Hey everyone, looking for some advice and general knowledge about wind and wing foiling.
I've been thinking about getting into it this year but the cost of new (and even 2nd hand gear) looks to be quite expensive.

How does one go about starting to wind foil and exploring that without too much cost. Are there cheaper ways to get into it?

Can you use a free ride board that can also take a foil, and that way and is it as simple as that and putting a small sail on the board? Alternatively, Wing foiling looks fun and a cool "take it to the beach" (local beach is Mooloolaba) with the family. Do you need a surf foil board for this or could you use a wind foil board also?

Advice is appreciated

Yes it is expensive! The way I went about doing it was to look for all the deals. End of the year or season is the best time. I got my foil board new in June 2019 brand new, but it was a 2018 model Slingshot Dialer board and was 64% off. I needed a foil next and was looking for another good deal. Saved some more money and ended up getting a new slingshot foil at a pretty good price. So I'm already to go except I need a mast base, nose pad protector and a mechanical upper piece. Buying that stuff at the end of the month. I gave myself one year to gather the gear necessary to foil. Financially, it was easy spreading the cost out throughout the year.

Hi AntsC

If you are all ready a good windsurfer, - and have the different sails etc. Then Windfoiling is the better choice, as you can get out in most conditions (changing sail sizes for the conditions)

Wing foiling is a little more limited (wind range)

I got both multiple wind foil set ups and also wind wings. I spend most time on the windsurfing wind foil ( 95% vs 5%).
The wing is fun for some of the days to 'mix it up' and something different.

Yes you can use a Wind foil board for the wing. But not any board. You most need some volume and width in the tail to make it easier.
For reference I use Wizard 125L that is a good shape for using the wing as well.

Most important is the right foil to start with. So yes you can use a old freeride or slalom board.
Width of the board really helps 70-85cm is a good guide line. Some do use formula boards that works good.

Do the research and make sure you box fits the foils etc.

If you can find them, then good windfoils 2nd hand is from $800-1300. If anything is cheaper then there might be a reason.

New prices on good alu foils (fun style and easy to learn on), is anything from $1300-$2300.

The specific foil board , can always come later. So starting cost could be just the foil (used or new)

All I can say is don't 'buy to cheap' and think any foil setup is the same, as some set ups is really not that great for starting out on.
In a way the most important step 1, is your first foil, as that will take you through the learning process much easier (and also less chance for injury)

There is quite a few forum posts on the different setups, If you look around a bit.

Cheers
Jesper

Hi Ants

Longtime no see

I decided to take the plunge very recently so I just bought a foil and plugged it into one of my old formula's. Works a treat, me and three of my kids have been out this week, all of us managed to get it flying. We found the old SB 161 formula works well as we just got it planing first then gently eased it up on the foils. At first more planing then flying then 50/50 then more flying then planing. Started out using the chicken strap for reaching and downwind but within an hour or two we were all using the outboard straps to go upwind. We are still very much in the learning phase.

I did look for a foil with a flange so it was less stressful on the finbox and I glued a heap of foam onto the nose given it will be used to train 4 of us, I expected it to take a few knocks which it already has, I also changed to back straps to use basic foam one's from my raceboard that are very easy to get into and more importantly get out of.

I am probably wrong with this bit of advice but from my very limited experience I have found having a sail that is not to small has made it easier, being well powered has allowed us to concentrate on the flying without having to worry about pumping the sail.

btw- it probably gets easier as you get more skilled but what a workout in the beginning.

Cammd,

What kind of foam did you use? I've been experimenting a little with some closed cell foam that won't take on water, but having an issue finding glue or adhesive that will bond to the foam. The adhesives just want to peal off when dry. I'd like to make my own nose pad protector rather than spending $45 on a already made one, if I can make it cheaper.

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MagicRide said..
Cammd,

What kind of foam did you use? I've been experimenting a little with some closed cell foam that won't take on water, but having an issue finding glue or adhesive that will bond to the foam. The adhesives just want to peal off when dry. I'd like to make my own nose pad protector rather than spending $45 on a already made one, if I can make it cheaper.

Just a cheap ($10) camping mattress and Sika contact cement, It did partly rip off after a couple of stacks so now it has duct tape as well holding it in place, looks dodgy but i don't care just want to avoid having to repair it constantly and avoid sessions being cut short due to a damaged board.

Select to expand quote

cammd said..
Hi Ants

Longtime no see

I decided to take the plunge very recently so I just bought a foil and plugged it into one of my old formula's. Works a treat, me and three of my kids have been out this week, all of us managed to get it flying. We found the old SB 161 formula works well as we just got it planing first then gently eased it up on the foils. At first more planing then flying then 50/50 then more flying then planing. Started out using the chicken strap for reaching and downwind but within an hour or two we were all using the outboard straps to go upwind. We are still very much in the learning phase.

I did look for a foil with a flange so it was less stressful on the finbox and I glued a heap of foam onto the nose given it will be used to train 4 of us, I expected it to take a few knocks which it already has, I also changed to back straps to use basic foam one's from my raceboard that are very easy to get into and more importantly get out of.

I am probably wrong with this bit of advice but from my very limited experience I have found having a sail that is not to small has made it easier, being well powered has allowed us to concentrate on the flying without having to worry about pumping the sail.

btw- it probably gets easier as you get more skilled but what a workout in the beginning.

Hey Cameron,

Nice to hear from you! Sounds like you've given it a good shot and seems to be working out nicely for you.

Makes sense about having a slightly bigger sail to help get up on the foil. My sails range from 6.3-7.7 so I feel that might be ok.

Might keep a look out for an old formula board or something that is quite wide and larger in volume which seems to be the general consensus.

Ants, an old formula board could make a good learning platform. Foot straps will probably be in the wrong place so you may want to move them onboard initially.
Obviously all foils are different but if you choose a foil like the Slingshot Infinity 76, a great all round foil, beware of rigging too big a sail. In my experience if you are learning and have enough sail up to water start you will be wildly overpowered when you do pop up on the foil

Hi AntsC,

Suggest you get a large, relatively slow front wing foil. I have a Slingshot Infinity 84, but started with Neil Pryde AL (the famous Pinkie). Both on Exocet RF 91 board. Learning on the Pinkie was crazy but fun, the board planes, then gets really slippery (like ice skates) before flying, and then is tough to control as a beginner. The i84 is much smoother, flys earlier, though is nowhere near as fast as the pinkie. Much better for learning on a big wing. Also have a 71cm foil mast, pinkie was 80ish. Both are short and good for flying then setting down, however tend to breach the surface often (a gurgling noise followed board turning into the wind). As you improve need to move to 90-110cm mast.

Many people on seabreeze helped me with purchase decision for the i84, including some good recommendations for Starboard products, see this link
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Foiling/Light-wind--2019-Starboard-Freeride-Al-1100-cm-wing-vs-Slingshot-HG-Custom-Infinity-84?page=1#15

Also have velcro'd a pool noodle to the Exocet RF as a nose guard, see video at end of this link, and there are many other tips on the same link;
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/Foiling/Foil-Board-Nose-Protection?page=2#5

Have fun.