I'm about 11 sessions in to wing foiling and the stoke is high. Getting long down wind rides with the wing luffed, made my first tack, jibes and switch stance coming along well and looking to start jumping soon. BUT, shore break launches have now caused 3 foil to wing contact tears from the rip grabbing/spinning the board, hog tying the leash around the foil or my legs and then flipping onto completely or nicking the wing canopy. I've been trying to control the board with one hand on the foil while it's upside down in shallow water with the wing downwind in the other hand. It seems very easy for even the briefest contact of wing to foil to happen while you're getting smashed around in the break in barely foil deep water to get out. The combo of strong wind,rip and breaking waves wants to trip the rail and send the foil into something soft. Paddling out prone has worked a few times but 25-30 knots plus 3' break plus a rip makes things super challenging.

Can any one share their approach to this situation? I've windsurfed and kited in the same conditions comfortably with zero drama, but the wing and foil seem like such a hazard together in this scenario for body or equipment damage. Also what's the best way to avoid this same scenario coming back in?

10lbs Navy Anchor+ rope + buoy (empty plastic containers etc)+carabiner.
Leave it out beyond the shore break k wave only is ok).
Make sure it's well anchored to the bottom.
Going out usually not a problem.
Coming in, attach your wing to the carabiner right side up, the wing will just flag on top of the incoming waves.
Bring your board in.
Go out and get your wing.

Short 55 cm mast and beachstart.

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LeeD said..
Short 55 cm mast and beachstart.

Not in significant size short period Great Lake waves (they will be significant if 3ft shorebreak). You'll be breaching all the time.
Don't ask how I know ;-)

Thanks for the replies. Yes, 72 mast already feels short in big wind swell!

A few things I have learned in my limited experience.

1. Under some conditions, you just cannot get out. Have an alternate location or activity planned. (kitefoiling for me)

2. Patience. I have waited 15-20 minutes for a break in the breaks that gets me out.

3. If you are walking out and see something big breaking on you, I often let go of my wing and either grab board with both hands or climb on to duck dive.

4. I use a reel leash system (Blue Planet) which greatly decreases chances of leash around foil if you get tumbled around.

5. Often, getting back in is more risky to your equipment than getting out. Try to foil in as far as you can and then hold on to board with both hands as you get worked. The wing will usually fend for itself.

6. Shorter mast, though you hate it once you get out.

7. Wear a helmet.

8. Put wing leash around leading edge handle, not the little loop (they rip out).

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emmafoils said..
A few things I have learned in my limited experience.

8. Put wing leash around leading edge handle, not the little loop (they rip out).

What brand of wing does this happen with?

Various postings in the past, people report leash ripping at the leading edge, typically when the wing gets dragged in the surf.

I put mine on the front handle with a carabiner (use the same F-one leash on different wings)

Various postings in the past, people report leash ripping at the leading edge, on many different brands, typically when the wing gets dragged in the surf.

I put mine on the front handle with a carabiner (use the same F-one leash on different wings)

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DavidJohn said..

emmafoils said..
A few things I have learned in my limited experience.

8. Put wing leash around leading edge handle, not the little loop (they rip out).

What brand of wing does this happen with?

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DavidJohn said..

emmafoils said..
A few things I have learned in my limited experience.

8. Put wing leash around leading edge handle, not the little loop (they rip out).

What brand of wing does this happen with?

I have seen reports specifically of Fone and one other brand I cannot remember but I would guess that many are susceptible.

They all are. Think about the fabric in these things.

I've been thinking about going to the front handle on my Wasp to avoid the "pogo" that it seems to do when the leash is attached to the normal spot.
Have you noticed that as well Chris?

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Grantmac said..
I've been thinking about going to the front handle on my Wasp to avoid the "pogo" that it seems to do when the leash is attached to the normal spot.
Have you noticed that as well Chris?

Yes, I'm switching to the handle as well. The WASP hops like crazy on the surface.

Good advice on the wingleash mounting point.
I used to kitesurf with foil kites, and landing them in high wind was always an iffy proposition. Flagging at 1/4 power is hard to control, especially when wind increases beyond the range if the kite.
Thanks again.