So, this is very early thinking here - I have yet to get down to the NC shore to see what might be available, but I'm 'worst-casing' things in terms of cost, based on what info I'm finding on things online. These are not my first choice options (regarding price), but I'm just trying to do some thinking, so that if I am limited to these types of choices, I have some ideas.

A place in FL has brand new Bic Techno 130l boards which seem to be at the low end of the cost scale (approx $1400 w/ shipping).

A place in NC has a used 2019 Gecko HRS 133l board (no idea of condition) for $1500, or a 2019 Gecko 120l (apparently new) for $1600.

These are all board-only.

I'm really hoping that I can find a whole setup used when down in NC, but I'm just trying to do some early spitballing, so I can start getting my head around potential options.

Also, for anyone familiar w/ the various stores down in the Outer Banks, is there anywhere else I should be looking for used board/foil, aside from Ocean Air, which is the only one I presently know about?

Reach out to North Beach Windsurfing. They have used gear.
www.nbwindsurfing.com/shop/UsedDemo-Gear.htm
Call them because it may not all be online.

Select to expand quote

jims said..
So, this is very early thinking here - I have yet to get down to the NC shore to see what might be available, but I'm 'worst-casing' things in terms of cost, based on what info I'm finding on things online. These are not my first choice options (regarding price), but I'm just trying to do some thinking, so that if I am limited to these types of choices, I have some ideas.

A place in FL has brand new Bic Techno 130l boards which seem to be at the low end of the cost scale (approx $1400 w/ shipping).

A place in NC has a used 2019 Gecko HRS 133l board (no idea of condition) for $1500, or a 2019 Gecko 120l (apparently new) for $1600.

These are all board-only.

I'm really hoping that I can find a whole setup used when down in NC, but I'm just trying to do some early spitballing, so I can start getting my head around potential options.

Also, for anyone familiar w/ the various stores down in the Outer Banks, is there anywhere else I should be looking for used board/foil, aside from Ocean Air, which is the only one I presently know about?

How bad a drive would this be for you: southjersey.craigslist.org/spo/d/stone-harbor-neil-pryde-rsone-windsurfer/7407044334.html

If that's too far to go (it sounds perfect for you, though...) then look for an older Formula-style board, really the older the better because you'd rather have something 91-95cm wide than a full 100cm racer. They're available all over the place for under $300 in decent shape (I have one but I'm too far - central Florida). Then add a foil - lots of options around $1k, and with your 6m sail you're in business. The Tahe/Bic is a nice choice if you'll spend time on it with a fin but if you're using it strictly for foiling you're buying too much board.

Select to expand quote

jims said..
So, this is very early thinking here - I have yet to get down to the NC shore to see what might be available, but I'm 'worst-casing' things in terms of cost, based on what info I'm finding on things online. These are not my first choice options (regarding price), but I'm just trying to do some thinking, so that if I am limited to these types of choices, I have some ideas.

A place in FL has brand new Bic Techno 130l boards which seem to be at the low end of the cost scale (approx $1400 w/ shipping).

A place in NC has a used 2019 Gecko HRS 133l board (no idea of condition) for $1500, or a 2019 Gecko 120l (apparently new) for $1600.

These are all board-only.

I'm really hoping that I can find a whole setup used when down in NC, but I'm just trying to do some early spitballing, so I can start getting my head around potential options.

Also, for anyone familiar w/ the various stores down in the Outer Banks, is there anywhere else I should be looking for used board/foil, aside from Ocean Air, which is the only one I presently know about?

Never tried either board but they sound like fin boards with foil ready boxes. That combo does not work so good for freeriding unless the board has tracks. Look for a used wizard or JP 135 on facebook or iwindsurf.com

If you are spending $1400-1500, with the rate that windfoilers are taking up winging I would definately get a wing/sail combo board so you can dabble in both.

