I was curious to see what response I would get for the following:

How do I learn windsurf foiling?

Learning to windsurf foil can be challenging, but with practice and the right equipment, it is definitely achievable.
Here are some steps you can take to learn windsurf foiling:
1. Choose the right equipment: You will need a windsurfing foil board, a foil, and a sail. It's important to choose equipment that is suitable for your skill level, weight, and the conditions you'll be sailing in. A larger board and sail are recommended for beginners.
2.Take lessons: Working with a qualified instructor can help you learn the skills you need to start foiling safely and efficiently. Look for a windsurfing school that offers foiling lessons or find a private instructor who specializes in foiling. Practice on flat water
3.When you're first starting out, it's best to practice on flat, calm water. This will give you a chance to get used to the feeling of flying on the foil without having to worry about waves or chop. Focus on balance and control
4.Foiling requires a lot of balance and control, so focus on developing these skills as you practice. Pay attention to your foot placement and weight distribution, and practice making small adjustments to control the foil. Start with small lifts
5.When you're ready to start foiling, start with small lifts by pumping the sail or using a slight gust of wind. Focus on maintaining your balance and control as you lift off the water. Keep practicing
6.Learning to foil takes time and practice, so don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing and challenging yourself, and you'll soon be soaring above the water on your foil board.

Remember to always prioritize safety when learning to windsurf foil. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as a life jacket and a helmet, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. With patience, practice, and the right equipment, you can learn to windsurf foil and enjoy the thrill of flying above the water.

I think Chat gets it right

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ChatGPT said..
... Keep practicing and challenging yourself, and you'll soon be soaring above the water on your foil board.

90cm above = soaring
96cm above = pain
(ymmv Your Mast May Vary )

GPT-4 from BING (advantage of citations for references and follow-up reading!) Unfortunately NO references to SeaBreeze!


Windsurf foiling is an exciting sport that requires some practice to master. If you're completely new to water sports, then you should take a bit of time to learn the basics of windsurfing first. If you have a surf school near you to help, that will get you proficient much faster. Once you're proficient in windsurfing, it's time to slap a foil on the board and get in the water! ?

Here are some tips for beginners:
- Start out in a windfoil school or with a coach. This is the most surefire way of success. ?
- Don't be afraid of speed, it is necessary to get flying easily: moderate wind (15 knots is ideal) and a big enough sail will give you enough power to feel the lift of the foil and keep flying. ?
- Place your feet a bit more towards the upwind rail of the board instead of in the middle. ?
- Do not wait for the wind gust, it's a light wind day! You need to take an active decision on when you want to get flying. ?
- Wear a helmet and an impact vest (read about the best impact vests for windfoiling). We also recommend wearing a wetsuit and boots even in warm climates, in case you kick the foil with your legs. ?

I hope this helps! Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 23/03/2023(1) How to Windfoil [Plus 8 Common Beginner Questions]. windfoilzone.com/how-to-windfoil/ Accessed 23/03/2023.
(2) Beginner Windfoiling Tips [Expert Advice] - WindFoil Zone. windfoilzone.com/beginner-windfoiling-tips/ Accessed 23/03/2023.
(3) How to Windfoil [Plus 8 Common Beginner Questions]. windfoilzone.com/how-to-windfoil/ Accessed 23/03/2023.
(4) How to Start Wing Foiling: The Complete Guide for Learning to Wing Foil. appletreesurfboards.com/how-to-start-wing-foiling/ Accessed 23/03/2023.
(5) Is Wing Foiling Difficult? - Kitesurfist. www.kitesurfist.com/is-wingfoiling-difficult/ Accessed 23/03/2023.
(6) Windsurf foiling - a beginner's guide with Romain Jourdan of Windfoil Zone. www.windsurfingukmag.co.uk/windsurf-foiling-a-beginners-guide-with-romain-jourdan-of-windfoil-zone/ Accessed 23/03/2023.
(7) How to windsurf foil - Surfertoday. www.surfertoday.com/windsurfing/how-to-windsurf-foil Accessed 23/03/2023.
(8) The beginners' guide to foil surfing - Surfertoday. www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-beginners-guide-to-foil-surfing Accessed 23/03/2023.
(9) Windsurf foiling - a beginner's guide with Romain Jourdan of Windfoil Zone. www.windsurfingukmag.co.uk/windsurf-foiling-a-beginners-guide-with-romain-jourdan-of-windfoil-zone/ Accessed 23/03/2023.
(10) Wind Foil Guide - JP Australia. jp-australia.com/wind-foil-guide/ Accessed 23/03/2023.

