Generating lift while turning

Downwind Foil
1

I’ve been progressing at DW SUP foil for the last couple seasons here in the PNW. My winter conditions are usually windy (20-30 knots), wind bumps of thigh to waist high, short period, fairly steep. Been working on figure-8 type of turning to stay in a good set, and also peel off and catch the one behind when necessary.

Just wanted to hear from others on the idea of generating lift from turns. Here’s what I think I know:

  1. Turning hard (and perhaps all turns) kills speed, but generates lift. Lift allows one to regain a high mast position (potential energy) and increase efficiency/glide, and increase pump efficiency.

  2. Executing turns at the most optimal part of the wave (close to or at the top of bump) equals minimal loss of speed, and maximizes the amount of wave face to cut back/turn on.

I guess my question is: What are proficient riders doing, regarding wave position, radius of turn, and speed, to use relatively mid/small foils (1050, AR 10, in my case) in Bay-like conditions?

Thank you!

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Keep a narrow stance and front foot pressure. If you feel losing speed or touching down during or after a carve then step back. You should feel the wing pressure during the carve. With time and some getting used to it you should feel more confident making sharper faster carves even tips out.

2 Likes
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I think there is a difference in how some foils generate more speed and lift while turning, and some bleed more speed and lift. It’s wild the difference sometimes.