Some random notes I made from a successful paddle up on a smaller foil (1107cm2), I’ve not really felt the need to spend that much time on this, but coming back to it yesterday with better strength, gear and technique I managed to crack it quite easily after a few goes. In the past I’ve not managed on smaller foils. This was partly due to the following:
speed: if you’re paddling well, and have a modern downwind board (>8’, <19") then possibly you’ll be able to get going faster than you realise. Once I locked in the feeling, I realised I was going way faster than necessary for the foil, and didn’t have to put as much effort into the paddle.
move feet: James Casey does this super well, as does Olivia Piana. I found that standing further forward, and then actively moving my back foot backwards as I built speed helped me feel where the foil was engaging. (Once up on foil then you move your front foot back). James does it here where he is actively moving his feet to find the foils engagement.
pump!: While I was paddling way too hard, I wasn’t pumping nearly enough, and not usefully. Once the board is up to speed and especially when it starts releasing, pumping made a huge difference, as soon as I started pumping I felt I was going plenty fast to pick the board up and pump away, with the paddle starting to just assist. I needed to pump faster than I realised. Eg Zane, super clear:
lean forward & keep paddling: despite the fact that you’ve got the foil engaged and the board releasing, keep leaning forward, paddling “nose to toes” to keep the board accelerating and the foil from stalling. This is something that ruined most of the “almosts”, was standing up straight to start pumping, or missing a paddle stroke and bringing my weight backwards.
Otherwise I find it pretty tiring, breathing helps, high intensity helps, focussing on what you feel and looking at footage helps. Smaller paddle helps with more accurate paddle strokes, I’ve found the power is less of an issue but easy accurate paddle strokes at a high cadence seems to be more of a factor. Different for different phases I guess
Also reposting a snippet from the last time I looked at this:
Please have a look at absolutely the smoothest flat water start I’ve ever seen. See the story for details on how you can glide up without breaking a sweat. I copied and summarised these tips below, thanks Dan J!
- Paddle ups are about breaking water tension and getting air between the board and the surface of the water. That’s what I was aiming to do. Get air between the board and the surface of the water.
- Use your legs. Imagine a skateboard ollie but not as critical. LEGS!!! So important. I found the paddle should be secondary.
- When you feel you’re starting to come up, Remember those legs. and pump when the foil is underwater. Even though you aren’t up by pumping it’s releasing the water pressure, reducing drag and helps to increase speed
- Keep paddling after you think you’re up, because your still not at speed. That’s why a slightly longer paddle helps.
- Once up get legs closer together. Even the slightest shuffle will do different things. Tiny movements will change verything.