Forums > Windsurfing Wave sailing

Wavesailing in less than 10 knots

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Created by boffe 3 months ago, 24 Aug 2025
boffe
VIC, 158 posts
24 Aug 2025 8:01PM
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Nicko29
81 posts
24 Aug 2025 11:41PM
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Sorry mate but there is too much talking in front of the cam and not enough riding for me.

Too bad as I'm always interested in float n'ride videos since that's a huge part of my sailing in Brittany. I like to see what others riders use in those very specific conditions.

boffe
VIC, 158 posts
25 Aug 2025 9:42AM
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Nicko29 said..
Sorry mate but there is too much talking in front of the cam and not enough riding for me.

Too bad as I'm always interested in float n'ride videos since that's a huge part of my sailing in Brittany. I like to see what others riders use in those very specific conditions.


No worries Nicko!!

I was just trying to tell a story making more interesting for more people! I'll post more of this float and ride videos as it's big part of my sailing as well here Down Under!!

Where do you sail the most and what's your setup?

I was using 5,5 Hotsail Spiderlock and a custom Flikka 94lt x 59.5 wide here. I had a 99/Acme Kauli Seadi Pro Model before that was 98lt and 60.5 wide that was really allowing me to go out in no wind but the tail on that board was too tick with too much volume under the footstraps and when the waves were not super smooth the board started chattering and bouncing around.

Pretty happy with my setup now but in extremely light wind I struggle a little bit more than before, but we're talking about less than 12 knots and good waves to pass!

Gestalt
QLD, 14627 posts
25 Aug 2025 3:41PM
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Normally I'd agree with Nicko but enjoyed your video. Loved the story telling for this one

Nicko29
81 posts
26 Aug 2025 1:00AM
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Gestalt said..
Normally I'd agree with Nicko but enjoyed your video. Loved the story telling for this one


Haha maybe I should re watch it and listen to Boffe!

To answer Boffe, I sail between La torche and Audierne, if the swell is small. And in the Douarnenez bay if the swell is big. And some other spots around.

Setup is Patrik tww 83 and 5.0 blacktip. I also recently bought a jp thruster quad 89 which is more nimble than the Patrik once planing but is less stable so harder to uphaul and less efficient to slug through the break and position for the next wave. So I might bought a bigger board.

Taavi
407 posts
27 Aug 2025 1:20PM
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Good story @boffe!

I never had a special float and ride setup, always used the same board I use in windy conditions too. Not ideal, but makes the logistics that much easier. Collected a few light wind day clips, with some comments.

A bit too light day, a good technique to master is at 02:31 - if the wave is fast and not too big, then it does not matter that you are standing still, it's still possible to get over the wave, if lucky.



The same day as above. Once got caught inside and then it took 15 minutes easy to get out again. A speeded up clip of that:



A pretty desperate "last day of the trip" conditions, super good vibe and and only a very few people out.



When already moving with the speed of the wave there is some wind in the sail, but catching the waves was still a major pain, and then close to the shore there was nothing. Pretty nice feeling to be only one out there.



A really desperate day, but the one turn wave was still worth it, like always.



Oh, and perhaps the most fun float and ride day in a craziest spot I have ever had chance to ride. Crayfish Factory. So many stupid mistakes, but a few nice rides too.

boffe
VIC, 158 posts
27 Aug 2025 4:20PM
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Taavi said..
Good story @boffe!

I never had a special float and ride setup, always used the same board I use in windy conditions too. Not ideal, but makes the logistics that much easier. Collected a few light wind day clips, with some comments.

A bit too light day, a good technique to master is at 02:31 - if the wave is fast and not too big, then it does not matter that you are standing still, it's still possible to get over the wave, if lucky.



The same day as above. Once got caught inside and then it took 15 minutes easy to get out again. A speeded up clip of that:



A pretty desperate "last day of the trip" conditions, super good vibe and and only a very few people out.



When already moving with the speed of the wave there is some wind in the sail, but catching the waves was still a major pain, and then close to the shore there was nothing. Pretty nice feeling to be only one out there.



A really desperate day, but the one turn wave was still worth it, like always.



Hey Taavi!!

I can recognise some spots in your videos!!! Is that Yzerfontain?!? EPIC SPOT love it!!! away from the cpt crowd!!!

And as you can see the best waves often come with light wind, and light wind makes better and glassier waves!!! Even in a consistent windy place like Cape Town!! So having a bigger wave board with a proper rockerline for those days totally makes sense to me!!

For me having a floaty board that still have the "magic" turny feeling is only achievable with a custom shape, talking about proper powerful waves. Also having something floaty helps with the current and positioning; helping battling the rip against kiters that always have the advantage to go upwind, like in Hakgat....

Nicko29
81 posts
28 Aug 2025 1:11AM
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I guess if there is kites flying then the wind is above 10kt and you can usually waterstart, at least on the back of the waves.

When it's really light, usually there no kites nor wings on the water. Then a dedicated board really makes a difference.

Taavi
407 posts
28 Aug 2025 9:32PM
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Nicko29 said..
I guess if there is kites flying then the wind is above 10kt and you can usually waterstart...


Never underestimate how little wind good wave kiters, who travel to good wave spots, actually need. And also, with offshore wind there can be significant differences between the wind strength at the water level and up high in the air where the kites are. Generally, if you see that the water is glassy, it means there is very little wind.



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"Wavesailing in less than 10 knots" started by boffe