Collection: Dockstart & pumping

For dockstarting, you need a compact, lightweight, and sturdy board that allows for easy launches from the dock and efficient pumping on the foil. The ideal board for this is our SROKA Pocket Foilboard. This board is designed specifically for dockstarting and wake foiling, but it can also be used for tow-in surf foiling or kite foiling. It's constructed with a PVC-coated fiberglass sandwich for the best strength-to-weight ratio. It measures 4'0 x 18.5" x 1.5" (122cm x 47cm x 2.54cm) and has a volume of 16L. It features long US rails to accommodate all foils on the market, a kick tail for optimal board control, and 55 strap inserts to adjust foot position for different riding styles. Its pronounced rocker allows it to react to touchdowns in the best possible way. The SROKA Pocket foilboard is therefore the perfect board if you are looking for a versatile, high-performance and fun board for dockstarting.

To dockstart, you need to choose a foil with a buoyant and gliding front wing that will allow you to stay in the air easily and cover long distances by pumping. We recommend the following products:

• Front wing High Aspect 1350 Lift: an ultra-high aspect front wing that offers exceptional glide, speed, and ease of pumping. It will work wonders for surf foiling and wingfoiling in small swells.
• Front wing High Aspect 2000 Lift: this is our ultimate wing dedicated to pumping. Its Lift profile coupled with a 140cm wingspan gives it the best performance on the market for dockstarting.
• The 1190Lift works well for dockstarting, but requires high starting speed. The 1190 Speed can be used, but it will be difficult for someone who is not already very experienced. It requires a very high starting speed.
• The front wings from the Classic rangeare also suitable for pumping. They will even be easier for beginners, due to their reduced wingspan which makes them more maneuverable and therefore allows for easier correction of starting errors than with a high aspect. We recommend the 2000, or the 1750 for lighter riders (<70kg). The 1500 and 1250 will also work very well, requiring more speed and strength.

To choose a good spot for dockstarting, several criteria must be taken into account: the depth of the water, the width and stability of the pontoon, and the absence of current or wind. Avoid places where the water is too shallow, as the foil risks hitting the bottom and getting damaged. Also, avoid places where the pontoon is too narrow or unstable, as you need to be able to run with the board in your hands without losing your balance. Finally, avoid places with current or wind, as they can disrupt the foil's take-off and glide.

The dockstart involves jumping off the dock onto your foil board and pumping to take off and glide across the water. To get a good start, you need to run with the board (or take a step or two depending on the foil), jump onto the board, position your feet correctly, and start pumping to keep the foil in the air.

The starting speed for dockstarting depends on the foil you are using. As a general rule, the larger the foil, the less starting speed you need. For example, with ourHA 2000 cm2high aspect ratio, you can start with no initial speed, just by jumping on the board. On the other hand, with a smaller ormid aspect ratiofoil, you will need to run faster to generate enough lift.

Here are some tips for pumping efficiently in dockstart:

1. Position yourself correctly on the board: back foot at the level of the mast and front foot quite far forward of the center.
2. Vary the intensity of pumping: pump harder at the beginning to take off and gain speed, then pump more gently to maintain flight and conserve energy.
3. Keep your center of gravity directly above the foil, vertically, to avoid going sideways.

Find all our tips and tricks for getting started with Dockstart in our article