I have a lot of questions. I’ve searched the forum for several but there are the ones I couldn’t find answers to. At least not recent ones.
I want something I can pop up on in flat water or small wakes so I can go ride wakes of boats on my local lake. Pumping off the dock to the wakes is about a 2 minute trek. I’ve done it, but it’s a long swim back to the dock if I fall. I will also do short downwind, probably, on the same lake. I’m 83 kg and a solid paddler. I spent many years sup racing before starting to foil.
My questions are;
How are inflatable boards now? I have no more room in my garage and my 8 year old daughter will be pretty mad if I sell her kayak.
Does anyone know or have thoughts about the diy plywood board on B&B yachts website? I’ve built many boards. That design wouldn’t be an issue.
I don’t have a good answer for your other questions but I have seen the B&B design in action. The designer is a member of our local foil club and a really good foiler. I don’t know him well but have been out at the same time and seen him on one of his homemade boards (although not sure if it’s the one you’re considering).
Ace Air Foil Inflatable Foilboard 2025 – Starboard I would go for one of these direct plate models over the standard sup style construction. I bought a 7’6" gong board, and it’s a 20% skill decrease. This is presumably due to it’s sticky round rails, smushy air filled design, and heavy nature. It’s not bad for winging, fits in a golf bag, but I would go for the star board if I had another try. (or the folding board!) I don’t know how well the 1.5cm carbon plate withstands flexing from pumping, but I assume it’s better than a base plate below the board.
Depending on your weight, you’ll be able to paddle up a gong or star board after some practice.
Optionally, get a pump scoot for your daughter and sell the kayak!
According to the website, if you use the right plywood, poplar, the board comes out to just over 14 lbs. part of the problem is getting poplar plywood though.