Foil board and Photos

Kite boarding

Foil Kite and Hydrofoil boards are advancing quick

Foilboarding is conquering new enthusiasts. Some say it’s the fastest growing class in kiteboarding, some say it’s hasn’t future. So, what’s good and bad in the hydrofoil design?
Foilboarding, kite foiling, hydrofoil kiteboarding, foil kiteboarding. Actually, you can call it many names, but it all leads to the same discipline. Riding a kite with a hydrofoil board under your feet.

Hydrofoils have been used on different watercraft since 1906, when Enrico Forlanini, an Italian inventor, introduced the first foil design in a boat.

In the early 1960’s, Walter Woodward, an aeronautical engineer from Upper Newton Falls, Massachusetts, developed the first waterski hydrofoil. It looked cool and futuristic.

Inspection Foil

In 1972, Mike Murphy and Bud Holst developed the kneeboard for water skiing. The concept was improved in detail over the next couple of decades, until Mike Mack’s own saw the light of day. It was a heel strap used on a hydrofoil slalom ski, similar to the modern units.

with a foilboard, windsurfers tested it in speed channels, and kiteboarders are getting hydrofoils popular in the market. So…

What makes foil boarding a great opportunity for the development of kiteboarding?

Speed matters

foil kiteboards are faster than all other kite boards because they have less drag.

foil kiteboards are faster than all other kite boards because they have less drag.
2. No more bumps; sailors can ride above the waves and the bumpy water surface, and so they won’t feel the impact of rough waters.
3. Less physical effort; sailors feel a “light” ride with a hydrofoil under their feet.
4. Angle higher into the wind; the hydrofoil’s underwater skills are smarter than the traditional board.
5. Turn faster; the hydrofoil blade “cuts” the water for you.
6. Media-friendly innovation; the futuristic look attracts cameras and spectators.
7. Great for light winds;

Why is foil boarding considered a no-future kiteboarding class?

1. The danger factor; you don’t want to be hit by a hydrofoil whether you’re riding sharp razors or light carbon.
2. Not a Freestyle and Wave toy; the hydrofoil is not suited for innovative tricks and wave face cutbacks.
3. Not handy; it’s not easier to travel with a foil kite board.
4. Price; foilboarding is still more expensive than the traditional kiteboarding disciplines.
5. Shock sensitivity; kelp, fishes and plastic bottles are dangerous obstacles.
6. Too exotic for sailing authorities; it won’t be easy getting official recognition from the world’s governing bodies.
7. Regular maintenance; you’ll have to check the hydrofoil for damages, right after each sailing session.

You’ve been riding a foil a lot lately. How hard is it?
Well the truth is I have been riding a foil a lot lately because I have not seen wind in Florida more than 12mph in weeks! The foil is ideal for light winds, making it possible to ride almost everyday. Yes, it is tricky to ride at first. It usually takes people a good hour or two (of the biggest beating you’ve ever had!) to learn.  Then, after you figure out not to move on the thing, it’ll click and it’s all fun from there.

What are the ideal conditions for a foil board?
I, personally, think 12 knots is ideal for the foil. For sure, non-wavy conditions help when you first start on the foil. The kite flies well in 12 mph, you’ll have plenty of power, and the ocean will be flat because the wind is so light!  It is perfection. Longer lines, like 27 meter to 30 meter long, really help too when you first start.

What is the best technique for riding downwind for long distances?
This is a very good question! The trick to riding downwind for long distance would be to get yourself a bigger board like a slalom board or a directional surf board or even a foil!  A twin tip is harder. As you get tired on the downwind leg, you will start tripping over the nose of the twin tip.  The other boards have a higher nose making it easy to plane and keep your speed up. As for the kite, you want to dive it down and ride toward it to get the most pull deep down wind. Then, as the kite is getting close to the water you start edging against it making it turn fast as you bring the kite back up and then back down. Repeating this process, you will go as deep into the window as possible with the fastest speed — while covering the most distance — straight downwind.

#foil #hydrofoil

25.78485771, -80.12646804 Foil board and Photos