That's pretty wild. People commenting that he looked tentative, and at end he said more R&D needed, hopes to tackle a really big one.

But consider that the big wave surfers pretty much "just stand there" too at Nazare. I had the sense watching this that maybe the foil might actually give more potential to work with the wave than on a surfboard. If you can get the speed under control, to the point you're able to drive it vs just hanging on ... then you'd be going so fast, can afford a cutback or bigger fade, and still escape the lip. I was a little surprised at the size of his foil wing, I had expected it to be a lot smaller, kite racing size. Maybe an even longer mast would help too? Dunno, stoked he is trying this and mixing it up ... looking forward to the next installment.

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juandesooka said..
That's pretty wild. People commenting that he looked tentative, and at end he said more R&D needed, hopes to tackle a really big one.

But consider that the big wave surfers pretty much "just stand there" too at Nazare. I had the sense watching this that maybe the foil might actually give more potential to work with the wave than on a surfboard. If you can get the speed under control, to the point you're able to drive it vs just hanging on ... then you'd be going so fast, can afford a cutback or bigger fade, and still escape the lip. I was a little surprised at the size of his foil wing, I had expected it to be a lot smaller, kite racing size. Maybe an even longer mast would help too? Dunno, stoked he is trying this and mixing it up ... looking forward to the next installment.

Agree foil and especially tail looked pretty big. Amazing potential though. I tip my hat to a trail blazer. Legend.

Tail and Foil are nearly the same size. I would imagine it's all about stability at those speeds.

Big tail should let him run the foil really far back.

Would love to know what speeds he is clocking? Looked smooth and controlled, very impressive size of waves, that's got to be about the biggest that has ever been foiled?

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Grantmac said..
Big tail should let him run the foil really far back.

hahahava I'm sure Kai Lenny will appreciate your wise words Grant.

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martyman said..

Grantmac said..
Big tail should let him run the foil really far back.

hahahava I'm sure Kai Lenny will appreciate your wise words Grant.

I'm just saying that the large tail size can allow for a balanced setup with the foil further back which is generally a very stable position. Probably what he'd want running down a huge swell.