I would look for something like this instead:

www.realwatersports.com/products/slingshot-shred-sled-v1-foilboard-70/?utm_source=gshopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=foiling&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4b2MBhD2ARIsAIrcB-RIvuAvKmNy-8pcXzMyulUXTgF8LuJAn1YNZwRTFshCxrIltaZ3iqEaArQdEALw_wcB

www.fanatic.com/windsurf/boards/foil/stingray-foil-ltd

bigwinds.com/products/goya-air-bolt-windsurf-foil-board-2021/

bigwinds.com/products/2021-s25-naish-micro-hover-windsurf-foil-board/

If you are deadset on going down the race foil path (big cammed sails, small foils) then you could just get an old formula board

Shame you don't live near the SF Bay Area. I've got a Fanatic Stingray LTD 125 in great shape going for $1k. $2k would include the Flow foil system.

I would not get a cross over board (fin/foil), i.e. Bic Techno or Gecko. I would focus on a free ride foil board with tracks, especially because you will be getting most likely a foil that was not made for the board. Being able to dial in the foil perfect, vs. deep tuttle is a nice feature on a free ride board (not race). I don't think you will find a JP or Starboard with foil in your price range. BullroarerTook board (depending on year) would be my choice. Shame. Let us know what you find and post here. Based on your weight and desires mentioned, I would steer away from a formula board. Transporting a 100cm board around is a pain. Get a pure free ride foil board. It will have to be used to be in your price range.

Select to expand quote

thedoor said..

Faff said..

The most important thing is to not oversheet.

Weird. My best gybes are the ones where I attempt to oversheet on entry. But it is no where near as aggressive an oversheet as the guy is showing in that video.

www.instagram.com/p/CT4tox3lcQL/

This is my experience as well. Skipping the oversheet only works on a slow foil in plenty of wind, not the OPs situation at all.

I wouldn't rule out a used Slalom board for foiling but if I was the OP I'd look at a more compact freerace foil board like the 2020+ RF81 which can be bought new in the heavier construction for a pretty decent price.
Yeah tracks and the ability to wing can be nice but generally a windfoil board built for lighter conditions is pretty crap to wing due to being far too large.

Select to expand quote

Grantmac said..

thedoor said..

Faff said..

The most important thing is to not oversheet.

Weird. My best gybes are the ones where I attempt to oversheet on entry. But it is no where near as aggressive an oversheet as the guy is showing in that video.

www.instagram.com/p/CT4tox3lcQL/

This is my experience as well. Skipping the oversheet only works on a slow foil in plenty of wind, not the OPs situation at all.

I wouldn't rule out a used Slalom board for foiling but if I was the OP I'd look at a more compact freerace foil board like the 2020+ RF81 which can be bought new in the heavier construction for a pretty decent price.
Yeah tracks and the ability to wing can be nice but generally a windfoil board built for lighter conditions is pretty crap to wing due to being far too large.

Thanks for reminding me about another place. Yes, you can get a new Exocet RF 81 for $1299 at Progressive Sports in Daytona Beach. They are the official importer for Exocet, Kona and some other products. Only issue again is it has only a deep tuttle box and might be an issue depending on the foil you get.

Select to expand quote

jims said..

A place in FL has brand new Bic Techno 130l boards which seem to be at the low end of the cost scale (approx $1400 w/ shipping).

A place in NC has a used 2019 Gecko HRS 133l board (no idea of condition) for $1500, or a 2019 Gecko 120l (apparently new) for $1600.

The BIC is a dual purpose board, foil for lighter winds fin for stronger winds. Same idea as the new Olympic board, but a lot cheaper if you buy the AST build.
tahesport.com/global_tahe/techno-wind-foil-130-rigid-composite-106833

windfoilfan.glissattitude.com/reviews/63
Summary: Easy to learn on, experts find it too dull. Better for learning on than a slalom board, as its designed for foiling.
They complained about AFS foils and the position of the bolts, but I found the foil head 1mm too long for the foilbox and spent a few hours carefully sanding it down. The bolts were in the right place.

