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.

For dockstart foiling, you need to choose a foil with a high-lift, gliding front wing, which will allow you to stay airborne easily and cover long distances by pumping. We recommend the following products:

• Front wingletHigh Aspect 1350 Lift: an ultra-high aspect front wing that offers exceptional flight efficiency, glide, and pumping ease. It will work wonders for surf foiling and wing foiling in small swells.
• Front wingletHigh Aspect 2000 LiftThis is our ultimate pumping kite. Its lift profile combined with a 140cm wingspan gives it the best performance on the market in terms of dockstart.
• The 1190Lift works well for dock starts, but requires a high starting speed. The 1190 Speed ​​can be used, but it will be difficult for someone who isn't already very experienced. It demands a very high starting speed.
• The front wings of theClassic rangeThey are also suitable for pumping. They will even be easier for beginners, due to their smaller size which makes them more maneuverable and therefore easier to correct initial mistakes 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.

Forchoose a good spot to do dockstartSeveral factors must be considered: water depth, the width and stability of the dock, and the absence of current or wind. Areas where the water is too shallow should be avoided, as the foil risks hitting the bottom and being damaged. Areas where the dock is too narrow or unstable should also be avoided, as you need to be able to run with the board in your hands without losing your balance. Finally, areas with current or wind should be avoided, as these can disrupt the foil's takeoff 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 a dockstart depends on the foil you're using. Generally, the larger the foil, the less speed is needed to start. For example, with ourHA 2000 cm2With a high aspect ratio, you can take off without any initial speed, just by jumping onto the board. However, with a smaller foil or ataverage aspect ratio (mid aspect)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