil gestalt.
Isn't really a question of whether it's windsurfing but whether they should be in competition. Are there any other classes of sailing that directly competes foil vs hull?
If you start foiling you'll find that you're consistently going & the first time you wobble your way around a completely crap gybe but find yourself still going it'll click that on a course fin has no chance.
Put it in the hands of sailors, have a fin champ & foil champ & see who goes where. Must suck to be a long time pwa campaigner like taty only to have guys that are lower fleet on fin immediately be front of fleet on foil.
As someone said above, surprised it's even a question...one we surely answered question 5+ years ago?
For me, it's still hard to compete with a powered 4.7 day, cross off in nice waves....but how often do you get those on the East coast/year?
Conversly it's also hard to compete with fanging around in almost silence on glassy water in 8kts on the IQ foil, fluffing around on a SUP isn't even close.
Anyone who has a foil will likely tell you they get way more time on the water in a much wider range of conditions, but also still love 'old school' windsurfing in prime conditions.
Any windsurfer who hasn't at least tried it properly, with good gear, is doing themselves a disservice, in my opinion.
I am with you CJW, only missed a couple of weekends this year when there was less than 10 knots within 100km. Once a windsurfer always a windsurfer 
Sold all my speed/ slalom kit to fund my foiling habit. Pity the last few boards haven't sold yet to fund the purchase of some more bump and jump gear for nuking summer days. Guess I will have to dig into my pocket as there are not many buying fin kit
Select to expand quoteMr Keen said..
I am with you CJW, only missed a couple of weekends this year when there was less than 10 knots within 100km. Once a windsurfer always a windsurfer Sold all my speed/ slalom kit to fund my foiling habit. Pity the last few boards haven't sold yet to fund the purchase of some more bump and jump gear for nuking summer days. Guess I will have to dig into my pocket as there are not many buying fin kit
Nooooooooo, you are so good at going fast . Next you'll be winging .
Select to expand quoteImax1 said..Mr Keen said..
I am with you CJW, only missed a couple of weekends this year when there was less than 10 knots within 100km. Once a windsurfer always a windsurfer Sold all my speed/ slalom kit to fund my foiling habit. Pity the last few boards haven't sold yet to fund the purchase of some more bump and jump gear for nuking summer days. Guess I will have to dig into my pocket as there are not many buying fin kit
Nooooooooo, you are so good at going fast . Next you'll be winging .
Ha ha. Will go fast again. Just don't have the time to invest in it at the moment. Will just embrace freeride fun until the time is right
Edit: the wing in my van (still in its box) is for the other half come summer
Select to expand quotemkseven said..
Surprised you havn't gone foil gestalt.
Isn't really a question of whether it's windsurfing but whether they should be in competition. Are there any other classes of sailing that directly competes foil vs hull?
If you start foiling you'll find that you're consistently going & the first time you wobble your way around a completely crap gybe but find yourself still going it'll click that on a course fin has no chance.
Put it in the hands of sailors, have a fin champ & foil champ & see who goes where. Must suck to be a long time pwa campaigner like taty only to have guys that are lower fleet on fin immediately be front of fleet on foil.
I can see it happening some day. I'm not lacking light wind windsurfing options but keen to try it at some point.
Select to expand quotemkseven said..
Surprised you havn't gone foil gestalt.
Isn't really a question of whether it's windsurfing but whether they should be in competition. Are there any other classes of sailing that directly competes foil vs hull?
If you start foiling you'll find that you're consistently going & the first time you wobble your way around a completely crap gybe but find yourself still going it'll click that on a course fin has no chance.
Put it in the hands of sailors, have a fin champ & foil champ & see who goes where. Must suck to be a long time pwa campaigner like taty only to have guys that are lower fleet on fin immediately be front of fleet on foil.
Bring in beach starts that will even it up a bit lol