The Gecko is a freeride windsurf board with a foil box. I dismissed any windsurf fin boards with reinforced box, as when you compare them to a proper foil board the differences are huge, for a reason.

I thought about the Techno when I was looking around, but thought a foil only board would be better in the long run once past the initial learning phase.
I bought an AHD Compact 83 (full carbon), which in the UK is only GBP150 more than the BIC in heavier AST. The AHD lighter, and I've not broken it yet.

Select to expand quote

Awalkspoiled said..
How bad a drive would this be for you: southjersey.craigslist.org/spo/d/stone-harbor-neil-pryde-rsone-windsurfer/7407044334.html

If that's too far to go (it sounds perfect for you, though...)

Well, that could be do-able drive-wise, it'd just completely mess up my planned trip down to the Outer Banks, where I'd really hoped to get in some windsurfing. (I'd have to drive northeast for 7 hrs instead of southeast for 7 hrs, and it'd likely be a fair bit colder in NJ than NC, LoL :-)

Is that a good light-wind and beginner'ish setup? It has the fixed fin box that people seem to be warning me against, but then again, it's a One Design type of thing, so I guess should work well with the foil that is listed. Is that foil low-aspect enough for crummy inland winds? No indication in the listing what vintage the setup is - anyone have any idea? The Neil Pryde site says it's an 850mm mast and 720/425 front/rear wing span. The price is awesome - I'd probably be willing to make the drive and give up the sailing in NC, if that looks like a pretty good match for my needs. I guess the risk is that I have no idea what Ocean Air has (though it's guaranteed it'll be a lot more expensive), in comparison to that RS:One.

So, LMK thoughts, please.

Select to expand quote

ZeroVix said..
Thanks for reminding me about another place. Yes, you can get a new Exocet RF 81 for $1299 at Progressive Sports in Daytona Beach. They are the official importer for Exocet, Kona and some other products. Only issue again is it has only a deep tuttle box and might be an issue depending on the foil you get.

They've got a 2019 135l RF AST for under $1k - that's certainly intriguing from a cost perspective, and is clearly a dedicated foil board. What's the opinion on that? (It also seems to have the fixed fin box, but I presume they could direct me to an appropriate foil...)

Select to expand quote

jims said..

ZeroVix said..
Thanks for reminding me about another place. Yes, you can get a new Exocet RF 81 for $1299 at Progressive Sports in Daytona Beach. They are the official importer for Exocet, Kona and some other products. Only issue again is it has only a deep tuttle box and might be an issue depending on the foil you get.

They've got a 2019 135l RF AST for under $1k - that's certainly intriguing from a cost perspective, and is clearly a dedicated foil board. What's the opinion on that? (It also seems to have the fixed fin box, but I presume they could direct me to an appropriate foil...)

No. Bad deal and not that good of board compared to now. There was a guy in Miami trying to sell that board almost new for a long time for $595; don't know if he sold it. The 2020/21 RF is another story. Much better board if you can't find one with dedicated track. New AST RF Exocet is $1299 with warranty. I am glad you are asking here before buying something. Don't pull the trigger. Sometimes cheap is not better. For example, the 2019 to 2020 is complete different board. For $300 more for a new board, better and with warranty. No competition.

Select to expand quote

ZeroVix said..
No. Bad deal and not that good of board compared to now.

Aaand that's exactly why I'm talking to you guys, I got no clue! (well, that and your various and assorted, but all thoroughly charming, personalities! ;->

The RS:One, Bic and 2019 RF should all be avoided.

Select to expand quote

jims said..

Awalkspoiled said..
How bad a drive would this be for you: southjersey.craigslist.org/spo/d/stone-harbor-neil-pryde-rsone-windsurfer/7407044334.html

If that's too far to go (it sounds perfect for you, though...)

