Hey all, I’m seeking advice for what gear to buy for my local conditions, during the crappy wave season. The wave forecast is often less than 100kj power. 1-3 feet at 4-6 seconds.
Mostly closeouts, not much face for doing turns on a regular surfboard. There are a lot of beginners on longboards, but more experienced people generally just stay home.
Do these waves provide enough power to take off? Or should I try to learn to dockstart at a lake instead, and eventually try to learn to beachstart?
I’m 85kg. I’ve been wingfoiling a bit to learn how to pump so I can hopefully switch to prone foiling soon. I have a 35L Slingshot foilboard, a 125L beginner wingboard, a Takuma 1500 helium, and a Takuma LOL 1300.
Should I get an Axis PNG? Or is that really only for truly flat water with no waves?
That’s Florida in the summer… We learned dock-starts to graduate to ocean ladder starts. They’re a blast and kept us busy all summer. The size wing you get is based on you weight and latter/scaffold setup. I’m 200lbs and use the axis 1150. My buddy is 150lbs and uses the Armstrong 1180. …so it just depends. If it’s MICRO, I prone with a giant wing too. Here’s my buddy on the setup. PS- beach starts are possible too, but more physically demanding
As far as what gear to buy to make your life easier in those conditions, I’d suggest picking up a “mid-length” board in the 45L to 55L range. This will give you the paddle power to ensure you can catch these relatively weak waves without having to paddle your shoulders out of their sockets.
As far as a foil setup, a foil in the 1100 to 1300 range (surface area) should get the job done no problem. Your Takuma 1500 helium should actually work for you in these conditions, but picking up a more recent model foil setup (thinking something like Unifoil’s Evolution 175 or 205, or an Armstrong HA1180, for example) will make it that much easier.
As far as mast length goes, I wouldn’t go anything over 800. Waves of that size and period are going to break in relatively shallow water so you don’t want to be getting stuck on the bottom with a mast that’s too long.
Just got back from small surf session and have only been out a few times. I can wing, pop ups no problem and a lifelong surfer. And I’m getting some longer waves but struggling on mushier waves. Using an old Armstrong hs1200 but it has been difficult to stay on foil in weak waves. Is it my technique or do I need a bigger foil? I’ve got about 90kg with weight of myself, board and gear. Height is a usually 2-3 feet 6-8 second periods but also mushy and backs off in places. Pretty big shoulder going into deeper channel. I’m trying to stay on the top of the face and top of wave, but having to pump just to keep riding on foil in some of the waves. The mast is slammed all the way back because I scared the sh*t out myself first session - had some sketchy wipeouts with a big mast and big foil. Should I try with the mast in the middle and also shim it or use a bigger foil? I have an ha1180 on its way for some small downwinding but didn’t consider it for prone. I surf double and triple overhead so not scared of the ocean but I’m honestly still a little timid of the hatchet now attached to the bottom of my board. Edit: I am on a 58 or 72cm mast now, depending on the tide, because it is shallow reef and I hit the bottom if I’m not on foil.
Wingfoiling teaches you nothing about pumping. I was going 30km on a wing in light winds but couldn’t go 30m the first time I tried pump foiling with my fd. I think your setup is fine, as long as your mast isn’t hitting the bottom… if you wanna pump around like a pro you’re gonna need a AR9.5+ foil such as code S, I ride the 1300S in 1-2ft waves and it pumps great. Whatever you do, do not get axis thinking it’s the next step for your prone foil, it is years behind code (and probably kt).
The 1180ha is good. Keep the mast slammed back until you get more comfortable on the takeoffs. You will need a HA foil to be able to stay on the wave and pump away.
Thanks for the info everyone. I’ll try to find some used armstrong, code, or kt foils in my area. Also probably going to pick up a SUP board, Gong cruzader inflatable.
Went back out today with an Armstrong low aspect CF1600 blue shim fat beginner tail. Mast still all the way back. I think my initial challenge comes down to speed and weak waves. If I actually drop into a steep section had plenty of speed and on foil without issue. Those waves going like >15mph. If I try to shoulder hop a mushy section just not enough juice and have to pump just to keep on the wave. Those waves I’m going like 8-10 mph. I see clips of people catching and staying on the smallest slowest bumps, would like to be able to do that. Will give HA1180 a try next week.
think about turning in the power to generate speed. If you outrun the wave, turn right back into it. Staying in the power and using it to make and keep speed is key.
Inflatable tolerable for some wingers. Far from ideal trying to prone or sup due to poor pump. You need to be able to catch the wave, then make the most of your conditions. If you have enough power to get on foil, but just a quick close out, then you might like something that pumps really well; ie, higher aspect. If you have windswell for miles, maybe a downwind type board and a more low aspect foil like your Helium or a GoFoil GT 1700 that would allow for slow tight turns… maybe post a pic of your conditions if no local foilers to ask.
