Starting in lightwinds

A special technique is required

Foiling in light winds requires physical effort. If the wind blows too light at times for you to be able to foil using the force of the wind alone, a special technique is required:

(1) Check the water surface upwind. Gusts are visible on the water.

(2) When the gust arrives, turn the board onto a slight downwind course and start with a coordinated pumping movement of the wing and foil. You start with the wing to pick up speed.

(3) By putting weight on the back leg, the board lifts slightly out of the water after a wing pump. The wing is then moved forward again. The weight is then transferred to the front leg, which pushes the board down slightly parallel to the pump stroke. By sliding down again, you become faster and can generate a little more height for the next cycle by applying pressure to the back foot.

This wave-like movement becomes more intense the more speed you generate. The aim is to release the board from the surface of the water. Then continue pumping 1-2 more times so that the board accelerates on the foil and continues to glide safely.

Take a look at Stefan Spiessberger's technique in the integrated video tutorial above.

Basics Starting in lightwinds Level ★★☆☆ Rider: Stefan Spiessberger Text: Jürgen Schall Photos/Videos: Duotone DE

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