...in fact, if I hadn't seen folk doing it already I would say it is impossible based on my first hour. It feels like balancing a board on a ball whist flying a kite and the ball occasionally jumps inexplicably! and the consequence of falling off is quite painful if part of the board or foil hits you ..... I was using a LF Foil Fish on the river in light 12-15knot winds with my 13M Escape. I know its like learning again and takes multiple sessions but any tips would be gratefully accepted.

Is it even worth the hassle?

I've had three goes on a mates foil. Riding along with the foil down is not so hard and a bit of bobbing up and down onto the foil is also not so hard. You crash a bit, but that's to be expected.

The board can be a bit awkward in the water while setting up to start. It can turn itself any way it wants, or wedge itself against you when you're trying to get into position.

The biggest worry by far is that I have twice crashed and the board has gone through my lines. It's a lot scary trying to control a kite in a death spiral while avoiding being chopped by the board or foil. I'm think an impact vest and a helmet might be the go.

I had a go yesterday for the first time on a LF Foil Fish. I couldnt even get the board aqua planing never mind engaging the foil. Like Gorgo said it was awkward just getting the board in the correct position/angle to even launch. I only had a short demo just to see what I would be up against. Alot. I think it would take several hours of practice to get any sort of consistent technique but the payoff I think will be large.

i've been on mine for a few hours now and getting to the point where i can stay up on the foil for a few hundred metres . I am loving it and in the ocean yesterday at coogee it was wierd floating over the swell .

Raceboard is gathering dust now

Time will tell if it's worth the hassle - I am determined to master it and will wear helmet and impact vest. good heads up on the foil going through the lines Gorgo....that would be a real kitemare. It really is like starting from scratch but it looks like it would be amazing once got it cracked. I was expecting the pitch control issue but the roll seemed to catch me out! Where did you try it out snalberski? I'm thinking shoal water in a southerly 15 knots may be the go......

First few days are tough but well worth it.
much like learning to kite.
Trick is first day or 2, simply try not to foil, AT ALL... coast along keeping board in contact with water at all time, sound easier than it actually is as you start going faster and faster.
Trying to rush learning to foil doesnt help!! Don't try take shortcuts. Start slow, learn the basics and you'll foiling in a few a days.

There some great videos online that will help your progression.

http://www.kitehydrofoil.com/index.php/how/how.html

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daddycool said..
Where did you try it out snalberski? I'm thinking shoal water in a southerly 15 knots may be the go......

Yeah I was at shoal water in about 18 knots using an 8m kite. I think most places in 15knts would be ok cos everything flattens out. I've got no real idea what kite size would be best in 15knts but I'd probably give a 10m a go and see from there. Obviously the better you get the more power you'll be able to handle

Good to hear Dusta.....where did you do first few sessions? Also , what wind/kite combo?

Thanks for the link PKR ..... A few lights have already gone on as I consider the bruising session I had yesterday

The best way to start foiling is as follows.

Start by choosing your a wind direction and strength that will give you a chance of success, get down before the seabreeze has kicked in fully, you need SW 10 -12 knots to learn 12 or 13m kite nice and slow moving not to zippy.(depending on your weight,this example for 95kgs)

Foilboard front foot straps only to start with, take the rear off.

kiteforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=196&t=2387434

When you dive the kite don't be too aggressive with the dive, point the board off the wind, try to keep the board flat on top of the water, go heavy front foot pressure to stop the foil rising.

When your happy with riding on top of the water, to get up on the foil you do a move, just like on a skate board doing an olly, quick press with ya back foot, once up move your weight between the front and rear foot as needed.

maybe get one of the other guys to ride your rig to see if it needs tuning ie rear wing angle of atack.

Do yourself a favour & Stock up on pain killers........

Scuba

Thanks Scuba - all good tips - especially the last one

hey...

I bought a Foil fish, have had it for a month now.

For what its worth, here are my tips:-

You will take a few big slams, but if you eject when you feel it coming its no drama.

Once you are up and foilng you dont need much kite, but while your learning use the same size you would for surfboard.

You go quite fast, getting comfortable with the speed takes a few sessions.

As your speed increases so does your front foot pressure requirement, otherwise wings ride up out of water and drop/crash back down.

