WA
283 posts
Sorry, but when you've had more years of experience than you have yet to do, reading, listening, and watching what influencers are offering makes me laugh (and cry).
The weather conditions, the spots, the environment, the social conditions, and the habits aren't the same across the globe.
This justifies such a varied offering and different ways of understanding sailing without a boat...
There are pros and cons to each specialty, and it's up to each of us to identify how happy we are when we get out on the water.
Price and quantity of materials, ease of transport, ease of use, reliability, access to basic information, the second-hand market, sharing with friends, and a thousand other things don't have the same priority for each of us.
Regarding the fin vs. windfoil debate, in the pre-foil era, I never saw anyone with fewer than 4-5 sails (with their respective masts and booms), 2-3 boards, and at least 6 fins.
If we're talking about costs in the racing world, it doesn't seem like there's a huge difference...
But even those who sail just for fun often turn up their noses when they're offered equipment that's only 2 or 3 seasons old...
I admire the efforts, expertise, determination, and mission of Nico, Mario, and Nils, but in recent months I've reconsidered my stance on what they publish.
Reputation is built through consistency...
WA
283 posts
For almost three months, my average speeds have varied between 26.5 and 28 knots. Somehow, I've clocked just over 29, but I haven't yet broken the 30-knot barrier.
Despite everything, I still have some problems I can't solve.
I don't use the harness efficiently and effectively.
Having overcome the fear of "binding" myself to the lines while precariously balanced (compared to windsurfing fins), I can fly hooked even in winds of around 20 knots. This seems fairly normal to many, but the problem is that in this mode, the speeds remain well below what I can achieve without being hooked.
Trying to describe what often happens, I remember the fact that when a gust hits, the nose of the board tends to go down (despite i'm well balanced on both feet).
To moderate this reaction, I now place the base mast further back. But this exposes me to the risk of excessive lift if and when I'm not fully committed.
Furthermore, this setup is too extreme if I want to fly unhooked (for many different reasons).
Another problem is finding the right length for the harness lines. Or rather, making them work throughout the entire speed range along the edge. Since I'm not very good at it, acceleration isn't instantaneous. Therefore, in the first part of the run, relatively shorter lines work quicker and better. But as the speed increases, they become too short to send it.
If, on the other hand, I adjust them to be correct when I'm in the range of my target speeds, I find it very difficult to fly hooked at low speeds.
During my best runs, I often have a good setup but unhooked...
Finally, how do you manage to generate momentum to increase speed in low-power conditions? For now, I can only achieve decent numbers if aided by strong winds.
