Foiling is a water sport that requires both technique and patience to master. In this blog, we'll dive into some essential tips and techniques to help you improve your foiling skills with Foil Drive, based on real experiences and demonstrations.

We recommend watching this Masterclass to get the most out of it! Scroll to the bottom to watch.

Choose the Right Gear

Choosing the right gear is crucial for foiling. For this Masterclass, Paul is using the Foil Drive MAX with a MAX Power battery and the Sunova 411 38l Pilot board. This session starts on the AXIS 1099 wing and goes through to the 999 and 899 wings to understand the nuances of technique.

Weight Distribution and Speed

One of the first things to master in foiling is weight distribution on the board. Being too far back on the board can cause you to stall, as the wing acts more like a brake. On the other hand, moving your weight forward and staying flat on the board helps in building speed, which is crucial for lift and a smooth transition to getting on foil.

When attempting to get up, avoid the urge to stand up too quickly. Instead, allow the board to gain sufficient speed while staying low and forward on the board. This helps the wing to fly rather than push water, which is key to a successful takeoff.

Building speed is essential for foiling. Without adequate speed, the wing cannot generate the necessary lift. In choppy conditions, this becomes even more critical as the water's surface adds an extra layer of complexity.

Experimenting with Smaller Wings

Using smaller wings, like the 899, requires even more precision and speed. Smaller wings have less lift at lower speeds, so you need to get the board moving faster to achieve the same lift as larger wings. This often involves using techniques like the double overhand paddle and dolphin kick to gain momentum.

Tips for Using Smaller Wings:

1. Boosting Correctly:

   • Use low throttle to get moving, then full throttle with Boost to gain speed.
   • Ensure your weight is forward to keep the board flat.

2. Double Overhand Paddle:

   • This technique helps to get the board moving faster by paddling while applying throttle.
   • It helps flatten the board, allowing it to gain speed and lift more efficiently.

Transitioning from Motor to Glide

When transitioning from motoring to gliding, avoid aggressive movements. A subtle pop-up is more effective than a forceful kick. This minimises the risk of unsettling the wing and the board, making for a smoother transition.

Pre-Spooling the Propeller

Starting the propeller in the water can cause unnecessary drag and vibration. Instead, pre-spool the propeller out of the water before dropping it in. This ensures a smoother and more efficient transition to powered flight.

Dealing with Stalls

If you find yourself in a stall, it's safer to let go and restart rather than trying to power through the stall. Overusing thrust in a stall situation can make recovery more difficult and potentially dangerous.

Final Thoughts

Mastering foiling is all about patience, technique, and understanding your gear. By focusing on correct weight distribution, building speed, and using the right techniques for smaller wings and transitions, you can significantly improve your foiling experience. Remember, practice makes perfect, and each session on the water brings you one step closer to mastering the art of foiling.

 If you want to learn more about Foil Drive, visit our help centre.

Watch the full Masterclass