Hi Everyone.
I am learning surf foiling and was wondering if anyone can share the best spots to learn on the Sunshine coast. I know that lower Mooloolaba and Cotton Tree are decent but have heard there are other spots. Can anyone fill me in?
Many thanks,
Ariyon

Cotton tree is epic and one of the best once you learn to use it properly. I'd suggest getting in touch with Luke at Ocean Addicts. They're fully set up for foiling and know the spots to fly

It's been average conditions here on the sunny coast lately for learning to foil (especially prone), too much swell & big tides.
IMO, you need 1-2ft high tide for CT or 3-4 low tide for Mooloolaba.

Hi Ariyon,

If you have your own board and foil and have done a couple boat sessions then the safest and most suitable spots are the Maroochydore River Mouth, Mooloolaba and the Noosa River mouth off the groin are the best spots.

There are plenty of other places, however these are the best for learning as the waves are typically more mellow and more suitable for foiling. As well as being less crowded.

Strongly advise staying away from the points while you are learning and especially this time of the year as its just way to crowded with regular surfers.

You can find some great banks that work about 2hrs either side of high tide up and down all of the open beaches from Noosa down to Caloundra that have no one on them. The rides a normally a little shorter on the open beach than the river mouths but still heaps of fun and great for foiling. Low tide on the open beach is generally to sucky and steep.

If you haven't yet had anytime up and foiling behind a boat or ski I strongly recommend this. Its the best way to hone your skills and get the feel for being up on the foil. We can help with a tailored Hydro Foil boat session if needed. www.oceanaddicts.com.au/hydrofoil-surfing-lessons-sunshine-coast/

Feel free to pop past the store and chat all things foiling anytime!

Luke

Hi Luke
My real name is Matt- I brought the foil and 5'6 board off you a little while ago. Thanks for the advice. I did have a boating lesson with Ben (I think that was his same) and learnt a lot. Thanks to everyone else who replied to my post. I have found foiling ultra difficult to he honest, I am considering quitting. That Kai Lenny is a freak and makes it look simple! Thanks again

Hey Matt...try & stick at it for a while longer...I was in your position where I briefly considered quitting (I went the self-taught route with zero previous foiling experience & I foolishly figured I'd pick it up easily...10 sessions in & I was still struggling) but once you get over the hump...all the effort is well worth it.

Having the correct equipment & picking the right conditions (it's a humbling sport in less than ideal conditions e.g. steep/shallow take-offs / a stiff off-shore) is key + it will really help if you organise a couple of sessions with someone who's already competent.

Sure, the sport isn't for everyone so I can only speak for myself but...I'm super chuffed to have foiling in my arsenal...just another excuse to spend time on the water

Select to expand quote

Ariyon said..
Hi Luke
My real name is Matt- I brought the foil and 5'6 board off you a little while ago. Thanks for the advice. I did have a boating lesson with Ben (I think that was his same) and learnt a lot. Thanks to everyone else who replied to my post. I have found foiling ultra difficult to he honest, I am considering quitting. That Kai Lenny is a freak and makes it look simple! Thanks again

I would suggest getting a longer board for the learning phase.

As SUPbru said, learning is hard, choosing an user-friendly gear (big board and big wing) and gentle conditions makes a tremendous difference.

Longer boards are slower to react, and it helps a lot while your body do not have yet the proper balance. Just like you do not learn surfing on a shortboard.

Unlike surfing, though, things will click in place one day and everything will become easier at once. A bit like learning to ride a bike.

Hi Matt
i did everything wrong apart from the equipment. I kept going out in windy steep waves and had nothing but bruises and broken gear to show for it. Then I went out on a nice calm day at a gentle wave and hey presto it was easy. When learning conditions are key followed by equipment. Stick at it.