Yesterday as a test I used my 4m wing in conditions I would normally use my 5m. It was 15 to 19 knots, I'm 77kgs, board 85L, 1450cm2 foil (which I use in everything bar very light) , in the sea with bumps not waves. I havnt had the 4m long but I purchased it for 20+ knots. I loved using it yesterday it felt tiny and I took off easy with a little gust and a good pump.
As I have improved if I'm cruising and taking some downwind bumps I don't fall that often and therefore don't need to restart that often.
My question to intermediate and advanced riders is do you use smaller wings the more competent you have become? If so what is in your quiver for your wind range?
When I learnt I used 6.4m for anything upto 20knots to muscle onto the foil. I progressed to using the 6.4 to 16 knots and the 5m from then on. Then progressed to 6.4 to 12 knots, 5m to 20 knots and 4m from then on. And yesterday I realised 4m had a lower range that I thought.
My pumping is significantly better with board and wing and I love the feeling of smaller wings in my hand.
Interested to hear any thoughts..
For sure. I'm needing less and less raw wing power. You also learn to dog better and wait for gusts to start rather than pump like you are having an epileptic fit only to have your lungs explode and your arms to feel like rock.
Then you fall off and Then and only then... the actually gust you need comes through. And yeh your tubes near 100 percent and get tighter and tighter.
Yep agree. Same goes for foil wings too. Just today I was out on a 4m and a GL120...a combo that is lightning fast but I used to need above 20kts to even think about it. Today was 15 to 20.
I'm just a beginner but the 3.5M A-wing is a joy to use after learning on the 5.5M. I just returned to the great white north after a trip to Florida. I can't wait to get back out on the wing foil.
Select to expand quoteeppo said..
For sure. I'm needing less and less raw wing power. You also learn to dog better and wait for gusts to start rather than pump like you are having an epileptic fit only to have your lungs explode and your arms to feel like rock.
Then you fall off and Then and only then... the actually gust you need comes through. And yeh your tubes near 100 percent and get tighter and tighter.
Lol.. Its funny how ever much your brain tells you to wait for the gust all of a sudden you arms say fxxx that I'm pumping!!
I can't get enough of this sport, the progression and fun is insane. :)
