For those of you that would like to try hydrofoil.

Few boxes to pre tick:-

Light wind kite skills and relaunch.
Directional board skills, eg surfboard.
Helmet.
Watch as many "how to videos" as you can find.

You don't need as much wind to hydrofoil but if you don't have the kite and board skills it going to suck.

The helmet is because you are going to crash while learning.
its also a bit of I mind game, and having a helmet on will give you more confidence.

I've got a bunch of tips and tricks to make learning to foil way easier and want to help and teach a few people this summer.

Get in touch if your interested and I can arrange a foil etc.

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LeighMajor said..
I have removed my foil gear from sale.

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djdojo said..
...
So many questions. Here are my first two:

KFA website says they have a budget foil, but no real info. But a lot of their site seems a bit out of date (not to mention clunky and 2005-looking graphics). Anyone know anything about it? www.kitefoil.com.au/shop/#!/KFA-T1/p/43101930/category=0

I currently ride an Axis New Wave strapless and would probably bolt a foil to this. Thoughts on if/what reinforcement to the board (or load spreading insert between foil plate and board) would be necessary? (80kg)

KFA - couldn't make their alloy foil strong enough - not for sale.

Axis - depends on construction. Has pawlonia core, but still, most surfboards would need some reinforcement - have a look at the hydrofoil section of kiteforum, lots of threads there if you go down a few pages. Most likely if you go with a plate connection, just a carbon fibre pad on bottom, and inserts.
Then you could buy a foil like this:
http://zeeko-kites.com/gb/foil-series/279-alloy-foil-series-2015.html

However if you go with a box connection foil, need to get that added to board - if enough depth in board. There are female molds around to buy.
Then you could buy a 2nd hand foil like this one, with 2 wings.
www.seabreeze.com.au/Classifieds/Kitesurfing-Race%20boards/~t50mg/2013-Spotz-1-Hydrofoil.aspx?search=p$eVEIELGOY38OJR4wnDzg==

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djdojo said..
^^^ All good. I'm a fan of good gear, well chosen for rider and conditions, but I'm also aware that any of us who have the chance to hit the water even once a week on basic old gear are still very fortunate in the bigger scheme of this crazy world.

My current light wind rig is a 13m 2011 Edge I got for $500 complete and a V2 Sector 52 I got also for $500. Perfect for 12-18 knots (although relaunch is very sketchy at the low end), but I'm also getting the bug for covering big distances in light wind and considering taking the plunge into foiling.

So many questions. Here are my first two:

KFA website says they have a budget foil, but no real info. But a lot of their site seems a bit out of date (not to mention clunky and 2005-looking graphics). Anyone know anything about it? www.kitefoil.com.au/shop/#!/KFA-T1/p/43101930/category=0

I currently ride an Axis New Wave strapless and would probably bolt a foil to this. Thoughts on if/what reinforcement to the board (or load spreading insert between foil plate and board) would be necessary? (80kg)

you need at least some carbon reinforcements around your foil/board connection.
The easiest and safest way is to drill holes through your board. Fill those holes with epoxy/glass.. then just bold the plate. With big washers under head of screws you wont rip the connection out of board.Try to get flat head screws so you dont hurt your feet. M8 is the best size i reckon.Regarding the alloy foil we tested a lot and also took the Liquid force foil as reference. Problem with alloy/ metal is that it will bend under impact. Especially the fuselage on our prototype. Same for the LF foil both deformed and bent. Then we tried hollow aluminum and filled up it with resin and other stuff. It improved the bending but did not eliminate it. It also made the foil heaps heavier.

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dusta said..

Livit said..


Seriously I started about a year ago on a Zeeko 2014 then upgraded to the 2015 and got a couple of the Alloy models for my friends to get into it at a cheaper cost. I must say I am impressed how well the alloy goes and I could just do with one of them myself instead of my full carbon one... just because I am not interested in racing.

