A whole session without touching the water—that's the promise of the jibe . Jibing allows you to turn around and provides an exhilarating feeling of acceleration . It's also the fundamental maneuver to start having fun on the swell and tackling your first waves on a WingFoil. Furthermore, mastering this technique will help you progress in wing waveriding and perform bottom turns (half-jibes) on a wave. Once mastered, the jibe allows you to link surfs and tacks, without ever losing the thrill of flight. Wondering how to nail your first WingFoil jibe? Here are our tips.
Just like in windsurfing, a wing foil jibe allows you to turn around with the wind at your back. This maneuver is learned before tacking because it's easier to perform. Before starting, choose a flat body of water, not too crowded, with 15 to 20 knots of wind, and no offshore wind . Furthermore, it will be easier to start without footstraps. You're more mobile to recover from mistakes and correct any poor foot placement on the board.
To successfully execute a jibe in wing foiling, there are two essential methods. The Regular Stance, or Jibe to Switch , requires changing your stance once the turn is complete . It's also very simple because you initiate the turn facing the wing and exit with your back to it. The second method is the Switch Stance, or Switch to Jibe , which requires switching your feet before initiating the turn . This jibe is the most accessible because you don't have to worry about switching your feet at the end of the turn. However, it's very personal. You might find it easier to perform a standard jibe on one side and a switch to jibe on the other. Try both to see which is easier for you.
How to jibe in Wing Foil?
Before explaining these two methods in detail, here are some fundamental rules:
- Jibez on your natural stance (goofy or regular).
- Look carefully around you to avoid an accident by lifting the wing to see the trajectory in front of the leading edge or by putting the wing in an "umbrella" position.
- Check the wind direction and your speed before initiating the maneuver (a jibe will always be performed from broad reach to broad reach).
- To switch your feet with the most balance possible, position the wing a little higher above your head to better see your trajectories.
- To switch your feet, pressing on the back leg will raise the foil and thus give you a little more time to switch feet.
- Initiate your jibe by pressing down on the board inside the curve.
Method 1: Jibe to switch
To perform this maneuver, you must switch feet at the end of the curve. You will press down on the balls of your feet to initiate the curve.
1. Starting position
To begin, you need good speed. You must be flying, stable, with a crosswind. The foil shouldn't be too high in the water, to prevent it from stalling during the maneuver. Your feet should be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the board.
2. We engage the curve
Bear away slightly while transferring your weight onto your toes. The board will then lean towards the center of the turn, moving away from the wind. The wing will gradually rise until it is almost horizontal, overhead. Your feet should remain aligned with the board's longitudinal axis.
3. Changing the wing side
Arriving downwind, or slightly past the wind axis, begin by adjusting the position of your front hand. Initiate a wrist movement to pivot the wing. Then, release your back hand. Rotate the wing with your front hand. Your free hand becomes your back hand. Take control of the wing and generate power. Throughout, maintain your balance on your toes to continue initiating the turn and gradually approach a broad reach and then a beam reach.
4. Changing foot position/switch
We've passed the wind axis. The wing is on the right side; we just need to reposition our feet. Most importantly, don't forget the small push-off from the back to gain height before the switch, thus lightening our pressure on the board. Then we perform the switch, taking a side step to swap our front and back feet. Our feet should remain centered on the board.
5. End of the curve and recovery
Now we need to pick up speed again. The feet return to their initial position. The wing tilts towards the water. We can pump a little to get the board moving again and pump with the wing if needed.
In summary
- Start your jibe with good speed and a crosswind.
- Tilt the board towards the water, with the wing horizontal above your head. Initiate the turn.
- Adjust the hand positioning once you arrive downwind, in order to rotate the wing , while continuing to engage the curve.
- Perform the switch . Don't forget the small push-back to gain height before switching feet.
- Restart at the end of the curve by pumping.
Method 2: Switch to jibe
This technique involves switching feet before the turn. After performing a forward chasse step, you swap your back and front feet. You then push off through your heels while raising your wing above your head to initiate the turn.
1. Starting position:
It's the same as for the first maneuver.
2. Changing foot position/switch:
Just before switching your stance, give a small push with your back foot to lift the board upwards and lighten your load. At this precise moment, switch your stance on the board (during the upward phase of your ride). Your board will tend to dip its nose as your center of gravity shifts forward (hence the benefit of lifting it, which will give you a little more air time). This step will guarantee you height and facilitate relaunching. Once you've given the push, perform a side step forward. The position of both feet will switch. You'll end up with both heels towards the wing (downwind). Balance is better if the position of the front foot, slightly downwind (and the back foot slightly upwind), makes it easier to initiate the turn.
3. Start the curve:
Press down on your heels to initiate the jibe. The board will turn away from the wind. Gradually raise the wing overhead until it's almost horizontal. The turn should be smooth and consistent. This allows you to maintain speed until you exit the jibe. You'll then feel a great sensation of acceleration when everything is working correctly. Throughout the turn, keep your weight on your heels, not your toes, to maintain control of the curve.
5. End of the curve and relaunch:
Now you need to pick up speed. Return your feet to their starting position. Tilt the wing towards the water. You can pump a little to get the board moving again. Keep your eyes on the road ahead, not on your feet, to better control your trajectory.
In summary
- Start your jibe with good speed and a crosswind.
- Switch your feet after giving a small push on the back foot to raise the board upwards and thus lighten your load.
- Initiate the turn by pressing on your heels and gradually raising the wing above your head , until you are almost horizontal.
- Change the wing to the other side by switching hands.
- Re-engage the speed at the end of the curve.
How to train
- To practice foot switching : on one tack, practice switching your feet without jibing, and sail in that position. (Don't forget to bring your board up before initiating the switch.)
- To work on your turn trajectory : initially, you can initiate the first part of the turn, then return to the traverse and repeat several times without switching your weight. Practice making 'S' turns on the water, focusing on changing the wing's direction.
- To work on wing rotation : without switching your weight, practice making 'S' movements on the water, focusing on the positioning of the wing.
Advanced tips/pro tips:
- Look ahead to anticipate your trajectory. (Your gaze directs your trajectory)
- Enter the turn with the wing slightly overpowered/with a little more power than necessary . This allows you to have enough speed to complete the maneuver.
- A little pumping at the exit of the turn helps to relaunch the board and the flight and to compensate for the lost speed.
- You can tighten the turn by shifting your weight onto your heels or toes . This gives you more speed and a greater sensation of acceleration. Therefore, you should aim to lose as little speed as possible during the turn.
If you still have questions about this, or for any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us !