Well, that could be do-able drive-wise, it'd just completely mess up my planned trip down to the Outer Banks, where I'd really hoped to get in some windsurfing. (I'd have to drive northeast for 7 hrs instead of southeast for 7 hrs, and it'd likely be a fair bit colder in NJ than NC, LoL :-)

Is that a good light-wind and beginner'ish setup? It has the fixed fin box that people seem to be warning me against, but then again, it's a One Design type of thing, so I guess should work well with the foil that is listed. Is that foil low-aspect enough for crummy inland winds? No indication in the listing what vintage the setup is - anyone have any idea? The Neil Pryde site says it's an 850mm mast and 720/425 front/rear wing span. The price is awesome - I'd probably be willing to make the drive and give up the sailing in NC, if that looks like a pretty good match for my needs. I guess the risk is that I have no idea what Ocean Air has (though it's guaranteed it'll be a lot more expensive), in comparison to that RS:One.

So, LMK thoughts, please.

I haven't sailed the board but I gave it a lot of thought when I was upgrading from my formula board/Slingshot setup a couple of years ago. The size should be perfect for you. For me, at 215lb, I thought I'd be better off with a bigger board (also a convertible, but 91 by 232) and a stiffer foil. The RS:One foil is G10 rather than carbon and it's kind of an evolutionary dead end. I think it was derived from NP's attempt to retain the Olympic one design with the more expensive RS:X Convertible, which was very similar but with Carbon construction. If you do go with it the rig is available at a big discount also here: adventuresportsusa.com/products/rs-one-convertible-complete-rig-pack

BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

Bit the bullet and have ordered the board and sourced a foil set up from a mate. As with everything ATM nothing available until February some time.

Given that I want to SUPSurf and foil rather than wind foil ,I went with a crossover board. The Naish 26 Crossover was the recommended board to fit the above requirements If I find that I do more winging than paddling another board might be on the cards down the track.
Now the waiting begins

Select to expand quote

kato said..
Bit the bullet and have ordered the board and sourced a foil set up from a mate. As with everything ATM nothing available until February some time.

Given that I want to SUPSurf and foil rather than wind foil ,I went with a crossover board. The Naish 26 Crossover was the recommended board to fit the above requirements If I find that I do more winging than paddling another board might be on the cards down the track.
Now the waiting begins

The hardest thing about all this Kato is the terminology. You've mixed up wing foiling and wind foiling . Now you'd think wind foiling was a general term for anything with foils powered by the wind....AC75s, IMOCA 60s Waszps etc. But no, it's the term for what used to be called a windsurfer/sailboard that has been fitted with a foil.

Wings used to be the solid version of soft sails. They fit them to the SailGP cats. On this forum it's the term reserved for a slightly more aerodynamic umbrella.

The first version of the foiling sports to come up with a catchy name will take off overtaking all others. Unfortunately Dynamic Lifter has been taken. They applied it to chook poo and look how it's taken off!

Select to expand quote

Grantmac said..
The RS:One, Bic and 2019 RF should all be avoided.

Why? Not disagreeing, but an explanation would help.

The BIC and Exocet boards (pre 2021) are shaped by the same person, Jean-Marie Guriec. The BIC was designed in 2018 so has none of the knowledge of the later Exocet boards. Still good for a cheap OD foil/fin race board where everyone is on the same kit so avoids the $ arm race, but probably not what is required by jims.
If you buy a new 2021 board, they will improve it in 2023 (maybe). At some point you have to bite the bullet.

Select to expand quote

jims said..
BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

The 71 is designed for smaller sails than the 81/91 and to be sailed in stronger winds. Or the same wind but by a very much lighter sailor.
The RF is a race board, so needs a race/freerace foil and you need to go fast on it, I assume. Im not sure what the drawbacks of a RF are, as I bought a similar shaped AHD and am learning on that ok. I decided that going fast(ish) and foiling gybes were my aim. Where I live Poole Harbour is a great place for going upwind/downwind, a bit of long distance touring. If I can go nearly as fast on a foil board as my largest fin board and foiling gybes I'll be happy.
If you pinpoint the type of sailing you want to do that will help your choice of kit.
This is a video which inspired me.



