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marc5 said..
Mikey, congrats on your success with the new smaller Sky Wing, especially jibing. What would you say are the things that helped you most on your jibe journey? I hope I can follow in your footsteps!
Marc (making 1 jibe in 25)
Ok. I have probably been one of the slowest learners in my area. So, my insights when examined by the experts, are probably going to be shot down.
But, in a couple of weeks I have went from making a gybe to taxi to take off about 20% of the time to now, making 95%+ with foot switches up on foil. These things worked for me. Maybe something here might be of help for you.
My thoughts-
1. Have a board that is big enough to float well and get going easily. This saved a lot of energy so you can practice longer each session. It also is slower n smoother to react.
2. Have a big foil to learn on as it lifts quickly and reacts slowly. It is very forgiving in direction changes. Stay on it till you can gybe consistently. Again, allows you to practice longer each session.
3. Have experienced wingers have a ride on your board. Their advice as to mast position, shimming etc will make sure you are riding the optimal setup of your gear.
4. 12-15kts and flat water are the 'magic pill' in learning; search for them.
5. If wearing boots, try bare feet. (I sail a rocky, coral bottom so keep boots on till out in deep water, then remove n shove down shirt. Put on before coming in.) The fine foot movements bare-footed make fine adjustments of stance easy.
6. When gybing, get your front forearm and elbow out of the way so you have a 100% clear view in front of you.
7. When gybing, front hand is palm UP; this makes the spinning of the wing above your head comfortable and easy.
8. When gybing, stay over the board with hips facing front and initiate turn from the ankles, bending the knees and pressing with the toes and swinging hips into the turn. . I was falling inward on my turns as I was trying to carve as I would a surfboard. Trouble was, I was leaning further in than the centrifugal force being generated to keep me pressed against the board.
9. TURN THE BOARD, don't be gentle and let it turn you. 10. Practice gybing. Some days I had over 300 attempts, with only 50-100m straight sailing between.
Hopefully someone can take something above to help them on their journey.