In this foil technique guide, Dom walks us through the process of taking off using Foil Drive with a small negative volume prone board. He analyses video clips to highlight key techniques that ensure a smooth and successful take-off.

Initial Setup and Acceleration

First, focus on Dom's shoulders and upper body as he starts to accelerate. Notice how he pulls himself up towards the front of the board to keep its nose down. The motor generates lift, attempting to push the nose up, so counteracting this lift is crucial to maintain the board's flat position on the water. As Dom pulls himself onto his knees, he uses his arms to push down on the board's nose, keeping it level even as he transitions into a standing position. Keeping his hands on the nose of the board helps maintain forward body weight, preventing premature nose lift.

Achieving Planing Speed

Once Dom has gained enough speed and the board is planing on the water's surface, it's time for him to stand up. This action shifts his body weight backward, allowing the foil to lift the board. Consistently keeping his body weight forward is essential until he reaches sufficient speed. The key takeaway here is maintaining forward body weight to keep the board flat on the water, allowing him to build up the necessary speed for take-off.

Common Mistakes and Solutions

A frequent mistake in attempting to get on foil with a prone board is not building enough speed before lifting off. In slow motion, in the video, you can see that insufficient speed causes the tail to sink when bringing knees onto the board, resulting in excessive drag and inefficient travel through the water. This mistake drains the battery quickly. To avoid this, ensure the board is plaining on the water before attempting to stand.

If you're struggling to gain enough speed, try these techniques Dom recommends:

1. Quick Double-Handed Paddle Strokes: When you feel you're close but not quite there, use three rapid double-handed paddle strokes to boost your speed just enough to pop up and get on foil.
2. Kneeling Double-Handed Paddle Strokes: Alternatively, move onto your knees and perform the same quick paddle strokes. This method can be surprisingly effective in getting you over the speed threshold necessary for foiling.

Equipment Considerations

The size and volume of your board and foil significantly impact your ability to get on foil. In the demonstration, Dom used a board that was too small and low volume, resulting in an inability to plane and get on foil, despite using the correct technique. Conversely, Travis, using a slightly larger board, managed to get on foil easily despite demonstrating poor technique.

If you're having trouble foiling, consider using a slightly bigger board or foil until you refine your technique. This adjustment can provide the necessary lift and stability, making the learning process smoother.

Conclusion

Remember, the key elements are maintaining forward body weight, ensuring the board is flat on the water, and building sufficient speed before attempting to lift off. With practice and the right equipment adjustments, you'll master the take-off on a low volume board!

Watch the full Masterclass