Slow foiling doesnt interest me, but if I lived somewhere with rolling swell down the ocean it would.
Some people are suggesting a board with the US * 2 tracks as you can move the foil to obtain the best trim. Thats a good idea, but they use foilboxes for a reason, I guess durability with larger and faster race/freerace foils which put a lot of strain on the board.

A local here bought an AHD Topaz board (dual purpose) and Slingshot foil, one with a convertible head between track and box. The 2 arent compatible, the lift of the Slingshot is too far back for that board, it needs to be mounted further forward. He has only got it up on the foil a few times. We started foiling on the same day. 2019, Windsurf mag tested the same board and an AFS foil (same company as AHD) and summarised "If you're looking for an easy, accessible foiling-freerace package, they don't come much better."
Edit. PS, if you want a foil only package, the Compact is a better board.

Select to expand quote

Ian K said..

kato said..
Bit the bullet and have ordered the board and sourced a foil set up from a mate. As with everything ATM nothing available until February some time.

Given that I want to SUPSurf and foil rather than wind foil ,I went with a crossover board. The Naish 26 Crossover was the recommended board to fit the above requirements If I find that I do more winging than paddling another board might be on the cards down the track.
Now the waiting begins

The hardest thing about all this Kato is the terminology. You've mixed up wing foiling and wind foiling . Now you'd think wind foiling was a general term for anything with foils powered by the wind....AC75s, IMOCA 60s Waszps etc. But no, it's the term for what used to be called a windsurfer/sailboard that has been fitted with a foil.

Wings used to be the solid version of soft sails. They fit them to the SailGP cats. On this forum it's the term reserved for a slightly more aerodynamic umbrella.

The first version of the foiling sports to come up with a catchy name will take off overtaking all others. Unfortunately Dynamic Lifter has been taken. They applied it to chook poo and look how it's taken off!

Nah, wing foiling is "butterflies " and wind foiling is a windsurfer. If I become a "Butterfly " then I'll get something shorter

Select to expand quote

jims said..
BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

A 2021 RF 71 is worth used $850. Recently a 2020 RF 81 in excellent condition sold for $800. And deduct more for the ugly nose protection on that board you are talking about. Who puts a nose guard on like that. That is wrong. :)

You need a wider board for your conditions IMHO. Even at your weight, 71 cm on a lake when the wind could die in a second for me is not wide enough. You want float, especially in the beginning. There are no water starts in the beginning. The 20/21 RF 81 might be a last resort if you can't find a board with US tracks. The foil you buy might not be ideal for the RF 81 settings. For non-racing, which you are doing the US tracks are great. That is why JP, Fanatic, Starboard, Slingshot... all make now them with US tracks. There is a reason. But you will not find that on the IQ foil, Slalom, Race ect. were the deep tuttle dominates. You are running smaller sails, low aspect foils and on a lake with marginal winds.

Please disregard all the buying suggestions that are from outside the USA. I wish we could get some of the boards over there. There are no AHD, Phantom, FMX, Patrick, Future Fly... unless you find a few time imports and that will be costly. Your options are Slingshot, Goya, Starboard, JP, Fanatic, Exocet and a few others.

I can't comment on the Free Foil Exocet vs RF. I see guys on lakes with the RF and one with the Free Foil Exocet in the Gorge. Maybe someone with experience on that board will comment.

Select to expand quote

jims said..
BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

Jims

I tested a friends RF91 couple of years ago. For a learning on it felt stable, however I felt it would be something you would grow out of pretty rapidly. I didn't like the board length, the extra swing weight (the board has a long nose) felt like the board was being pushed down and not lifting you up, I had to really concentrate on the foil height in the gybes.

When you foil a short and wide board like the slingshot wizards or slingshot levitator its night and day difference. You don't need board length for foiling, you get lift from positioning the foil perfectly for your riding style, weight and height.

