In terms of boards I see Axis have the Downwind board 120L 8’6" x 19" and wondered how this would compare to the Sunova 120L 7’0" x 23" or Gong Cruzader FSP Pro 2023 7’0 x 19 1/2" at 122L.
I would imagine the Axis would be easier to get up, since has more glide BUT less stable and big board once up.
The Gong harder to get up and even less stable, but nice when up.
The Sunova easier to balance, harder to pump up and nice when up.
A total guess since have never downwinded before but interested to here from others?
Yes I refer to the PNG1300, it is a beast. My friend has one and learnt on it. He is 75kg ish and only recently stepped down to the ART1099 after a lot of water time. You will always need a two to three foil
Quiver for downwind so best to start with the biggest wing you can find. 75cm mast is the size to get. HM carbon is great, but the 19mm Ali will also work just fine. Have a watch of James Casey’s YouTube channel. He just posted a few videos comparing the big Axis foils for ease of lift.
I’ve used Sunova for many years now. They are developed here in Perth where I live. Suit areas with less swell and more bay type conditions. Steep wind chop and bumpy water. The longest board I’ve used downwind is 6’6”x22x100L and I can use this fine. I have three seasons of downwind sup under my belt. Width is key. Less than 23” but I’d say wider than 20”. In the Sunova range at your weight you could use the 6’9x110Litre elite also. It might be harder to start with but will be a good board for future use.
I grew up in the Uk and spent most of my summers down in Sidmouth. I’d be keen to know what stretch of coastline you end up voyaging on the DW boards. Logistics are the worst part of downwinding. Here in Perth we have a straight road along the coast with no traffic so 12km is a short run and 25km is a long run. The driving and shuttling takes longer than the foiling once you have it mastered. If you want to catch small unbroken waves or bumps then a longer board will be more useful as it will paddle faster. I think a lot of days in the Uk will be suited to in and out style paddling and this is where a bigger board will be an advantage. On onshore days I often just go out for a 1 hour cardio session and paddle out 500metres, turn around foil to the beach and do it over and over again. Anything to get a quick foil fix.
I wonder if we could get a foil onto the local bus!
In seriousness, @Andy I’m tempted to come and look at this run in Start Bay, it looks to have good road access (and a bus!), seems viable for SW winds and the worst trouble you could end up in is landing up in Weymouth… or sucked out into the channel if the tide turns but hey. I’m sure there are loads of other options but the long beach caught my attention.
Hi @baldy123,
That is so helpful. Sidmouth is only an hour drive from us and has quick access to Exmouth for foiling/wing/kite.
Now listened to the Casey interview on The Generic Foiling Podcast and The Progression Project which was very useful. Enjoying the YouTube tutorials. I am finding buying a downwind board hard, especially at a reasonable price point.
Your suggestion of in/out sessions may be the way to go at first.
Thanks
Andy
Hi @Matt That could be a good option. For a smaller run I was thinking Berry Head to Meadfoot but logistically challenging. But big currents off Berry Head. Think wingdinging route first might be good. Pleased to here there are already people in the UK downwinding.
I think you reached out to me already
i will have these boards in the UK within 2 months I HOPE .
My opinion .
narrower boards are faster by far - however you have to be pretty ninja to paddle them .
The foil ( if wider span 100cm +) increases roll stability quite a bit so don’t be scared on 20-23" wide boards
In fact board around 24-26" are just not right for the job - you have the foil trying to aid in roll stability and at the same time , the board is getting tipped left and right by the surface chop so you find yourself not being able to get paddling fast.
at your weight i have bolded the boards which i feel might be the go for you
Aviator Downwind Prone/SUP 6’10" x 18" x 5 15/16" @94.5L
Aviator Downwind Prone/SUP 7’2" x 18" x 6 3/16" @103.9L
Aviator Downwind Prone/SUP 7’6" x 18" x 6 1/2" @113.8L
Aviator Downwind Elite 6’6" x 21 3/4" x 5 9/16" @99.9L Aviator Downwind Elite 6’9" x 22 1/2" x 5 3/4" @111.4L
Aviator Downwind Elite 7’6" x 23" x 6 1/4" @137.2L
and i have some orders on KT new downwind foil board - some sizes below
6’9 x 18.5 - 95L
7’0 x 19.5 - 105L 7’4 x 20 - 110l
8’4 x 22 - 135L
Plus i have AXIS downwind boards arriving soon 7’6
8’0
8’4
for foils I recommend the following for starting out , but like others have said down the line you want to go faster so the front wing will change. Choosing a foil is a little more complex …happy to steer you .
Go foil GL 240
Go foil GT 2200
Axis 1120 or 1060
Takuma 1900 Pro foil