For most people wanted to get into the sport, I would advise just to stay clear from the 4 brands mentioned above (unless they have a freeride version). The pro tour is just not representative to the market as you can see with F one who have released their own free ride hydrofoil that is not even used by their top riders. Correct me if I am wrong but wasn't Maxime Nocher riding a Sword 2 and not the F one?

from my perspective . Having hit the shallow areas at melville around a dozen times my carbon foil has stayed strong . Maybe i lucked out with a mk3 kfa but it is strong as concrete .

I would consider the mk3 kfa to be more freeride than race . I have watched daddycool cruising around and jumping rather than getting into the racing aspective of it . I know i can easily cruise around on mine and it's super stable and then if i want to scare myself i can open it up .


Not sponsored opinion, i pay for all my gear and just giving my opinion .

Impressed with the KFA Mk3 - solid as - quick as - stable as - upwind / downwind / cross wind / big boosts
bought second hand after learning basics on a an excellent learning / forgiving board (LF foil fish with blunt edges:))
might try a couple of fun races here in Perth - great bunch. PS not sponsored and 100kg + 51yrs young

Thanks for the info and suggestions.

I suggest that whoever admins the KFA site do some cleaning up of outdated info (especially the bit where it says you can buy a product which was just described as being discontinued due to materials issues!).

It looks like the Mk3 would be perfect for me, and I'd be happy to support a local business, but if I'm gonna stump up $2700 for a foil I want to have the sense that the company is currently operational and will likely still be around in a year or two in case there's a need for support. I realise that it's a small business and it can be hard to stay on top of everything but at the moment the site does not inspire confidence.

Fo Marvin or other KFA people - Are there plans to keep making the Mk3 now that there's a new race foil? Also curious why the new foil is being made in Sweden? At one level this is none of the public's business, but for those thinking of Mk3s, it's a question of confidence in ongoing support for the product in the event of any issues.

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djdojo said..
Thanks for the info and suggestions.

I suggest that whoever admins the KFA site do some cleaning up of outdated info (especially the bit where it says you can buy a product which was just described as being discontinued due to materials issues!).

It looks like the Mk3 would be perfect for me, and I'd be happy to support a local business, but if I'm gonna stump up $2700 for a foil I want to have the sense that the company is currently operational and will likely still be around in a year or two in case there's a need for support. I realise that it's a small business and it can be hard to stay on top of everything but at the moment the site does not inspire confidence.

Fo Marvin or other KFA people - Are there plans to keep making the Mk3 now that there's a new race foil? Also curious why the new foil is being made in Sweden? At one level this is none of the public's business, but for those thinking of Mk3s, it's a question of confidence in ongoing support for the product in the event of any issues.

If you are planning to spend $2700 have a look around as I am sure there are plenty of better options for that price.

My current rig(board+foil) is just over 5kg and trust me, there is no way I'll ever go back to a 7kg + rig. You can build strong without adding weight.

3.4 kg foil only is way too much for a carbon foil. If you go carbon (and fork out the extra $1500), you expect it to be lighter than an alloy. Alpine alloy is just 3kg and just half the price tag.

Many people ridding them and after reading from Marvin I browsed the net to see if anyone had issues with fuselage bending but could not find any.Anyway, even if it was happen, spare parts are readily available and affordable. You will replace a whole fuselage for the cost of a repair on a carbon one.

Alpine, TKF and Zeeko have engineered their alloy models based on years of experience developing high end carbon fiber unlike the majors pulling out some old Carafino designs for the sake of getting their market share.

A lot of hype around foiling these days but in all honesty there is no point spending over $3k without even knowing whether you'll like it or not. On the + side, if you like it and decide you want to go carbon, pretty sure you will resell an alloy in no time.

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djdojo said..
Thanks for the info and suggestions.

I suggest that whoever admins the KFA site do some cleaning up of outdated info (especially the bit where it says you can buy a product which was just described as being discontinued due to materials issues!).

It looks like the Mk3 would be perfect for me, and I'd be happy to support a local business, but if I'm gonna stump up $2700 for a foil I want to have the sense that the company is currently operational and will likely still be around in a year or two in case there's a need for support. I realise that it's a small business and it can be hard to stay on top of everything but at the moment the site does not inspire confidence.