I know its a long way for you but I have a used 2018 Slingshot Wizard 125 for $450 (it has a tuttle box not twin tracks) I would also give you a free foil lesson but I'm near Cocoa Beach...Florida, bit of a trek for you.

Two boards mentioned above are the Exocet Free Foil (tuttle only) and the Fanatic Stingray (both tuttle and tracks). I have both and like them a lot. At my 200 lb weight they are both a good size. My Exocet is the 132 liter at 86 cm width, and my Stingray is 140 liter at 85 cm width. The Exocet is $1299 USD brand new (I bought it one year used for $600 USD). You can't go wrong with either one.

+1 for checking with North Beach Windsurfing in St Pete, FL. They are a most excellent resource.

Select to expand quote

CoreAS said..

Jims

I tested a friends RF91 couple of years ago. For a learning on it felt stable, however I felt it would be something you would grow out of pretty rapidly. I didn't like the board length, the extra swing weight (the board has a long nose) felt like the board was being pushed down and not lifting you up, I had to really concentrate on the foil height in the gybes.

When you foil a short and wide board like the slingshot wizards or slingshot levitator its night and day difference. You don't need board length for foiling, you get lift from positioning the foil perfectly for your riding style, weight and height.

I know its a long way for you but I have a used 2018 Slingshot Wizard 125 for $450 (it has a tuttle box not twin tracks) I would also give you a free foil lesson but I'm near Cocoa Beach...Florida, bit of a trek for you.

But the 2020/2021 Exocets are 198cm long for the 71 and 210 for the 81.
www.exocet-original.com/rf-foil-ast-c2x33092221

Select to expand quote

PhilUK said..

CoreAS said..

Jims

I tested a friends RF91 couple of years ago. For a learning on it felt stable, however I felt it would be something you would grow out of pretty rapidly. I didn't like the board length, the extra swing weight (the board has a long nose) felt like the board was being pushed down and not lifting you up, I had to really concentrate on the foil height in the gybes.

When you foil a short and wide board like the slingshot wizards or slingshot levitator its night and day difference. You don't need board length for foiling, you get lift from positioning the foil perfectly for your riding style, weight and height.

I know its a long way for you but I have a used 2018 Slingshot Wizard 125 for $450 (it has a tuttle box not twin tracks) I would also give you a free foil lesson but I'm near Cocoa Beach...Florida, bit of a trek for you.

But the 2020/2021 Exocets are 198cm long for the 71 and 210 for the 81.
www.exocet-original.com/rf-foil-ast-c2x33092221

Yes, but the 2019 board was 230cm. That is the board in the video and not the same as 20/21. Much different.

Select to expand quote

jims said..
BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

Jims

I tested a friends RF91 couple of years ago. For a learning on it felt stable, however I felt it would be something you would grow out of pretty rapidly. I didn't like the board length, the extra swing weight (the board has a long nose) felt like the board was being pushed down and not lifting you up, I had to really concentrate on the foil height in the gybes.

When you foil a short and wide board like the slingshot wizards or slingshot levitator its night and day difference. You don't need board length for foiling, you get lift from positioning the foil perfectly for your riding style, weight and height.

I know its a long way for you but I have a used 2018 Slingshot Wizard 125 for $450 (it has a tuttle box not twin tracks) I would also give you a free foil lesson but I'm near Cocoa Beach...Florida, bit of a trek for you.

Select to expand quote

PhilUK said..

CoreAS said..

Jims

I tested a friends RF91 couple of years ago. For a learning on it felt stable, however I felt it would be something you would grow out of pretty rapidly. I didn't like the board length, the extra swing weight (the board has a long nose) felt like the board was being pushed down and not lifting you up, I had to really concentrate on the foil height in the gybes.

When you foil a short and wide board like the slingshot wizards or slingshot levitator its night and day difference. You don't need board length for foiling, you get lift from positioning the foil perfectly for your riding style, weight and height.