Although I admit I am bias to folks learning without footstraps; as I have had success teaching folks without straps. Not to say Straps do not provide benefits as you advance, but only that I found learning easier without them. So I thought I would ask GPT - interesting enough Chat seems to agree.

When learning to Windfoil is it easier to learn with or without footstraps?

When learning to windfoil, it is generally easier to learn without footstraps at first. Here are a few reasons why:

Balancing: When learning to windfoil, it can take some time to get the balance right. Without footstraps, you have more freedom to move your feet around and find the best position for balance.

Falling: When you're first learning to windfoil, you're likely to fall off the board quite a bit. If your feet are locked into footstraps, it can be harder to release them and bail out when you need to. Without footstraps, you can simply step off the board if you feel yourself falling.

Maneuvering: When you're first learning to windfoil, you'll need to make a lot of adjustments to your stance and weight distribution to maintain control. Without footstraps, you have more freedom to move your feet around and make these adjustments.

That said, once you've got the hang of windfoiling, footstraps can be very helpful for maintaining control and improving your performance. So, while it's generally easier to learn without footstraps, it's worth considering using them once you've progressed a bit.

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Hess said..
Although I admit I am bias to folks learning without footstraps; as I have had success teaching folks without straps. Not to say Straps do not provide benefits as you advance, but only that I found learning easier without them. So I thought I would ask GPT - interesting enough Chat seems to agree.

When learning to Windfoil is it easier to learn with or without footstraps?

When learning to windfoil, it is generally easier to learn without footstraps at first. Here are a few reasons why:

Balancing: When learning to windfoil, it can take some time to get the balance right. Without footstraps, you have more freedom to move your feet around and find the best position for balance.

Falling: When you're first learning to windfoil, you're likely to fall off the board quite a bit. If your feet are locked into footstraps, it can be harder to release them and bail out when you need to. Without footstraps, you can simply step off the board if you feel yourself falling.

Maneuvering: When you're first learning to windfoil, you'll need to make a lot of adjustments to your stance and weight distribution to maintain control. Without footstraps, you have more freedom to move your feet around and make these adjustments.

That said, once you've got the hang of windfoiling, footstraps can be very helpful for maintaining control and improving your performance. So, while it's generally easier to learn without footstraps, it's worth considering using them once you've progressed a bit.

In my first ride with foil I used footstraps and boomstraps (at about half an hour from the beginning).
Being attached to the board increased the control (at least for me) and allows me to avoid injuries with the foil itself.
If you are an experienced windsurfer you can make faster corrections using footstraps because if you don't use them, you'll have to relocate your feet loosing precious time!

The other advantage with foostraps (with front straps, at least), is the balance point. Once you have figured out your balance point, you place the front straps there. Next time out, you launch, pump up to get going, and hit the front straps without hunting. Quick.

I just find its interesting that Chat suggests learning without straps. I know everyone is different and that straps have benefits. In fact most of the pro's seem to recommend using straps from the beginning.

I keep beating the "Try Learning the basics without straps and then move to straps" drum because I want folks to learn how to fly and jibe as easily as possible.

As a windsurfer, at first I tried a couple sessions with straps even just the back strap and found myself progressing slowly. But once I took the straps off it took me 5 sessions and I was making 50% of my jibes, I am no one special removing the straps just accelerated my learning curve. Since then I have foiled with straps and they do allow you to be more aggressive and control the board by applying up ward pressure but I feel safer and more comfortable riding without them so I still ride strapless.

I also have a friend who refused to ride without straps but removed them once he twisted his knee falling in the strap. After which his jibing improved.

This is only based on my experience and will not work for everyone. It does take a little while to figure out where to stand but most figure it out quickly. There are also some good treads on foot location aids folks. All I suggest is if you are having trouble learning take the straps off for a few sessions and give it a fair try.

Oh I also noticed the Wingfoil schools don't teach folks with straps and wingers don't even have to move their feet in the transitions.

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Hess said..
I just find its interesting that Chat suggests learning without straps. I know everyone is different and that straps have benefits. In fact most of the pro's seem to recommend using straps from the beginning.

I keep beating the "Try Learning the basics without straps and then move to straps" drum because I want folks to learn how to fly and jibe as easily as possible.

As a windsurfer, at first I tried a couple sessions with straps even just the back strap and found myself progressing slowly. But once I took the straps off it took me 5 sessions and I was making 50% of my jibes, I am no one special removing the straps just accelerated my learning curve. Since then I have foiled with straps and they do allow you to be more aggressive and control the board by applying up ward pressure but I feel safer and more comfortable riding without them so I still ride strapless.

