Went out on my 2.8M Swing today, in the solid gusts the wing generates plenty of pull and I can generate speed and get on foil. What I struggle with is the short and gutless gusts where there is an initial pull, usually enough to get moving, but then it drops out and no amount of wing or board pumping generates enough speed to get on foil. I know I was undersized for the conditions, but due to a recent quiver change my next size up was a 4.5M and that was overpowered.
My question relates to the technique for using the small, handkerchief sized wings and how to get the wing to catch and hold the wind. I've tried holding wing high, holding low and forward, heading across the wind, upwards into the wind and slightly downwind trying to use the bumps for assistance, Ive tired fast fluttering pumps and slower cyclic pumps.
I used an inordinate amount of expletives in todays session as well, but that didn't generate enough wind unfortunately.
Yes, I understand I needed a slightly bigger wing for todays conditions, but I just can't seem to find a method that gives me a consistent amount of drive for long enough to get on foil so looking for suggestions from the tribe....
With small wings it's very easy to over sheet you really need to be conscious about that and then there a bit more user friendly hope this helps
I think this is pretty normal in gusty conditions. Winging here in the Gorge when the gauge is reading 20-40 knots I prefer being on a 2m strike v3, 650 Silk, and -10l Carver 5'11"x20"x77l.
Patience is key, you can't generate power with the small ones like you can with the big ones. Get your timing right to sinc up the push of the swell with the wind gusts (make sure your takeoff direction is in alignment as well) and then you'll get more success.
I sold my -20l board because of this issue. It was no big deal with average size wings and foils but when I was on my smallest kit things were just too unreliable.
Tiny sizes are where some of the biggest improvements have come, lately.
So, if the brand you ride is in that club, don't build a quiver with the oldest stuff being your tiny sizes. It's tempting to only upgrade your most used sizes, and ignore the tiny ones.
Select to expand quoteDWF said..
Tiny sizes are where some of the biggest improvements have come, lately.
So, if the brand you ride is in that club, don't build a quiver with the oldest stuff being your tiny sizes. It's tempting to only upgrade your most used sizes, and ignore the tiny ones.
Any brands in particular? Im not tied to any brand and always seeking out the best gear that's available (at a reasonable cost)
Select to expand quotecamerongraham said..DWF said..
Tiny sizes are where some of the biggest improvements have come, lately.
So, if the brand you ride is in that club, don't build a quiver with the oldest stuff being your tiny sizes. It's tempting to only upgrade your most used sizes, and ignore the tiny ones.
Any brands in particular? Im not tied to any brand and always seeking out the best gear that's available (at a reasonable cost)
Technology has come a long was since V2 wings Cam.
For the budget conscious, go get a Gong Droid amarid 3.0m, they're sold to Aus without Vat and reasonably priced for the extreme performance you'd be getting.
An actual performance wing and you could size down wings super early with your big boards.
Technique isn't that much harder for a smaller wing. You just have to pump and put in more effort into getting on foil than you'd normally expect.
Select to expand quotecamerongraham said..DWF said..
Tiny sizes are where some of the biggest improvements have come, lately.
So, if the brand you ride is in that club, don't build a quiver with the oldest stuff being your tiny sizes. It's tempting to only upgrade your most used sizes, and ignore the tiny ones.
Any brands in particular? Im not tied to any brand and always seeking out the best gear that's available (at a reasonable cost)
Duotone is one, from personal experience and insider knowledge. Personal observation in the Gorge of tiny Slingshot sizes, shows they made gains with the current model. Saw a 2 something F-one of the current year (I think) beating its rider to death, so not that brand.
