A quick review of the foil scoot,
I needed a way to increase/improve my pumping when winging and after watching too many videos by Gael Daniele on U-TUBE about how tough it is to learn how to Dock Start and Pump Foil...
2 years to even get close to being consistent!!
No way was I able to see that as an option.
I started watching Benjamin Friant on the foil scoot on insta and figured that might be a shortcut to better foiling.
So, I purchased a Foil Scoot Setup from ROAM FOILS in Canada, I found them on insta as well, I just liked the mans style and the way he went about making pump foiling look fun. (www.roamfoils.com)
1st problem, it is great for dock starting, if you don't have a dock handy, you need a platform to jump off. So I built a platform.
2nd problem, the launch and associated skill level is a new set of skills.
The process is: run fast, (only space for 3 steps), Jump and land feet straight, (keeping your feet straight makes you keep your shoulders straight, shoulders straight means you glide straight), glide, hop, hop, hop... rinse and repeat.
Been at it for a month and 1/2, having a great time, I am brain dead after about 40 mins and now can consistently go around 20 metres before I crash, usually caused by slowing down too much.
The big question, has it helped my winging?
My foiling in general is much improved, I can pump much more consistently, for gybes, now I glide much more freely and pump around the corner, with more time for the wing switch, generally much more controlled and less fumble trying to control everything at once.
I have seen a video on ROAM showing a beach start on the scoot foil, still a way for me to go.
Okay, if you are a good foiler, who prones or SUP foils and you want to pump foil, I would say the scoot foil is not for you.
If you are into developing a skill set on the days when there is no wind and you don't have 2 years to punish yourself or you are not as agile as you used to be, the scoot is way into a niche sport that is great fun and a challenge.
Cheers