Hydrofoil kitesurf is the boom of the moment, the small great revolution taking place in the world of kitesurfing. For some years now the number of hydrofoil present in our spots has seen an exponential growth. So it happens that on hot summer days, when the breezes persist in remaining under 10 knots, while a part of kiters darts on their futuristic tables, the remaining part questions the operation and prospects of the foilboard.
One of the main problems of hydrofoil kitesurfing is that, if not addressed properly, it can be very difficult, even frustrating. For this reason many, after an occasional test with the material lent by a friend, abandon the discipline classifying it as too complicated, dangerous, little fun.
Here are 10 simple tips to get closer to kitefoil in the right way and not be discouraged by the first failures:
Hydrofoil kitesurf: 10 tips
1 The hydrofoil Kitesurf is for expert kiters
Forget about kitesurfing beginners. The kitefoil is a discipline for advanced level riders , in short for those who already have excellent control of sailing and board and a good experience in navigation, preferably with directional boards. If this is not your level, I advise you to do some more practice before embarking on this new challenge.
2 The hydrofoil kitesurf can be dangerous
Attention to safety : it is important not to underestimate the danger deriving from the use of a foilboard and always use an impact vest and helmet . Especially at the beginning it is also useful to wear sandals and a long wetsuit to protect you, at least in part, from the possible cuts caused by the fin that can be very sharp ... but above all it has the bad habit of continuing by inertia in its path, also after having unseated you. This means that if you fall forward there is a good chance that your foilboard will end its run on you.
3 The hydrofoil kitesurf is easier to learn with a foil for beginners
Start with a suitable foilit simplifies learning a lot. Beginner foils are more stable and manageable and will greatly simplify things. Choosing the right drift and the right table will help you to significantly reduce learning times, frustration and accidents. Most of the brands offer hydrofoil kits for beginners with interchangeable columns of different sizes. In general, you start with a 40cm column that will help you get acquainted with the departures and with this new equipment, not yet to get up. After a few exits it will already be possible to switch to a column of about 60cm with which you will be able to make the "dolphin" as it is called in slang, that is, small ibalzi or tracts out of the water. When your gait will be stable and you will be able to manage the novelty by now, you will be able to move on to the 80cm one or so ... and that's where beauty begins! If you do not intend to buy a beginner's foil, consider renting or even a day-long course to try the right equipment.
4 Hydrofoil kitesurf is safer than strapless
Start by using your foilboard with the straps , but remove them as soon as possible. The straps are actually a double-edged sword because on the one hand they help start, on the other they can be dangerous in the event of a fall. For this reason it is generally advised to abandon them as soon as possible, as soon as enough confidence is taken to be able to leave without uncertainty.
5 In kitefoiling, sailing is also important
Use a suitable sail that is smaller than the one you would use with a twin tip or a surfino. Even with very light wind it is useless to use sails over 10 - 12mq as the hydrofoil offers really minimal aerodynamic resistance. The important thing is that the sail floats well in the air and is easy to relaunch even in light winds. Many brands are proposing kiteboarding sails specific for kitefoiling ... try to give this article some of the best kites for kite foiling to get an idea of ??
6 Test your foilboard with the right conditions
Choosing the right conditions for your first few releases is crucial . Starting with waves and too strong winds can only complicate things. Choose days with flat water and I sell not too strong for your first attempts.
7 Start with body drag to get familiar with your foilboard
Spending some time on body drag is more useful than it seems. Yes I know that you are expert kiters and going back to body drag seems demeaning to you, but trust me, it serves. The bodydrag with a foilboard helps you to manage the board well with this bulky appendix, to understand how to move it and maneuver it so that it does not end up continually on the shins !.
8 The hydrofoil kitesurf goes fast!
Attention during the very first edges not to get too carried away . In the first outings, try not to lift the board, but try to concentrate to keep it in the water. Also keep in mind that you are not yet familiar with the vehicle, so avoid making edges that are too long and don't stray too far. Keep in mind that with the foil you go much faster and therefore you cover a great distance in less time.
9 The hydrofoil kitesurf is not learned in 5 minutes
Avoid 5-minute tests and go . They will only serve to discourage you. There is a lot of kiters on the beach who, after a hit and run test, declare that it's not for them, and the reason is that, even if you are expert kiters, learning kitefoil takes time and dedication. If you have found those willing to lend you their foil to try, make sure it is not the latest ultra-performance model. If it's really a model for intermediate or beginners, great, take advantage of it, but make sure you have more than 5 minutes to go!
10 Evaluate well before buying your foil
Before buying a random foil, maybe just because you found it used at a good price, consider your options well. One possibility could be to take a small course , even just a day or two. In this way you will have the advantage of trying out beginner equipment that will greatly facilitate you. After this test you will already be able to buy an intermediate foil, overcoming the choice made to those who begin: do I buy a beginner's foil, easy but that will soon tire me out or I'm already on a more performing model but I resign myself to suffer to learn? You don't find any school in the area or don't want to take a course? Follow at least one online course on the Foil Academy website. This is a completely free educational project by Slingshot organized in 10 progressive lessons which through videotutorial explains what kitefoil is and what it can do. The online course includes basics on equipment, assembly of appendices, safety, body drag, water start, riding, direction changes and to finish the jumps!
Pubblicato il 09 maggio 2018 | Blog > Technique: KITESURF