I know its a long way for you but I have a used 2018 Slingshot Wizard 125 for $450 (it has a tuttle box not twin tracks) I would also give you a free foil lesson but I'm near Cocoa Beach...Florida, bit of a trek for you.

But the 2020/2021 Exocets are 198cm long for the 71 and 210 for the 81.
www.exocet-original.com/rf-foil-ast-c2x33092221

Ah got it, missed reading the year he was looking at.

JimS as Zerovix mentioned the Slingshot boards and foils have been very successful in the U.S. for the learning curve and beyond. Plenty of used gear out there and pick a modular foil system so you can swap front wings out easily. No need to get all technical when learning, a nice low aspect foil (slingshot infinity 84 or infinity 76 for example) , wide board and RAF sail.

Select to expand quote

PhilUK said..

Grantmac said..
The RS:One, Bic and 2019 RF should all be avoided.

Why? Not disagreeing, but an explanation would help.

The BIC and Exocet boards (pre 2021) are shaped by the same person, Jean-Marie Guriec. The BIC was designed in 2018 so has none of the knowledge of the later Exocet boards. Still good for a cheap OD foil/fin race board where everyone is on the same kit so avoids the $ arm race, but probably not what is required by jims.
If you buy a new 2021 board, they will improve it in 2023 (maybe). At some point you have to bite the bullet.

Shaped by the same person, who didn't get it right. The outlines are all wrong with the 2018 Exocet heading down an evolutionary dead end (plus generally weighing a tonne) and the Bic being a pretty lackluster fin board with a foil box slapped in.

2018/19 was a time of rapid development that has since slowed way down. Most boards are looking very similar now with variation in size and footstrap positions being the only major differences.

I do think the RF71 is the wrong board for the OP and the 2020 RF81 is the better choice. The FF132 isn't as low wind biased.

Tracks are probably the way ahead but not really required if you choose a foil that has a few fuselages available.

Quite a lively discussion here .

Jims, I am currently in OBX, and I'm quite glad to have a foil to play with on the lighter days. For me, foiling has not increased the days on the water, but that's because I used longboards before foiling. But as much as I enjoyed longboards, I now pick a foil with a 7.0 over a longboard with an 8.5 every time. On the foil, I'm usually foiling 1/2 of the speed I get on slalom gear (in more wind - 16 vs. 32 knots this trip, for example). But foiling is just about as much fun, even after more than 250 sessions.

To get started, look for a used Slingshot Infinity 76 (or possibly 84). It's a great foil to start on, and you should be able to find one in decent shape for $800 or less. Many foilers switch to different brands after a while, but the Slingshot foils are what most beginners in the US use, so there's a big used market. Another advantage of Slingshot foils is that it is easy to get shorter masts (61 cm and 71 cm), which you'll need for foiling in OBX most of the time.

OBX is a great place for foiling. The wind here tends to be quite constant, which makes learning easier. However, you need to watch the water levels, and know where to foil. For the past 2 weeks, the water levels have been high enough to allow foiling at Ocean Air (Island Creek) and the Canadian Hole with 72 cm masts. At Ocean Air, you may have to walk past the wind meter at low tide, but it's deep enough about 100 years beyond it for mile-long runs. If you get a few days of high pressure or easterly winds, though, the water levels may drop, and a 61 cm mast (or longer walk) may be needed.

The place in Waves where ABK Boardsports does the clinics is even better, since the water remains deep enough all the time, and often even allows the use of 90 cm masts (after a somewhat longer walk). You should definitely try to do a camp in Hatteras next may. Andy Brandt is great at teaching foiling (and winging now, too). He also has demo gear for teaching, in case you don't find used gear before then. If you can't do ABK, check with the folks at Ocean Air about private lessons.

When you start foiling, you'll need almost as much wind as you'd need to get planing, so OBX with its better winds will be a better place to learn than your local lake. Once your skills improve, you'll likely find that 10-12 knots are enough for foiling with a 6.0. One of the things I love about foiling is that it works much better in gusty winds than the slapper. There are plenty of days at our home spot in Cape Cod where the windsurfers spent most of the time re-rigging or waiting for the long lulls to pass, while a few foilers (wind, wing, and kite) all remain on the water, having fun.