Fo Marvin or other KFA people - Are there plans to keep making the Mk3 now that there's a new race foil? Also curious why the new foil is being made in Sweden? At one level this is none of the public's business, but for those thinking of Mk3s, it's a question of confidence in ongoing support for the product in the event of any issues.

Hi dj dojo,
Thanks for your feedback and questions. The website needs some work no doubt.Our team has been busy racing, testing and developing in order to perfect our new foil design, engineering and manufacture.The Mk3 is our high-end, freeride foil built in Melbourne by Applied Composite Tech. http://composites.com.au/. Web is also outdated but they have been in business for over 20 years building high-end sailboat racing masts, booms and other carbon parts, and specialising in autoclave technology.We are continuing the Mk3. The foil is perfect for people to learn and progress quickly, enjoying a very stable platform and flight, from low to high speeds. The foil is suited to beginner and experts alike. The mast is incredibly stiff and the only one on the market made in solid carbon, not glued together from 2 pieces.
We are currently working on a new aft wing for the Mk3 plus a long distance/speed configuration. This Mk3 is also being used by windsurfers and a stand up paddle boarders.We don't want to go to China or other Asian mass production facilities. We want the best quality possible with special attention given by master builders. The capacity in our Melbourne facility is 1-2 foils per week. It takes about 20 hours to have the foil built and assembled, and this is done by one of the best composite manufacturers in Australia, Pete Kula!
For the MakoVX601 we teamed up with D3 Applied Technologies who identified Marstrom in Sweden as capable of building this new model, with all engineering challenges that this design brings along. They are also able of producing larger weekly quantities to meet our growing demand.I clocked my personal best speed of 37.1 knots yesterday in 25knots of breeze on my MakoVX and 9m Sonic FR. So stoked YEWWWW! I'm totally in love with this foil and cannot wait for all you keen foilers to see and try the Mako VX. The Sydney crew will receive theirs on Monday. Next are Melbourne and Perth within next 2 weeks, so we should be able to organize some demos to anybody that can comfortably foil in all directions.

Hey I can't be bothered reading 300+ posts, can someone tell me the best foil for beginners now that all leading brands seem to be pumping these out?

37 knots effing hell. I cannot comprehend that. I am now clocking low 20's and cannot imagine going almost twice as fast again !

Wow Marvin, super fast, well done mate. Must be a bit hairy, but an amazing feeling too.

I read something this morning about Cabrinha Double Agent having been delayed at least 6 months.
Hope no-one from here pre-ordered one!

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jamesperth said..
37 knots effing hell. I cannot comprehend that. I am now clocking low 20's and cannot imagine going almost twice as fast again !

Its just time on the foil mate plus the right set up perfectly trimmed plus like Dusta said, ''you gotta squeeze them butt cheeks together a bit too''.

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INTHELOOP said..

jamesperth said..
37 knots effing hell. I cannot comprehend that. I am now clocking low 20's and cannot imagine going almost twice as fast again !

Its just time on the foil mate plus the right set up perfectly trimmed plus like Dusta said, ''you gotta squeeze them butt cheeks together a bit too''.

not a little bit . You have to clench soo hard your forcing poop back up your throat . Nothing quite like that first stack downwind at a million miles an hour

Slightly off topic but relevant for new foilers - I did my first races @ Coogee on the weekend - you have got to give it a go ! Super simple course - 2 laps around 1 upwind boy, I can see that this is going to massively improve my riding. I know there are 30 odd guys riding foils now in Perth - we had only 6 or 7 on the course yesterday, including 3 rookies (myself included) Next Sunday is round 2 and it would be great to see some more out on the water. PKR puts on a great event and everyone is really friendly. Get involved !!

I have a short list and am getting close to making a purchase - many thanks to all who have contributed experience and research to this thread.

Got my KFA MakoVX601 yesterday.. I opted for High Modulus Carbon and the adjustable rear wing..

It is a work of art..... Cant wait to ride it on the weekend...