I also have a friend who refused to ride without straps but removed them once he twisted his knee falling in the strap. After which his jibing improved.

This is only based on my experience and will not work for everyone. It does take a little while to figure out where to stand but most figure it out quickly. There are also some good treads on foot location aids folks. All I suggest is if you are having trouble learning take the straps off for a few sessions and give it a fair try.

Oh I also noticed the Wingfoil schools don't teach folks with straps and wingers don't even have to move their feet in the transitions.

Depite i've tried both with and without back footstraps i feel i'm progressing very slowly.
Probably the option "without back footstraps" was played in wrong moments of my learning curve (very difficult foil tool). Somehow I've back up the rear straps but i've also swapped my foil and usual spot to navigate.
As it's usually windy enough to easily take off (and as i'm still working on hooking safely) i basically am not strapping at all (back foot). Most of the time i place my back foot close to the center line or slightly sided off. This way i feel much more confident "just in case"...

p.s. what if you get the chance to foil (almost only) in more than 16/18 kts up to 25 kts??
This is what I've already got few times and what i'm going to get till june...

Current strategy is "just do it and make the most of it as best as possible" but i'm literally risking for life at every session!!
Next time i'll strongly reduce the sail size and see how it goes

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w100 said..
p.s. what if you get the chance to foil (almost only) in more than 16/18 kts up to 25 kts??
This is what I've already got few times and what i'm going to get till june...

Current strategy is "just do it and make the most of it as best as possible" but i'm literally risking for life at every session!!
Next time i'll strongly reduce the sail size and see how it goes

To reduce chances of mayhem, imho (and apologies for mentioning anything you are already doing)
a) Trust your small sails. Most of us, depending on wing size, need only 7-10 kts of board speed to get off the water which isn't that hard when you are being pushed by a 20 kt gust. Just bear off a touch, take advantage of any bit of swell, maybe a pump or two and you'll be off. Most of us are using 1.5 -2 meters or more smaller than our finned friends. Even with a small sail, you can glide through a surprisingly big lull that'll stop a planing board in its tracks.
b) I still say take off the back straps at your stage. Being able to bring the back foot in and up helps immensely with controlling the power of the foil
c) Really, really use upwind and deep, deep downwind (like at least 130-140 degrees off) to depower. I see too many people stick stubbornly to a reach in a gust and struggle. The amount of power you can kill by turning deep down is amazing. It's okay to not use a harness going deep and sometimes when I'm getting blasted, both hands on the boom will be in front of the harness lines. Enjoy the ride and play with the swell instead of getting hammered. Also, I've got the creeping suspicion that the time spent riding the foil downwind with little sail pressure is good practice for jibes as it helps you learn how to balance and fly the board sans sail pressure.

Longish harness lines upwind will help you steady the board in gusts, too. You can try without a harness but I find the board rides a lot steadier once I'm hooked in. Don't lean out but, instead, hang down. Leaning out at your stage tends to kick in finning muscle memory and bad things tend to happen. Stay over the board and keep pressure on the mast base by concentrating on sheeting in and out with the front hand rather than the back hand. That way, you are making less changes in back foot pressure that tend to unsteady the board.
d) Don't be afraid of moving the sail mast base a touch forward (in, say, 1cm increments) if you feel things are out of control.

You'll find it absolutely delightful to pull out small sails day after day. Plus, learning to jibe is a bit easier when you aren't worried about getting backwinded all the time as the sail easily swings from one side to the other. This will be a good time for you. I get the apprehension, though. I still get butterflies when I see lots of whitecaps even though I've done this for a few years now.

Select to expand quote

Hess said..
I just find its interesting that Chat suggests learning without straps. I know everyone is different and that straps have benefits. In fact most of the pro's seem to recommend using straps from the beginning.

I keep beating the "Try Learning the basics without straps and then move to straps" drum because I want folks to learn how to fly and jibe as easily as possible.

Hess, one thing I've seen with people learning without straps, especially less experienced windsurfers, is that they tend to stand too far forward and then get frustrated that they never get off the water. I've tried without front straps and, for me, I find it unsettling not to be able to control the board as well especially if powered up. Wing boards are much more stable (again, for me) and go slower than windfoil boards so straps aren't quite as important. I do see the benefit of taking some time in the jibe cycle of going strapless. And, absolutely, for very inexperienced windsurfers, that we can foil without either straps or a harness is an enormous benefit. A few locals are on the water only for that reason.

