colas said..JB said..
It is fine for you to have an opinion, and I am sure many love you sharing your wealth of knowledge here, but when you're somewhat arguing with the greater and far more experienced foiling community, it can case confusion to possible newbies.
Well, I dont see it this way. Here (Hossegor area) I am still one of the only ones to foil. Why? because some SUP/surfers with no previous foiling experience just grabbed a foil, stick it under their board and went in the waves... and broke their gear, or even got hurt, and quit. And they stayed silent about it...
So, making sure people are aware of the small details (centered position, straps, and more generally my experience as a non-foiler) that will make progress easier is worth it, even if these are not useful for people with previous foil experience. For instance, I do not push people to use straps if they have already kitefoiled.
Moreover, I find it a bit strange to be told "don't use straps, nobody uses them", by the same people also post videos with people using straps (and it was even the majority at the last hawaian event).
And finally, a food for thought: Bruno Andre' is far, far, more experienced in foiling than anybody else. Should we blindly obey all his advice?
PS: It remind me the outrage I got when promoting sub-7' SUP boards.... "they will never work", "all the Hawaiian legends use 10' boards"...
LOL, I think this is going to be one of those going on for ever conversations
There is always going to be idiots that rush in and stuff up. It always amazes me when people ask for a go of my foil. They're like I can surf so I'll be able to do it, right? This is a totally different sport, new in every way.
To me it seems you believe people should mount their foils forward so that it's easier for those first sessions. But then what? sell the board because it has a goofy mid-mount. I know you don;t believe in getting behind the boat, but you can learn perfectly safely with a rear mount behind a boat and then get straight into riding. I am watching first time foilers, guys that are not good surfers, total newby's get foiling dialed and relatively quickly. Just by learning the right way behind a boat and taking their time. Then they can mount their board correctly (in my opinion) and have an awesome board that is properly balanced.
I agree with you on getting information out there. And applaud how much time and energy you put into it even if I don't agree you you on everything.
Again with the straps!!! use them don't use them, what ever. But if you learn properly and pay attention to whats going on, you don;t need them for general riding (again in my opinion).
Age does not make one smart
. Again, I don't know Bruno, I'm sure he's an ace.
I think you'll find GONG are the only brand making sub 7' boards. over 85% of SUP's sold in Australia are over 9' and approx. <2% are under 8'. hmm. (just made these numbers up from my memory of our last stats, but I can check if you'd like a better break down).
Chill out and enjoy the glide Colas. I am watching guys learning and getting good very quickly using the theory I believe.
Ride safe,
JB
This is the Thrust Surf (SUP and SURF Foil). Note the Mast is right behind the front wing.
This is the Naish Hover 120 SUP Crossover (Is able to cross over to a use with as a Windsurfer). Note the Track is still set relatively forward on the board. This board is designed to be used with the Thrust Surf Foil only (or Malolo).
This is the Naish Hover 122 (Dedicated Wind Foiling Board). Note the Tracks are all the way at the back of the board.
This is the Naish Titan 120 Crossover (This is a standard windsurfing board with Foil mounts for foiling). This is designed to be used with the Thrust WS Foil, you could use the Thrust Surf or Malolo mounted all the way at the front of the boxes, but the Thrust WS will give better performance for Windsurfing.
