KITE FOILING

Board:

Size matters when learning to hydrofoil. The bigger the board, the easier it is to handle on water starts. So you should choose wisely and choose a bigger board at first. Before you lift your board out of the water, you'll have a more stable ride. Additionally, the ability to attach the strap to the board greatly enhances the kite's ability to learn to foil. Straps add stability on the board. After that, many advanced riders go strapless, on smaller, thinner boards.

Mast:

Mast size is probably the most important factor in choosing the right setup, especially for beginners. There are many variations of mast length that greatly affect running! Longer masts tend to be more unstable and require more balance and control to steer properly, so they are not suitable for beginners. Short masts tend to be more stable, so choose a short mast when practicing foiling on flat water. Medium length (approximately 65 cm or 26 inches) is recommended in unstable sea conditions as chop can hit the board and affect your riding. In short, it is recommended to practice foiling in flat water with a short mast, but if sailing in rough waters, choose a medium mast.

Wings:

Wings on the underside of the mast keep the device submerged while underway. It provides the board with buoyancy and stability out of the water so you can plan without sinking. Smaller wings generally work better at high speeds because they make the board more agile. However, when learning to foil, I recommend starting with the big wings. A wing's surface area is a good indicator of how much lift it produces. A larger area creates more lift. The best foil for beginners often uses a large front he wing as it lifts the rider up at low speeds for added stability. Its surface area is usually measured in square centimeters. A thicker profile wing produces more lift at low speeds and is more forgiving of small changes in angle of attack. Foils designed for high speed have a much thinner profile. You have better control, but you ll lose the lift when going slower. They usually take more skill to ride.

Another aspect to look for is the wing's extremity. It is better if the ends are rounded. This is not really related to the performance of a beginner, but rather, the safety of the rider and the other people around. As you may already know, there is a high risk of hitting the foil while practicing. Although it may happen to anyone, it is more likely to occur to beginners who obviously have less control. Rounded extremities will reduce the risks of injuries when hitting your foil.