I am 73, light weight at 135lbs. I would like to learn to SUP foil. I kited for 9 years, the last 2 years were strapless. I surf SUP when in Maui and paddle a race SUP at home.
I have a preorder on a Duotone foil wing. I would start on my 12' 6" board then get a SUP foil board.
Just how realistic is it to learn to foil with a wing? It appears people a teaching by this method in the Gorge and probably other places.
My best guess is that I would need pretty flat water and not too much wind.
Has anyone else learned this way? Any suggestions?
Thanks,
John

Hi,
I'm 63 and have suped and kited for years. I took up foiling 6 months ago and just love it. I had a session behind a boat first up and would really recommend that as a way to dial in the lift off phase and correct feet position. Good luck with the wing. Can't wait to get one.
Regards,

I would suggest many behind the boat sessions. Doesn't take much of a boat, either. I learned behind a 12' aluminum fishing boat with an 8 hp outboard.

Hi surfjohn,
I only had one session behind a boat & that was after a 2 hour session of paddleboard surfing so I was pretty well fatigued. Also the foil was not set right either. So although I would recommend some sessions behind a boat I don't think this is a necessity if you cannot find someone that owns a boat or jetski.
I mainly learnt on small waves to foil & now can foil on overhead waves at age 59.
The concept of foiling is simple. It's just a matter of keeping central to the stringer, (middle of board). Then when moving forward keep your board nose down until you are ready for lift off. This is when you adjust your weight rearward which makes your foil point & move to the water surface. But as soon as this happens you level out keeping your board pointing forward & level.
Its just matter of practise, practise, practise.

Select to expand quote

Seajuice said..
Hi surfjohn,
I only had one session behind a boat & that was after a 2 hour session of paddleboard surfing so I was pretty well fatigued. Also the foil was not set right either. So although I would recommend some sessions behind a boat I don't think this is a necessity if you cannot find someone that owns a boat or jetski.
I mainly learnt on small waves to foil & now can foil on overhead waves at age 59.
The concept of foiling is simple. It's just a matter of keeping central to the stringer, (middle of board). Then when moving forward keep your board nose down until you are ready for lift off. This is when you adjust your weight rearward which makes your foil point & move to the water surface. But as soon as this happens you level out keeping your board pointing forward & level.
Its just matter of practise, practise, practise.

Hi surfjohn, I am rapidly approaching 73 and after 2 summers kitefoil confidently.
I have started SUP foiling however not many small friendly waves about.
The key is as seajuice states ie feet on centre line of board which I am finding hard to do even though it sounds simple. If not on centre line a crash is a definite . Put tape or markes on your board.
Also as waves are unfriendly here for a begginer I have found a 70cm mast best compared to shorter.