Surf foiling has revolutionized the world of surfing, offering a unique sensation of gliding and flying above the water. But choosing the right equipment can seem complex. SROKA Company, with the expertise of Bruno SROKA (three-time kitesurfing world champion) and expert in board sports, guides you step-by-step to find the perfect board and foil for surf foiling and an unforgettable experience.
What is Surf Foil and Why Choose This Sport?
1.1. The Surfing Revolution:
Surf foiling is a discipline that uses a foil attached under a board to allow the rider to rise above the water surface, creating a sensation of "flying". This innovation opens up new possibilities, making it possible to surf smaller, softer waves, and to extend the glide indefinitely. As you progress, you will find that Surf Foil is as athletic as surfing and proves to be very beneficial for cardio. It is also the step to go Downwind (in SurfFoil or SUPfoil) or towed surfing with a foil.
1.2. Unique Sensations:
- Infinite Glide: The foil eliminates board friction on the water, offering a smooth, silent glide and the ability to reconnect wave after wave.
- Speed and Maneuverability: Surf foiling allows for high speeds and tight turns on tiny waves. It offers formidable efficiency.
- Accessibility: It allows surfing less powerful waves, surfing waves where no surfer can go, and practicing in more varied conditions. It is the ultimate weapon for micro summer waves.
1.3. Why SROKA Company is your ally:
- SROKA Company has been developing surf foils for over 5 years; we offer a complete range of boards and foils designed for performance but also for beginners looking for accessibility.
- Our expertise and passion for board sports guarantee you quality equipment, adapted to your level and needs.
Different Types of Surf Foils: Find Your Style
2.1. Pure Surf Foil:
- Description: This practice mainly focuses on using swell and wave power to generate speed and perform maneuvers similar to traditional surfing (carving, cutback). The big difference is, with a bit of technique, you can get back to the peak without paddling but by pumping. Generally, foils with front wings around 1000 -1200 cm2 are used. The bigger the swell, the smaller the front wing will be to maximize control and speed. The smaller the swell, the larger the front wing of the Surf foil will be to fly more easily and stay airborne longer.
- Recommended SROKA equipment: We have two specific Surf foil board types. The Elite SW range, which comes in three sizes: the SW 44 at 32 L, the SW50 at 40 L, and the SW56 at 50L. The longer the board, the earlier it will take off but will turn a little less. A smaller board will turn more radically but will take off a little later. And secondly, we have the Fast Flyer 4’6 at 38L. A very good board to start surf foiling. For the foil, we recommend the HA range in 1190 L for beginners; it's a good compromise of power and glide that will allow you to get started. For efficiency, we recommend the UHA range, which will optimize pumping and allow you to gain efficiency. Then there's the question of a carbon or aluminum foil. The S-foil in aluminum will be more economical but a little heavier; the carbon version of the Elite range in 14 mm will provide more efficiency and responsiveness.
2.2. Prone Foil:
- Description: Prone foiling consists of covering long distances following the wind direction, using the swell to generate speed and glide. You start on a wave and then catch the lines of swell from offshore.
- Recommended SROKA equipment: The 5’6 SW will be the most suitable for this type of condition. It will provide an easy glide for you to fly like a bird.
How to Choose Your Surf Foil Board: The SROKA Guide
3.1. Size and Volume:
- Description: This versatile practice combines elements of surf foil and downwind foil, allowing you to enjoy gliding on waves and covering moderate distances.
- Recommended SROKA equipment: For beginners or those on a budget, we recommend starting with the Fast Flyer 4'6 board which will give you the opportunity to progress quickly at a low price. For more experienced riders, we recommend the SW range. For those looking for an easy glide, or heavier riders, we recommend the SW 5’6; for average builds, the SW 5’0; and for smaller builds or experts, we recommend the SW4’4.
3.2. The Shape:
- Outline: The outline (general shape of the board) influences its maneuverability and speed. A straighter outline offers more stability and better glide when paddling, while a more curved outline makes turns easier. SROKA boards are designed with outlines optimized according to your level.
- Rocker: The rocker (the curve of the hull) influences the board's ability to plane early and turn. A more pronounced rocker facilitates tight turns, while a flatter rocker promotes speed and therefore takeoff, but will be more difficult to manage on very hollow waves.
- Tail: The shape of the tail (rear of the board) plays a role in maneuverability. A square tail offers more stability but will turn less, and the tail of the board may touch the water on tight turns, whereas a more pinched and narrow tail facilitates tight turns without the board touching the water.
3.3. Construction and Materials:
- EPS and fiberglass: A light and reactive construction, ideal for beginners and intermediate practitioners. But more fragile.
- Carbon: A more rigid and solid construction, offering maximum performance for experienced riders. SROKA boards from the Elite SW range use high-quality materials for optimal durability and performance. Maximum rigidity, strength, and performance.
How to Choose Your Foil: SROKA Expertise
4.1. The Front Wing:
- Surface: A larger front wing provides more lift and easier takeoff, ideal for beginners and soft waves. A smaller front wing offers more speed and maneuverability, suitable for experienced riders and more powerful waves.
- Aspect ratio: A low aspect ratio front wing offers more maneuverability and a lot of stability, while a high aspect ratio front wing offers more glide and speed but will turn less sharply.
- Profile: The profile is the key to a foil's performance. It influences the foil's lift, speed, and maneuverability. SROKA foils are designed with different profiles according to skill levels and are optimized for each practice.
4.2. The Stabilizer:
- The stabilizer controls the stability and maneuverability of the foil. A smaller stabilizer offers more maneuverability and responsiveness, while a larger stabilizer offers more stability and will be easier for beginners.
4.3. The Mast:
- The length of the mast influences flight height and maneuverability. A shorter mast is easier to control, while a longer mast allows for better passage through choppy water. Generally, for surf foiling, a mast between 70 and 80 cm is perfect.
4.4. The Fuselage:
- The length of the fuselage influences stability and maneuverability. A shorter fuselage offers more maneuverability and less longitudinal stability, making it easier to oscillate by pumping, while a longer fuselage offers more stability.
Choosing the foil according to the spot and conditions
Pay attention to your spot choice. Indeed, it will vary depending on your foil. It is imperative to plan a safety margin with the bottom under the foil.
Ask locals or carefully analyze the body of water. Waves breaking very close to shore will be more difficult to get up on and get out quickly. Waves further from shore will be simpler and allow you to optimize surf time. De-program your way of thinking about your spot as in surfing. No need for a breaking wave, no need for a big wave; rather, look for all the waves no one wants (soft, breaking and reforming, a ripple...).
The spot doesn't need to have big wave conditions. That's the advantage of Surf-Foil: you can get up on a wave with a gentle slope and less than 60 cm high. Depending on the spot, you can (if your technique allows it) start directly from the beach and reach the peak with the beach start pumping technique.
In any case, an uncrowded spot will be the best option.
How does a Foil work?
Do you dream of surfing the swell, varying your playgrounds, far from crowded waves? At SROKA Company, Surf-Foil in freeride is one of our passions. Our goal is to share it with you, thanks to equipment that we enjoy developing and using ourselves, without being overpriced, through this article.
All our answers to the questions you ask yourself when choosing your Foil!
- How does a Foil work?
- What is the composition of a Surf Foil?
- How to choose your foil based on your practice and level?
- How to choose your Surf Foil board?
- How to choose your Surf Foil according to the spot?
- In summary…
SROKA Company offers a complete range of boards and foils designed for all levels and styles of practice. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find the ideal equipment to experience unique sensations and push your limits.
If you still have questions about this, or for any other request, do not hesitate to contact us!