As for the low end to be gained by (freeride) foiling, we've had a couple of light days here that gave a nice illustration. For a light, highly skilled windsurfer willing to use large sail, there may not be any gain. One day here when meter reading were around 10-11 mph, the only person planing was a women on what looked like an 8+ m sail and large slalom board; at the same time, both my wife on a 6 m wing and I with a 7 m foil sail were struggling to foil, getting only a few rides. Chances are the windsurfer was both quite light and highly skilled. Several other windsurfers on the water at the same time, with large sails, planed even less than we foiled.

But yesterday was probably a more typical example. Wind meter readings were about 13 knots, and of the handful of windsurfers out there, not a single one was planing consistently. Some of them got going in gusts, but it often looked like "half speed", and/or were slogging again a minute later. At the same time, my wife and I on 6.0 wing / 7.0 sail where foiling all of the time. I'm around 90 kg; someone with your weight and average skills should have had no problem foiling the entire time with a sail in the 5 m range.

Select to expand quote

ZeroVix said..

jims said..
BTW, what are thoughts on the 2021 Exocet RF 71 in AST? Found a used one for $1k that looks to be in really good condition.

Also, what's the functional difference between the RF and Free Foil Exocets? (They seem to be the same price new.)

A 2021 RF 71 is worth used $850. Recently a 2020 RF 81 in excellent condition sold for $800. And deduct more for the ugly nose protection on that board you are talking about. Who puts a nose guard on like that. That is wrong. :)

You need a wider board for your conditions IMHO. Even at your weight, 71 cm on a lake when the wind could die in a second for me is not wide enough. You want float, especially in the beginning. There are no water starts in the beginning. The 20/21 RF 81 might be a last resort if you can't find a board with US tracks. The foil you buy might not be ideal for the RF 81 settings. For non-racing, which you are doing the US tracks are great. That is why JP, Fanatic, Starboard, Slingshot... all make now them with US tracks. There is a reason. But you will not find that on the IQ foil, Slalom, Race ect. were the deep tuttle dominates. You are running smaller sails, low aspect foils and on a lake with marginal winds.

Please disregard all the buying suggestions that are from outside the USA. I wish we could get some of the boards over there. There are no AHD, Phantom, FMX, Patrick, Future Fly... unless you find a few time imports and that will be costly. Your options are Slingshot, Goya, Starboard, JP, Fanatic, Exocet and a few others.

I can't comment on the Free Foil Exocet vs RF. I see guys on lakes with the RF and one with the Free Foil Exocet in the Gorge. Maybe someone with experience on that board will comment.

I agree that OP would indeed be ill advised to go outside the US, but that's just because of the difficulty of choosing a pricey board sight unseen and unridden. He's certainly better off with something used and moderately priced to start with.

It's not true, though, that the overseas builders are out of bounds for those who know what they want and what those setups offer. I recently bought a Sealion Wings (same company as AHD and AFS foils) direct from France. I gave them my credit card, paid, including shipping, significantly less than any similar SUP from any nearby dealer, and ten days later had the beautifully packed board waiting at my doorstep in Florida. I knew exactly what I wanted - a board to WindSUP, SurfSUP in 2' and smaller Gulf Coast onshore, and Windfoil, and knew there wasn't one available from any other source. Other options - X-Longboard, Hypernut, would have been compromised one way or another. The whole thing was utterly painless, with excellent communication from the guys at AHD. The same applies to lots of the European sources. Once they eliminate the V.A.T. the shipping cost is not awful (that board cost about $320 to ship) and you can get hold of hard to find setups from Point7, Horue and others, priced not higher than domestically available gear.

I support the local brick and mortar whenever I can - those guys are the spine of the industry - but it's good to know there are options.