5 tips for getting started with Downwind Foiling

Imagine gliding above the waves, almost as if you were flying above the ocean!

Derived from downwind paddling, which has been practiced in SUP for about ten years, downwind foiling consists of going down choppy water by letting yourself be carried by the wind and swell trains while flying!

Downwind paddling is the definition of freedom; set off with your board and paddle for flights that can last several hours depending on the spot chosen.

The idea in downwind is not to go as fast as possible or to carve as hard as possible, the goal is to glide as long as possible on the swell using your energy to move forward.

Downwind foiling is accessible through different routes, some more difficult than others and requiring greater experience.

• The wing option: Learning with a wing foil is the simplest method. During your wing foil sessions, find a swell, take the wing in freefly mode, and let yourself be carried by the wave. As you gain experience, you can start paddling and therefore do real downwinders.
• Another option, for more experienced practitioners, is to jump straight into the deep end by paddling to learn how to manage takeoff and trajectories.

Therefore, everyone can practice downwind sailing at their own level, and with training, anything is possible.

The mast:

Choosing the right mast is crucial. A mast's stiffness is fundamental for maximum control in your turns. The stiffer your foil, the more precise your control will be. If you're using an aluminum mast, one over 17 cm will be necessary to accommodate large front foil wings. Conversely, with a carbon mast, you'll need the best balance between a very thin and stiff mast. Generally, a 14mm high-modulus mast (100% high-modulus M40J) is perfect for downwind riding. You'll gain glide, improved flight efficiency, and thus be able to fly further with less effort.

Front fin size: This is the engine of the foil; the size of your fin will influence your turning ability, as well as your ability to get going early and maintain momentum by pumping when needed. A smaller fin will be more maneuverable but will have less low-end power for pumping. The choice of this fin is also influenced by weather conditions; when the swell is strong and powerful, the fin's surface area is reduced.

We've launched a range specifically for downwind sailing: the UHA Downwind range . This range features front fins with a high aspect ratio to maximize glide.

To start, we recommend using the largest UHA 1260 to maximize takeoff and flight time. Then , as your skill level, size, and conditions improve, you can reduce the size of the front wing.

Fuselage: The fuselage length affects the responsiveness of your foil, allowing it to pitch freely. A shorter fuselage will make the foil more reactive, maneuverable, and unstable. A longer fuselage provides greater stability. It's also possible to find fuselages with a mast/fuselage junction set further back to allow for more efficient pumping.

The stabilizer: As the name suggests, its purpose is to stabilize the foil. A large stabilizer will make your foil more "docile," while a small one will make it more responsive. A smaller stabilizer will reduce drag and increase your foil's speed.

Carbon or aluminum foil: Both work very well; it's a matter of budget. An aluminum foil will be less expensive and more impact-resistant. A carbon foil will be faster and more maneuverable thanks to its shorter chord and thinner profile, but it will be more expensive.

An example of an ideal foil for downwind practice from SROKA is the UHA 1260 cm2 front wing with an 80 cm mast and a standard fuselage.

An alternative to paddling

Recently, a solution has emerged: using a small traction kite connected directly to a small bar to get going very early without needing to paddle. It's called a para wing. Essentially, instead of paddling, you inflate a small wing with the wind and let yourself fly with it. When you want to, you fold the wing into a small bag and fly effortlessly.

This alternative is intended for beginners or anyone who wants to discover the activity with a low level of rowing technique.

The ultimate advantage of this parawing solution for downwind flying is the ability to take off even if you no longer have the strength to paddle. (This can also be seen as a safety feature.)

Don't overestimate yourself, choose a spot with few people to start with and above all, move away from everyone to avoid colliding with another person.

Choose conditions where takeoff is easy but where the chop won't throw you off balance. Find a spot where the swell is directly in line with the wind.

Be careful at low tide when there is generally no bottom and the swell may be less in some places.

Before heading out on a wave, get used to the board's stability. If you're a complete beginner, try paddling on flat water first to better understand how the board handles. Practice paddling on the same side every time, trying to stay as straight as possible. This exercise will help you improve your paddling technique.

The technique differs slightly with a shortboard versus a longboard. But efficient paddling is fundamental for getting going easily. It's the explosiveness of your stroke that will propel you forward quickly, allowing you to gain speed and be carried by the wave.

Practice the flat start technique as shown in the video. (even if you can't manage a flat start)

Once airborne, a few well-timed paddle strokes can save you from situations where you risk losing flight, such as losing a swell train or losing your balance.

If you have managed to generate enough lift to take off on flat ground (or if you feel that you are close to taking off), it is time to choose a slope to help you with a wave.