5 tips for practicing SUP foiling
Imagine gliding above the waves, almost as if you were flying above the ocean!
SUP foiling is a hybrid of paddleboarding and foiling. SUP foiling, also known as stand-up paddleboard foiling, is an activity where you ride waves on a stand-up paddleboard equipped with a foil underneath. The foil is like an underwater aircraft that flies beneath the water, utilizing hydrodynamic currents.
Surfing with a surfboard in mushy waves isn't very enjoyable. However, this wave is perfect for SUP foiling. A gently sloping, rounded wave is ideal for foiling. There are different SUP foiling disciplines:
- There are beach waves that you can SUP foil and
- There is Downwind foiling .
In this article, we will only be talking about SUP foiling. Here are some essential points to know:
Who can do SUP foiling?
SUP foiling requires little prior experience in paddleboarding or foiling. It's a relatively easy discipline to learn, allowing beginners to discover the joys of foiling. In fact, learning SUP foiling is generally more accessible compared to other foiling disciplines. This activity not only offers an introduction to the foiling environment but also allows experienced surfers to learn a new way of reading waves. To start, you can begin with a boat. This simplifies the learning process by allowing you to be towed by the boat.
Tip 1: Choosing the right equipment for SUP foiling
1. How to choose your stand up paddleboard for SUP foiling?
SUP foiling involves surfing on a stand-up paddleboard equipped with a foil (or wing) beneath the surface. A standard paddleboard cannot be used unless modified. Ideally, rigid boards are much more efficient. Generally, SUP foil boards are much smaller than regular SUP boards. The board is simply used to get on and hold the foil. This foil, attached to the mast, allows the board to rise above the water as you gain speed, much like an airplane. Of course, you mustn't forget the paddle. So, let's go into detail.
A beginner will want a longer board to glide and get going faster. Unfortunately, this type of board will have some inertia and won't be very responsive for more experienced surfers. Suitable sizes range from 6'3" to 8'. These boards are wider to maximize stability.
A good rider will use a shorter board to maximize turns and reduce wingspan. The boards will be narrower and will get paddling much earlier, but require more balance.
If you have mastered SUP foiling, opt for thinner boards to maximize glide and reduce drag.
2. Choosing your SUP foil
The mast: generally, the mast is between 60 and 80 cm. Indeed, if you are on a beach break the waves do not break very far out, so opt for a shorter mast.
Front wing size : To start, a 1250 cm2 wing and even 1500 cm2 can be a good alternative for beginners with a fairly compact shape like the control range in order to gain maneuverability.
Fuselage: A short fuselage will reduce maneuverability, while a long fuselage will provide more stability. Therefore, to begin with, choose a 68-foot fuselage to regain control and stability.
The stabilizer: a large stabilizer stabilizes your foil. A smaller stabilizer makes the foil more maneuverable.
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, but it will be more expensive.
3. Choosing the right paddle for SUP foiling
A carbon paddle will clearly be more efficient, more responsive, and lighter. To be as efficient as possible when paddling, you should choose a carbon paddle with a minimum of 50% carbon to regain responsiveness and good propulsion.
Tip 2: Choosing the spot for SUP foiling
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.
- Favor gentle waves that reform. Don't go for it on impact.
- Be careful at low tide when there is usually no depth.
- Opt for a wave no higher than hip height to start.
- When you want to get in the water, hold the foil by the handle, and when you enter the water, never put your foil between you and the wave to avoid getting hit in the head by the foil or the board. Push your foil to get enough depth and turn it over in the water. Then get on the board.
Tip 3: Learning balance and stability in SUP foiling
Before heading out on a wave, get used to the stability of the paddleboard. If you're a complete beginner, try being towed by a boat first to experience foiling. Alternatively, you can head to a wakeboarding cable park; most of them offer introductory foiling sessions.
When you feel comfortable, head to the spot and look for mushy waves with a gentle slope.
Tip 4: Effective paddling technique in SUP foiling
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.
Foot placement is crucial; your center of gravity should be positioned above the front wing of the foil. If you're flying in a balanced position, then your placement is optimal. If you have too much pressure on your back leg, move back on the foil; if you have too much pressure on your front leg, move forward on the board.
Shoulder position is important. Avoid maintaining the same position as when surfing; instead, face the wave with your shoulders open. This helps you maintain better balance on the board and prevents you from losing your balance.
Shoulder position is important. Avoid maintaining the same position as when surfing; instead, face the wave with your shoulders open. This helps you maintain better balance on the board and prevents you from losing your balance.
Tip 5: Catching waves on a SUP foil
The advantage of SUP foiling is that you are standing up, therefore you can observe the waves from a great distance and thus optimize your positioning as best as possible.
Position yourself with your back to the wave and begin paddling. The goal is to gain speed before the wave catches up to you so that you can ride it as it arrives. Therefore, don't exhaust yourself too quickly by paddling frantically if the wave is far away. Increase your stroke rate as the wave approaches.
When you feel the wave pushing you, shift your weight more onto your front leg to accelerate the board down the slope, then shift your weight back to lift the board. Stabilize it by shifting your weight forward again.
This will allow the foil to accelerate and generate lift quickly, and to start flying.
Initially, don't try to turn, go straight ahead and follow the wave.
Favor left-handed players if you are "goofy", and if you are "regular" favor right-handed players.
Tip 6: Safety and best practices in SUP foiling
Choose a gentle wave with few people.
Use a leash that is long enough to avoid getting hit in the face by the foil or board.
Never put your equipment between yourself and the wave or you risk getting hit in the face by it.
Don't go all the way to the edge or you'll hit the bottom.
Avoid navigating in crowded areas
Find out about the size and period of the swell. A wave of 80 cm to 1 m with a period of 8 to 10 seconds is ideal for beginners.
Our tips for progressing quickly in SUP foiling
Increasing the size of the wave to have more power and more speed will require you to decrease the size of the foil, but you will increase speed and maneuverability.
Linking more turns and cutbacks to position yourself where there is the most power.
To increase your efficiency, especially when paddling up to the peak, reduce the board size to improve maneuverability and decrease its overall volume. Opt for kites with a higher aspect ratio.
In conclusion: The choice of equipment and wave conditions determine the speed of progression. The more time you spend practicing, the faster you will progress. Unfortunately, in this type of activity, you need to spend time in the water to improve and better master the different techniques.
SUP foiling is a first step. If you've mastered SUP foiling, you can move on to downwind foiling, either with a wing or, if you're proficient enough with paddling, with a paddle. The idea is no longer to surf waves from the shore, but to ride the swell further out, letting yourself drift downwind.