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patto1987 said..
Got my KFA MakoVX601 yesterday.. I opted for High Modulus Carbon and the adjustable rear wing..

It is a work of art..... Cant wait to ride it on the weekend...

Me too!!! its a weapon. Im temp out with a knee injury but sheez it looks good next to my bed!!!

Pics of the mako please gents - how does it look ????? Super stoked for you.

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jamesperth said...
Pics of the mako please gents - how does it look ????? Super stoked for you.

Will put some up on the weekend.. Looks super mean....

The wings/fuselage is a super complex shape that is a single peice no joints etc which has come out unbelievable.. Some serious carbon skill and know how went into it..

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jamesperth said..
Pics of the mako please gents - how does it look ????? Super stoked for you.

Its a work of art.. I got one used from the gold cup, so she's been sanded and primed here and there... Can't wait to give it a spin!!!

was so worried about losing it...I rigged up a tether.... probably overkill I cant see it getting ripped clean out...be more than likely be hanging off in a mess of shattered glass and bolts. : )

Very nice. I've bitten the bullet and ordered one. We should have a few over here very soon. :)

Stoked to receive my KFA Mako this week. It's a beautiful foil. The quality is next to none. The detail in the build amaze me. The rear wing has a simple but ingenious adjustment which allows you to change to angle to suit the conditions. The way the mast connects to the fuselage has to be the strongest connection on the market.
Topped off by the latest design TMV foil board makes the foiling experience even better.
It rides fast and stable, the mast is so stiff there is no defection or wobble going down wind. With this setup you almost in control at full speed.
Has to be the best foil on the market! Super stoked!

If anyone wants to have a closer look, I'll be at Dolls point near the club for the SKRC season opener 1st November.

So, is the mako ridable by beginners, or has this thread wandered a ways from the topic?

For those who are updating to the mako, I'm in the market for a good condition Mk3.

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skebstebamal said..
was so worried about losing it...I rigged up a tether.... probably overkill I cant see it getting ripped clean out...be more than likely be hanging off in a mess of shattered glass and bolts. : )

Just me, but I'd be tempted to get some longer bolts for the mounting point. It doesn't look like the thread-locking part of those nuts are engaging properly.

haha..yeah sorry, it was just sitting there to sort out the leash..not screwed in. . there is 10mm of screw hanging out the other side. : )

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djdojo said...
So, is the mako ridable by beginners, or has this thread wandered a ways from the topic?

For those who are updating to the mako, I'm in the market for a good condition Mk3.

The Mako would be OK to learn on. But It is less forgiving than the Mk3 in a number of ways..

I haven't fully tuned and got it to the sweet spot but it points higher and goes faster than the mk3 for sure...

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I'm on a LF Foil fish and need some advice. I found that with the foot straps in their forward most position I couldn't stop the board from doing super fast pogoing. The centre of the mast sits about 3 inches in front of the rear foot strap and after looking at where masts are on other boards decided to shift the rear strap all the way back and before water starting place my back foot directly over the mast. This puts my back foot between the two deckpads, on the slippery bare board, and narrows my stance putting my balance off a bit but has solved the out of control pogoing. What I'd like to know is at 62kg am I too light to get my weight forward enough to get balanced. The chick in the LF video doesn't seem any heavier than I am and seems to manage fine or is my stance just that bad?
<div>
An option I was thinking of was drilling the board to move the mast back a few inches, so it's located over the back foot strap, but wasn't sure if this might ruin the board. The other option is to fill the gap with a deckpad and turn the back strap around and fit a brace to the bolts that holds the back of the mast so the front of the strap can be bolted down.

<div>Any advice would be appreciated.

Wouldn't drill holes in board - if anything just take blackstrap off for now. Let yr back foot find its spot - don't forget to weight front foot - especially as you speed up

Shodan it's a fairly common complaint... not all would agree but there's lots of guys on kiteforum who have lengthened the fuselage 6" or so with great results, by obtaining some square hollow section alu. LF have lengthened it on the updated model which tells you something.