What Is Windfoiling? Is It Difficult?
Windfoiling is a new era. It has changed the world of windsurfing. More and more people are thinking about it. You may have your own questions about this entire thing, but it still remains a fact that whoever has given this water activity a try, speaks positively about it.
It is truly a game-changer in the world of surfing, giving the sport a new level of excitement. So if you are amongst those who are tempted to wind foil, and are ready to ride at high speeds over the water, actually above it with wind speeds of 8 to 9 knots. You are welcome to join the game!
SO WHAT IS WINDFOLING? WHY YOU SHOULD GIVE IT A TRY?
If you are someone who is a beginner, with this article we will try and give you all the know-how of windfoiling, all about how this works, helping you with some tips as well as guidelines to let you know the right way of windfoiling.
Light windsurfing is fun, thinking of the good old times. Now it is the era of foil windsurf, so read our guide to learn more. The major difference in windfoiling as opposed to windsurfing is the hydrofoil which is attached to the fin for foiling, which is much larger. This hydrofoil generates a huge amount of force upwards that lifts the surfboard above the sea surface by two feet or more, allowing the surfer to move faster even in low wind speeds. Not just that it also adds another dimension to this sport, while you need to manage your steering upwind or steering downwind, you also need to constantly manage your height above the sea. Word of advice here! You may have some fantastic nosedives in your initial attempts, having said that you will learn fast. You will be surprised about how you feel, in your initial attempts.
WINDSURFING VS. WINDFOILING - THE DIFFERENCES
The first thing that you will notice is the excitement that you will feel listening to wind speed predictions, because setting up windfoils take longer than attaching a fin. They have some components that require assembling, lets say 15 to 20 minutes. But as you get accustomed to it, it can take you much lesser time.
Secondly, the sails are much smaller in windfoiling.
Thirdly, you need to be careful about the fin under the water, which requires you to keep clear of the shallows, and be careful of underwater stones.
Fourthly, to get started you need to maintain an upward angle for the board to level with the water, unlike surfboards. Moreover, there are chances you get your nosedives, so don't wear the harness (unless you want to catapult yourself).
LEARNING WINDFOILING, AND IS IT DIFFICULT?
The answer to this is: no, it is not. Learning to windfoil is easy, especially if you know the tricks of windsurfing. During your first few runs, you may find it difficult. You need to accustom yourself, you and need to move your body to control it, but some time later you will realize that your body weight and your position on the board plays a great role in the overall control of the windfoil.
The approximate time you will need to get going is normally 2 to 3 hours, and you can enjoy a relaxed flight after 3 to 4 sessions. Having said that, windfoiling requires much less physical activity as compared to surfboarding, just because you "fly" on the sea, so you don't have to deal with the friction of the water or related hydrodynamic drag. The force needed to sail over water is much lower, so you need much smaller sails in windfoiling as compared to windsurfing, given the same wind speed. The best part is you will not feel tired after posting your sessions, and it has got nothing to do with your age.
The best way to manage your first runs with a windfoil is to be light-footed. Get to know the correct body positioning, and ways to use the bodyweight. Keeping the body posture upright is the key since there is minimal traction. You use your back foot for lifting the nose that makes the board go higher, similarly move forward and press down, to lower the board.
FINAL WORDS
Though this sport is not dangerous, it is always recommended you use impact vests and helmets. Wearing wetsuits as well as boots will always be helpful. Happy Surfing!
