Wanted to share and thank Heliboy999's for posting his video on stance. I struggled for months learning to get up on foil. I tried different boards and wings and just could not get past the initial lift and stall or quick lift and breach. I had trouble keeping the nose down and controlling lift. His video really helped me figure out where to start and to methodically figure out where I should put my feet step by step. I had my best day yesterday. It was blowing 15kt with gusts to 20. I waited for the gusts and if I didn't lift, I shuffled back just a bit and try again. Eventually, I smoothly lifted off with more control and was able to keep flying for around 100 meters on my strong side and even got up for around 30 meters, a new personal best and an incredible feeling. I still have a lot to learn, but am so happy to at least be up on foil and wanted to share in case any readers are still struggling with this step.
Love Heliboy999 vids on youtube, found them incredibly helpful for my first flights.
DC
If you look at Alan Cadiz's winging videos you'll see that he only uses front foot straps and those straps are stretched out as far as possible, which allows him some flexibility as to where he places his front foot to control lift -- depending on wind conditions and the foil he is using.
The members who post videos here are usually very proficient foilers and make it look easy. The rest of us often feel like there must be something wrong with us if we are struggling, which we often are, especially at the beginning. These members who post videos are definitely athletic and often talented; however, they often have access to great winging conditions, good equipment and time on the water. If you have prior wind, SUP, surf or prone foiling experience then the transition to winging should be much quicker -- everyone else starts at the beginning along with all of the inevitable frustration.
Hellboy999's videos are visual and are rightly aimed at the everyday guy who just wants to get out there and get up on foil and have some fun. These videos are much more helpful than a video from a sponsored rider trying to explain how he or she rides a twenty foot wave or boosts fifteen foot jumps off of flat water -- few can relate to that. Even videos about how to gybe by sponsored riders often leave out important considerations, which if discussed, who make learning that much easier. Hellboy breaks it down to the basics, which is much needed and appreciated.
