Just starting on the wingfoil journey. I've had a few go's in patchy wind. out today in 10knts, I know need more wind but it's been desperate here.
when I try to pump wing (scoop as in Damien Leroy style) it feels like it's flapping and not effective. I bear of wind in as bigger gust as comes along then try to pump. Wing (5.3) flaps and can catch the tip. Any advice? how do these guys get going in winds as light as 8knts? Amazing. thanks in advance.
Only 10 knots is great for learning and for your first few sessions all you want to learn is how to putter out trying not to go downwind (off the foil) and learn the non foiling jibe.. and get back to where you started from without having to do the walk of shame..
Once you've mastered that and you are ready to try and get up foiling you will need a little more wind (16-20 knots) and try and hold your line slightly upwind and then head slightly off the wind when trying to get on the foil.. When you feel the wing tip catching the water quickly drop your rear hand down and the wing will fly back up off the water.. The common mistake is to lift your rear hand when the wing tip touches the water and doing this make things worse..
Pumping the wing is a two handed thing and not just a back hand like windsurfing so maybe that's what's happening.. Practice, practice, practice.. and good luck.
The flapping from probably due to not catching enough wind. ( too light for experience level). Pumping a wing can actually be pretty technical and the most effective technique can vary with different wings ( and even sizes within one model). It takes a while to master. Be patient.
What wing is it and have you pumped it to the proper PSI? Practice with the wing on land first and then take it to the water and follow DavidJohn's advice. Patience is a virtue.
Yes I also got a lot of good info out of that video. I feel like the circular motion combined with the in and out motion really helps to keep the wing full of air and drive it forward. Good wing pumping technique makes such a difference in low end.
I am learning to pump too and one thing I learned today is to build a little upwind speed and pressure in the wing by holding it above your head with arms extended. Wait for a gust and then slowing start pumping above your head slowly as you bring it down to a 45 degree angle being very careful not to let the tip touch the water. The key is to feel the resistance and pressure in the wing from the wind before you start pumping. It you don't feel it after two or three pumps, stop. You are just wasting energy. It takes time to find the right angle and rhythm. Starting in stronger winds, 15 kts or above, helps get that feeling of pull in the wing from the wind. If you are using a big 6m wing, make smaller, circular pumps. As you gain speed, bear off a little and drive the board with your feet to get more water flowing over the foil. Keep the board steady as you lift and then head up wind to keep pressure in the wing. Put pressure on your front foot, push your hips forward, bring the wing closer to the front of the board and fly. You'll get it. It just takes time on the water. Good luck!
Select to expand quotedejavu said..
What wing is it and have you pumped it to the proper PSI? Practice with the wing on land first and then take it to the water and follow DavidJohn's advice. Patience is a virtue.
Naish S26 5.3m, 8psi. thanks.
I'm only in my 3rd month of winging but my initial thought is that 10 knts is just too light unless you get an occasional 14knt gust.
I've found you need to pump the foil at the same time you pump the wing, make sure you're driving your front foot down on the pumps and leaning forward to build momentum.
Again, 10knts is a good time to work on light air skills, staying up wind, practice light wind jibing.
DC
Great advice above. Especially the holding of the wing a little higher till you feel the momentum. Also the circle motion, actually the best is more of an oval or egg shape pump, keeping the wind in your wing. Think micro efficient pumps. It'll take awhile, but eventually you'll learn when you're just wasting energy getting up. Eventually you'll learn when to start w the micro pumps to test the waters and then increase the size of the oval to go for it.
I only see pumping the wing as secondary to pumping the foil. In my experience its mostly pumping the foil which is doing the work, pumping the wing helps to unweight the board at the right moment. eg, stomp down, and pump the wing to help you lift up from the board. I've found 5.0 to be the best size to pump, bigger and the wingtips catch too easily. Also, inflating your wing a PSI harder than recommended (at your own peril, no problems yet with F-One wings) helps the pumping in light wind tremendously.
Beginner here.
Using 6.0 Naish, 8 lbs. psi, wing is pretty solid when I pump.
Tried 6 lbs when new, seemed ok but folded when tips caught...5 months ago.
Didn't someone here on Seabreeze say lighter pressure pumps better in light breeze and more pressure controls high wind better?
Select to expand quoteLeeD said..
Didn't someone here on Seabreeze say lighter pressure pumps better in light breeze and more pressure controls high wind better?
My Slicks work best with recommended pressure for lighter winds and one psi less (bleed some wind) for higher winds to extend range.
