I use to be so scared of the foil. The first time I foiled behind the boat I was able to get up on the first try. Learning to balance the foil was easy. However, the first time I tried to pull into the boat wave the foil bucked out and flipped up. Seemed like the foil had a mind of its own. This left me scared, because the reaction of the foil was unpredictable and it seemed like I would never be able to control it.
It took about 8 sessions behind the boat to feel more comfortable with how the foil acts in the water and on the wave. Here are a few tips that helped me finally surf the wave without a rope and get a better feel for the foil.
IMPORTANT WARNING | NEVER FIGHT THE FOIL
IF IT WANTS TO POP UP. JUST LET IT AND BAIL OFF THE BOARD. THIS WILL HELP YOU AVOID BEING STRUCK BY THE FOIL!
Step 1.) Getting Comfortable On The Foil
Spend some time in the glassy water outside the boat wake playing with your foot position and learning how to balance the foil as close to the water surface as possible. Front foot pressure will lower the foil and back foot pressure will raise the foil out of the water. If the foil breaches the water surface, it will slam the board back into the water. If you hear a gurgle sound coming from the foil this means the foil is about to breach the surface. Apply front foot pressure to avoid the board slamming.
Something that helped me feel like I had a little more control with how the foil reacted is playing with my foot position. I am using a little wider of a stance that I would normally use while I surf. This is helping me gain more control of how the foil reacts in different water current and flow. Learning to shift my weight with the water is also helping. For example when I pull into a wave I apply a massive amount of pressure on my front foot to keep the foil in the water.
Step 2.) Pulling Into The Wave
Once you are comfortable balancing on the foil it is time to pull into the wave! You will be surprised at the amount of energy the foil generates even on the smallest waves. An easy way to pull into the wave, is to cut to the outside of the wake zone as soon as you are up on the board. From the outside of the boat wake slowly swing into the wave applying front foot pressure until you adjust to how much lift the foil will generate from the wave.
If you are pulling into the wave from behind you will need to put a massive amount of foot pressure on the front foot while you pull over the top of the wave. If you try and pull over the wave without massive front foot pressure. The energy will throw the foil into the air!
I have been having so much fun surfing the 2nd wave back. I have even been able to transfer from on side of the boat wave to the other. It is my goal to be able to fly across from one wave to another super easy. I am slowly working on getting my pumping skill down and want to SUP flat water and some downwind races next year!!!
Stay loyal to the foil and I will see you on the water!!!
