So this is my 3rd month learning to prone Foil in Byron bay, AUS. I'd say the first month was great, every time I would learn something new, but now I'm stuck and I don't know what to do.
Let me be more specific:
I'm riding a 5,6 Jaeger board (it's quite narrow) with a mid aspect ratio foil (I'm 5'8), I can sometimes pop up but then lose balance after 2/3 seconds.
Sadly, to pop up you need the right wave and that's when I'm having issues. I find myself paddling all the time (freaking board and foil are so heavy to paddle with) to find the right wave and when I do It's either not enough lift, too much or the nose goes down. If I get to lift i also can't measure how far from the surface I am and then I get ejected.
All the paddling then affects my pop up, cause I've got no more energy to do it.
Don't know what to do, I'm alone learning by myself and sometimes I consider that maybe I'll just won't get it.
Is the learning curve just too freaking long? Is this sport so wave dependent as I think it is (so far just very specific foam or small wave)?. Need some advice, as this is something that I really want to learn. Thanks so much in advance!

I would try and connect with the local foilers. They will be able to give you much better advise. Gear/setup and conditions are a big factor.

As you stated you're still working on pop-up, look for a spot where you can just do this over and over. Small weak waves would be best.

Can you arrange some towing?

You don't say your back ground and specifically what foil.

Have you been down at wategos? I may have seen you there because the big jaeger board stands out and have only seen one down there recently after a few mates moved off them. The local crew are friendly and always keen to chat and offer advice.

Getting used to paddle the foilboard can be hard and there is often alot of current to paddle against at byron so this is normal to experience and any practice you can do or fitness work will help and over time you improve. Best advice I can give for the popup is to do it when you are stable, ie if you are boosted in the white wash, remain laying down for longer and drag your feet to control the speed, when the speed is just right then pop up and try ride the board on the water surface and make sure your feet are planted in the right place. Then balance your weight to bring the foil up. Over time you improve and will be able to just take off straight onto the foil.

I would try and arrange a towing session with earth kitesurfing at the river to get you feeling comfortable and confident just gliding on the foil and then take that back to the waves

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CJ2478 said..
Have you been down at wategos? I may have seen you there because the big jaeger board stands out and have only seen one down there recently after a few mates moved off them. The local crew are friendly and always keen to chat and offer advice.

Getting used to paddle the foilboard can be hard and there is often alot of current to paddle against at byron so this is normal to experience and any practice you can do or fitness work will help and over time you improve. Best advice I can give for the popup is to do it when you are stable, ie if you are boosted in the white wash, remain laying down for longer and drag your feet to control the speed, when the speed is just right then pop up and try ride the board on the water surface and make sure your feet are planted in the right place. Then balance your weight to bring the foil up. Over time you improve and will be able to just take off straight onto the foil.

I would try and arrange a towing session with earth kitesurfing at the river to get you feeling comfortable and confident just gliding on the foil and then take that back to the waves

Good advice regarding Earth.

Not a great beginner spot unless tiny and very clean and over size equipment could make it impossible.

Could always trySUP first ,a lot easier catching waves as you are already standing up ??

all great advice above - spot on. And learning to foil for the first time through the prone aspect of the sport is by far the hardest way to learn - unless you are a really competant surfer.

Notning to add that's been covered except to say that you have to do your water time, get frustrated and keep rocking up. Eventually it clicks - especially if you also add in the advice above - especially getting behind a boat.

Touch base with Azza for earthkitesurfing. He is a legend and will get you going. There are many factors including gear choice and setup that can slow down your progression. But getting some good tips from Azza as well as some lessons getting towed will greatly speed up you progression. Wattegos is a great spot to foil but can be challenging if the conditions aren't right. There are plenty of super friendly guys down there so just introduce yourself, most people are foilbrained and more than happy to share there tips ;-)