Hi there, hoping I can can some tips from some experienced people out there on what gear I need.
I have just started wing foiling lessons and want to get my own gear to progress. I live in Perth, I am 70 kg, 173 cm, 52 yo.
I used to windsurf when I was younger but haven't done it for many years, I was never really good at it but I could get going, water start etc... and with a bit of luck pull through the occasional gybe! My plan is to learn on the river in any kind of wind that will work.
What would you suggest I should get in terms of board, foil and wings. I am keen to get some gear that will help me learn and I understand that I will need to trade board and potentially foil once I have passed the beginner stage...
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.
I'd say a board +10 to +30 liters from your weight. If you go +10, you're more likely to keep the board longer as your low wind board and get a smaller sinker one at some point. Plus 30 will be easier to balance on at first, since you will be slogging for a while before you can foil. If you are a longtime normal surfer, then I think starting on a smaller +10 board would be pretty easy. I am 77kgs and started on a 105L 28" wide 5'10" board (F-one). I had not trouble balancing on it except for the first session. Then a 95L 5'4" 26" wide Fanatic 2022. This is harder to slog, but still possible without falling in chop. I could have learned on it.
Wing is dependent on the local wind. You'll be frothing and not want to wait for good wind and not know how to harness it, so you want a generous wing for most conditions +. 5m or a 6m.
panpanace, take what I say with a BIIIIG grain of salt as it worked for me but may not for you.
Im not talented. But am persistent and that's what gets me at a reasonable level of compentance in water sports. I too am 70kg, 175cm and 52.
I started with a 125L board and an older gen Naish wing. The board was excellent as it gave me lots of float and allowed me to stay upright for longer rather than getting pitched off in the slop we often get down here in Tas. It's not hindering me massively 9 months on with the extra width and length. I've been using a Konrad 118L board a lot lately and that is far more tippy, but much higher performance as it's shorter, narrower but thicker (corkier). Volume isn't the only thing that determines stability in a board. Shape is pretty important.
As for wings, I'd look to getting something medium sized. A 5m would be ideal in a lot of ways. I find anything bigger and I struggle to pump it efficiently as they become big and cumbersome. The biggest issue I have is the wingtips catching. I'm a big proponent of booms (windsurfing background) so have the Duotone Slick. Also, start in higher winds (15+ knots). It's easy to dump excess power, but a lot harder to acquire it to get up on the foil (by pumping) when learning.
As for foils, again, go big and something well reviewed. I started with Naish foils and liked them, but have made the switch to Axis and absolutely love them. The BSC 1060 is a ripper to start on. I also have the PNG 1300 and it has stupid lift in the light stuff - which is a big component of foiling for me.
Also, the other big thing that's helped me a lot especially with gybing is a long fuse. I got the Axis Windfoiling fuse (88cm long vs 76cm standard) and its noticeably slower to turn but you can tapdance on the board when it's flying and it won't throw you. Toeside ridinig is sooo much easier to learn as well. Now that said, when you master those things, you may find all the gear I've discussed will limit you later on. That I won't argue with, but I'll back it in, your learning curve will be easier with the gear I've suggested.
The other thing that will help is to look at the gear you're using in the foiling lessons. That may give you some idea of where you are in the learning curve too.
Thanks guys that is very useful info. @martyj4 since we have a similar profile, what mast height are you using?
Cheers
Find someone at your local spot and borrow their beginner huge board for at least 5 sessions, then buy an 80-90L board for yourself after you figured out how to wing a little.
I have a couple. I started with a 60cm but that's because a number of places I foil it's shallow. I've also got a 68cm, but the one I use most is the 80. You can definitely learn on an 80 and they'll give you a lot more progress later on as you improve, especially if you ride in some chop.
if you are willing to get new gear, go to your local board store and explain your situation. i don't want to speak to individual stores but there are stores in Perth that will be happy to let you 'demo' a large board for as long as you need if you buy a smaller board, rather than buy a board you will only use for half a dozen sessions.
Much like heroin but more expensive, they know you will come back for more.
