Went out on my 2.8M Swing today, in the solid gusts the wing generates plenty of pull and I can generate speed and get on foil. What I struggle with is the short and gutless gusts where there is an initial pull, usually enough to get moving, but then it drops out and no amount of wing or board pumping generates enough speed to get on foil. I know I was undersized for the conditions, but due to a recent quiver change my next size up was a 4.5M and that was overpowered.
My question relates to the technique for using the small, handkerchief sized wings and how to get the wing to catch and hold the wind. I've tried holding wing high, holding low and forward, heading across the wind, upwards into the wind and slightly downwind trying to use the bumps for assistance, Ive tired fast fluttering pumps and slower cyclic pumps.
I used an inordinate amount of expletives in todays session as well, but that didn't generate enough wind unfortunately.
Yes, I understand I needed a slightly bigger wing for todays conditions, but I just can't seem to find a method that gives me a consistent amount of drive for long enough to get on foil so looking for suggestions from the tribe....

I think this is pretty normal in gusty conditions. Winging here in the Gorge when the gauge is reading 20-40 knots I prefer being on a 2m strike v3, 650 Silk, and -10l Carver 5'11"x20"x77l.

Patience is key, you can't generate power with the small ones like you can with the big ones. Get your timing right to sinc up the push of the swell with the wind gusts (make sure your takeoff direction is in alignment as well) and then you'll get more success.

I sold my -20l board because of this issue. It was no big deal with average size wings and foils but when I was on my smallest kit things were just too unreliable.

DWF said..
Tiny sizes are where some of the biggest improvements have come, lately.

So, if the brand you ride is in that club, don't build a quiver with the oldest stuff being your tiny sizes. It's tempting to only upgrade your most used sizes, and ignore the tiny ones.

Any brands in particular? Im not tied to any brand and always seeking out the best gear that's available (at a reasonable cost)

You need a deeper chord on small wings to stop twitchyness