Dockstart & Pumping

To dockstart, you need to choose a compact, light and strong board, which allows you to easily launch from the pontoon and pump efficiently on the foil. The ideal board for this practice is our SROKA Pocket foilboard. This board is designed specifically for dockstart and wake-foil, but it can also be used for towed surf-foil or kite-foil. It is constructed with a PVC fiberglass sandwich to offer the best strength-to-weight ratio. It has a size of 4’0 x 18.5″ x 1.5″ (122cm x 47cm x 2.54cm) and a volume of 16L. It is equipped with long US rails to adapt to all foils on the market, a kick tail to optimize control on the board, and 55 strap inserts to adjust the position of the feet according to the practice. Its pronounced rocker allows it to react to the touches 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 lifting, slippery front wing, which will allow you to stay in the air easily and travel long distances in pumping. We recommend the following products:

• High Aspect 1350 Lift Front Fin: An ultra-high aspect front wing that offers exceptional glide of flight, glide and pumping. It will do wonders in surf foil and wingfoil in the small swell.
• High Aspect 2000 Lift Front Finn: This is our ultimate wing dedicated to pumping. Its Lift profile coupled with a wingspan of 140cm gives it the best performance on the market in terms of dockstart.
• The 1190 Lift works well for dockstart, but requires a high starting speed. The 1190 Speed can be used, but it will be difficult for someone who is not already very experienced in the field. It requires a very high starting speed.
• The front fenders of the Classic range are also suitable for pumping. They will even be easier to start with, because of their smaller wingspan which allows them to be more maneuverable and therefore to correct your initial mistakes more easily than with a high aspect. We recommend the 2000, or the 1750 for lighter builds (<70kg). The 1500 and 1250 will also work very well, requiring more speed and strength.

To choose a good spot for dockstarting, you must take into account several criteria: 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 may touch the bottom and be damaged. You should 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 getting off balance. Finally, avoid places where there is current or wind, as they can disturb the take-off and glide of the foil.

The dockstart consists of jumping off the pontoon onto your foil board and pumping to take off and glide across the water. To get off to a successful start, you have to run with the board (or take a step or two depending on the foil), jump on the board, position your feet properly and start pumping to keep the foil in the air.

The starting speed for the dockstart depends on the foil you are using. As a rule of thumb, the bigger the foil, the less speed you need at the start. For example, with our HA 2000 cm2 with high aspect ratio, you can set off without starting speed, just by jumping on the board. On the other hand, with a smaller foil or a mid aspect ratio, 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: the back foot at the mast and the front foot well in front of the center.
2. Vary the intensity of the pumping: pump harder at first to take off and gain speed, then pump more gently to maintain flight and save energy.
3. Keep your centre of gravity right above the foil, vertically, so as not to go to the sides.

Find all our tips and tricks to get started with the dockstart in our article

Dockstart is a practice that carries the risk of falls and injuries. It is therefore necessary to be careful and respect a few safety rules:

• Protect your face with your arms when falling: the most dangerous thing is to fall on the foil, which can be sharp.
• Be careful of the pontoon which can become slippery from putting water on it.
• Wear a helmet and a protective vest to limit the risk of injury in the event of an impact with the foil or pontoon.
• Choose a suitable spot: to practice dockstart, you need to choose a spot that offers favorable conditions. The pontoon must be wide and stable enough, the water must be deep enough and unobstructed, the wind must be light or non-existent and the swell must be calm.

If you want to know more about dockstart and foil pumping, I invite you to check out our article on how to start pumping from a pontoon.

Dock start is not the easiest practice to start. Indeed, it requires training and experience, you have to accept that it will take time (about a week of practice). Don’t be discouraged, by following the steps and practicing, the dockstart is clearly not inaccessible. Speed, thrust angle, and which foot is placed first on the board, are important parameters that define your ability to go. In addition, the choice of suitable equipment is decisive for progress and stay in the air as long as possible once you are gone.

To start, in dock start, opt for the pocket 4’0, offering more room to place your feet and will be more forgiving of mistakes in support. You can also opt for the 3’3 mini pocket which will be more technical but will offer a better feel as well as a better connection with the foil.

When you already know how to fly a little, it is preferable to opt for a more efficient and more technical equipment and thus prolong your pleasure and your time in pumping. Opt for the 3’3 mini pocket, the special pumping board of the range. And in terms of foiling, the 2000 HA, for small people (<65kg), you can opt for the 1350L HA which will offer a rebound to the pumping extending your flight time as well as an incomparable glide.

To dockstart, it is best to start from a pontoon that is not very high (e.g. rowing/kayak club pontoons or a boat pontoon). Starting from a rock or a dike could damage your equipment.

The height of the mast depends on the height of the pontoon, with a low pontoon a mast of 70 and more will suffice, as well as for beachstarts.

The choice of stabilizer is made according to the level and what you are looking for. A larger stabilizer like the 290 HA will provide stability as well as better downforce distribution. A smaller stabilizer such as the 180 HA will be faster but requires more technique as well as a faster pumping rate.

For small people (-65kg), it is preferable to go with a 1350L HA, and for those over 65kg you should go for the new 2000 Ha which is a specific foil for pumping. For beginners, go on a simpler foil with more rope such as the classic 1750 or the classic 2000.

The impact vest is not necessary for dock start practice unless you want to be protected from impacts.

The 3 things to avoid in dock start are:

1. Start in a place where there is little space, because the board tends to go to the sides when falling and therefore damage the equipment. It is necessary to follow the steps to get started (leave lying down, etc.).
2. You also have to not overestimate yourself and be aware of your level and therefore progress with it.
3. The last thing is to have equipment adapted to your level and size. Don’t go with special pumping foils if you’ve never foiled before. And finally, practice, it’s the key to progressing quickly.

To start with dockstart, we advise you to take a fin around 1750 cm or 2000 cm2. This fin will make it easier for you to leave. The larger the winglet, the less effort you’ll have to fly. As you level up, you can reduce the surfaces (depending on your size).