Dont listen to too much advice, just get out there and learn from doing it.

Everybody thinks it looks easy, then they try it.....

Just been out to demo the Liquid Force Foil thanks to West Oz Kite Boarding who now have them in stock. westozkiteboarding.com.au/
First impressions - well engineered and very well finished, a quality piece of kit. Comes with a bag to protect mast and wings great for travelling!
Weight complete is 9.4kg which is 1.9kg more than a Spotz for comparison.
The Liquid force is targeted at those who want to learn to foil and has a large front wing which is low aspect ratio and will foil at walking pace with ease. I found it slow compared to what I am used to with the Spotz but that's exactly what you want when trying to learn, the large front wing makes for a stable ride and is made from ABS plastic like material which is strong and stiff and would be relatively cheap to replace if damaged.
The aluminium mast is an extrude and is very stiff and strong and well finished.
The price point is a winner too give Jason or Sonya a call for the latest price.
I have no affiliation with LF and was just offered to demo the foil, it's price point can only bring more people into foiling and that can only be a good thing.

Good tip on the board speed/ front foot pressure link - thanks pk

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daddycool said..
Good to hear Dusta.....where did you do first few sessions? Also , what wind/kite combo?

first few sessions were at melville , now moved to switching between ocean and river . Much better wind (ie cleaner) on the ocean so easier .

10-15 knots 11m edge
15+ 8 and 7 edge

short video from second session on my kfa MK3

wind i think was around 20 knots on my 7

by no means am i even close to mastering this . I've only had maybe 2 hours on the foil and it is like starting from scratch . everything i know about a raceboard is thrown out the window but the feeling you get from cruising over the swell is just amazing .

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dusta said..

daddycool said..
Good to hear Dusta.....where did you do first few sessions? Also , what wind/kite combo?

first few sessions were at melville , now moved to switching between ocean and river . Much better wind (ie cleaner) on the ocean so easier .

10-15 knots 11m edge
15+ 8 and 7 edge

short video from second session on my kfa MK3

wind i think was around 20 knots on my 7

by no means am i even close to mastering this . I've only had maybe 2 hours on the foil and it is like starting from scratch . everything i know about a raceboard is thrown out the window but the feeling you get from cruising over the swell is just amazing .

Hmmmmm, the groan before the stack made me laugh. You knew that was coming. Well done.

hey pilot pete

what kite u using in that photo
not a white cap in sight

impressive

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bolgo said..
hey pilot pete

what kite u using in that photo
not a white cap in sight

impressive

10 edge

Thanks Scuba....the kiteforum tutorial vids are just what I needed. Ideally see this before first session - recommends a slowly, slowly approach which on retrospect makes perfect sense and could save a few bruises in coming weeks!

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daddycool said..
Thanks Scuba....the kiteforum tutorial vids are just what I needed. Ideally see this before first session - recommends a slowly, slowly approach which on retrospect makes perfect sense and could save a few bruises in coming weeks!

nah it wont stop the bruises mate

Booties are a good idea and protect feet from cuts which seem to take a long time to heal

daddycool we normally congregate around the northern end of melville as the water gets deeper alot quicker than the southern end so drop by and say hi . You will probably see 3-4 foils down there at any time .

Deep Joy got to Part 3: Ride Flat ( in the video) sorted this evening......was on 13m escape again in light SW and after struggling and ending up down in Noob corner (near point Majestic), I finally got up and went slowly upwind for about 500 m , calmly dismounted - set up and headed 500 m on other tack making up almost all lost ground. Key was having back foot further forward and being aware not to push with either foot . Even managed a small 'Ollie' on way back in . Gave out a yee haa which startled a learner and her instructor.

Not long till you foiling, just need to put in the time ??

Come down and watch the PKR foil racing on Sunday from Coogee.
Bring your kit, the crew can help out with some pointers before or after racing

Sounds good - will keep eye out for you guys

Andy I like your Avatar but we already have a pilot..............Pete

But I get rescued more often than he does

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This will be you next....week?

Gotta have a dream.........

Start riding in light wind where its nice and flat so the foil doesn't surface as easy. Always use 1-2 sizes smaller kite than you usually would!Keep your kite high and drop your weight in harness. As soon as you foiling push bar out. Lots of people move bar and kite way too much when learning.