Looking for Beginner Foil Gear Recommendations

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Hi everyone,

I’m a lifelong surfer based in Venice Beach, CA, looking to get into foiling. I’ve taken two eFoil lessons, which were a blast, but I’m determined to learn to foil the traditional way — through hard work and determination. I want to develop solid fundamentals and grow into this discipline step by step.

Given my location and conditions (typical Venice Beach beach break waves), I’d love to hear your recommendations for beginner foil gear. I’m looking for something stable and forgiving to start, but versatile enough to progress on as I improve. Board, foil setups, mast lengths, any advice — I’m all ears.

A bit about me:
• Lifelong surfer (longboarder at heart)
• Comfortable in the water and familiar with wave dynamics
• 6’0”, 215 lbs

Looking forward to hearing from you all. Thanks in advance for helping a newbie out!

Dave

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Dm me your WhatsApp info and I’ll get you added to the Lafc WhatsApp. Plenty of people foiling near you. Lots of reps on there too if you want demo gear.

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I think Venice Pier has foilable waves right now when the tide is very high.

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Thank you! I just messaged you my information. I’ve met several LAFC members in the area. I stop and chat with anyone that has a foil at the beach or in the marina. I’ve been watching Brad get towed by his homemade tow board for the past 6 months while I am surfing Venice Pier. I’m listening to the podcast, watching youtube videos, and reading as much information as I can. I’m so intrigued.

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I appreciate the tip! Planning to get my first setup soon once I figure what to get. Beginner foiling equipment isn’t as easy as surfing where standard advice is just buy a softop.

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I’ll take a stab at it.

Get a larger board because they allow you to do everything slower. Popping up on a small board requires careful timing.

At 215 I imagine something around 50L would be good which is easy to find because there are a ton of wing boards in that size.

75cm mast and a fuse on the longer side. I think Axis Spitfire is an easy enough wing and you won’t outgrow it. The 960 or something in that size range. But honestly most foils are ok for learning.

The main thing is that you’ll struggle with the pop up for months.