FOIL SURFING

Surf foil is a board sport practice that consists in adding a hydrofoil to a surfboard. The surf foil is more and more popular because it allows to surf swell trains of less than 50cm and does not need breaking waves to offer extraordinary gliding sensations. It is also possible to catch several waves in a row thanks to pumping, without stopping.

You need at least a good level of surfing to start foiling. It is possible to start with a good mastery of another foil, but the take off is complicated to apprehend in this case.

For the board, you need a short and easy to paddle board like the Fast Flyer 4’6. You should avoid boards with a high volume, preferably under 40L is ideal. For foiling, beginners should go for a board between 1190 and 1500 depending on the spot and the size. The ideal for the more advanced riders is a high aspect ratio front wing like the 1190 L or 1350 L to have a great gliding feeling and an excellent pumping efficiency to reconnect the waves. A short fuselage (61 or 56cm) helps to have more maneuverability and better pumping. We recommend short masts like 70cm, 80cm maximum.

We guide you to choose your surf foil.

The principle of operation of a surf foil is based on fluid dynamics. The front wing is pulled upwards as it moves forward, as the water molecules on the top surface of the front wing accelerate to catch up with the water molecules on the bottom surface (which is shorter because it is flat). The acceleration of the molecules on the upper part of the wing creates a depression and the slowing down of those on the lower part creates an overpressure. The consequence is an upward suction effect. The higher the speed of the foil, the more the foil is “pulled” upwards (with equal profile and angle).