Select to expand quote

Paducah said..

w100 said..
p.s. what if you get the chance to foil (almost only) in more than 16/18 kts up to 25 kts??
This is what I've already got few times and what i'm going to get till june...

Current strategy is "just do it and make the most of it as best as possible" but i'm literally risking for life at every session!!
Next time i'll strongly reduce the sail size and see how it goes

To reduce chances of mayhem, imho (and apologies for mentioning anything you are already doing)
a) Trust your small sails. Most of us, depending on wing size, need only 7-10 kts of board speed to get off the water which isn't that hard when you are being pushed by a 20 kt gust. Just bear off a touch, take advantage of any bit of swell, maybe a pump or two and you'll be off. Most of us are using 1.5 -2 meters or more smaller than our finned friends. Even with a small sail, you can glide through a surprisingly big lull that'll stop a planing board in its tracks.
b) I still say take off the back straps at your stage. Being able to bring the back foot in and up helps immensely with controlling the power of the foil
c) Really, really use upwind and deep, deep downwind (like at least 130-140 degrees off) to depower. I see too many people stick stubbornly to a reach in a gust and struggle. The amount of power you can kill by turning deep down is amazing. It's okay to not use a harness going deep and sometimes when I'm getting blasted, both hands on the boom will be in front of the harness lines. Enjoy the ride and play with the swell instead of getting hammered. Also, I've got the creeping suspicion that the time spent riding the foil downwind with little sail pressure is good practice for jibes as it helps you learn how to balance and fly the board sans sail pressure.

Longish harness lines upwind will help you steady the board in gusts, too. You can try without a harness but I find the board rides a lot steadier once I'm hooked in. Don't lean out but, instead, hang down. Leaning out at your stage tends to kick in finning muscle memory and bad things tend to happen. Stay over the board and keep pressure on the mast base by concentrating on sheeting in and out with the front hand rather than the back hand. That way, you are making less changes in back foot pressure that tend to unsteady the board.
d) Don't be afraid of moving the sail mast base a touch forward (in, say, 1cm increments) if you feel things are out of control.

You'll find it absolutely delightful to pull out small sails day after day. Plus, learning to jibe is a bit easier when you aren't worried about getting backwinded all the time as the sail easily swings from one side to the other. This will be a good time for you. I get the apprehension, though. I still get butterflies when I see lots of whitecaps even though I've done this for a few years now.

Hess said..
I just find its interesting that Chat suggests learning without straps. I know everyone is different and that straps have benefits. In fact most of the pro's seem to recommend using straps from the beginning.

I keep beating the "Try Learning the basics without straps and then move to straps" drum because I want folks to learn how to fly and jibe as easily as possible.

Hess, one thing I've seen with people learning without straps, especially less experienced windsurfers, is that they tend to stand too far forward and then get frustrated that they never get off the water. I've tried without front straps and, for me, I find it unsettling not to be able to control the board as well especially if powered up. Wing boards are much more stable (again, for me) and go slower than windfoil boards so straps aren't quite as important. I do see the benefit of taking some time in the jibe cycle of going strapless. And, absolutely, for very inexperienced windsurfers, that we can foil without either straps or a harness is an enormous benefit. A few locals are on the water only for that reason.

Totally agree it is harder to find the right place to stand and I still have to remind myself to move back a bit if I am not taking off when I think I should. My experience with teaching folks without straps is they usually figure it out quickly and if not giving them visual spots on the board works well. The Slingshot boards that had colour bands worked well. Of course not everyone is the same but folks seem to get the basics quicker using:
Big Board
Big Foil
Small Sail
No Foot Straps.
Also conditions are import Steady wind of say 15 knots in flat water conditions makes a huge difference. So many beginners want to learn but only when they can't windsurf it less than ideal conditions

I will say that the Wingers with the same skill level as me on similar foils and wing size go a bit slower than me. But I don't ride hiked out in the harness. However the more advanced Wingers riding smaller HA foils are way faster than me as well as all the windsurfers not on race gear. So I would say its has as more to do with the type of foil than Wing Vs Sail. But it seems the Sail is more efficient once on foil.
On a swell or a wave I still have the power on and the wingers mostly flag the wing, creating drag they actually complain about. So especially going up wind on the swell I think I might be faster, of course the foil still plays a big factor. I say this because the wingers are usually still leg pumping to say on the swell while I am trying to figure out how I am going to make this toe side carve at this speed Just my experience