I’m starting to explore some DW on lakes and was curious about what people consider the minimum conditions required for a downwind run. Especially with the development of larger HA wings, how far can we push the minimum conditions?
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How much fetch do you have?
Generally I have found for my local bay run that starts with quite little fetch is that it can be enjoyable down to 17MPH. It can take a bit of time though to get into reasonable bumps.
I have done it lower, but the enjoyment goes down. This is with a HA 1300 cm2 surface area foil @75kg geared up.
One thing to keep in mind are the conditions on your local lake. I found that on short, steep windswell (Lake Tahoe) that a mid aspect foil works better than HA’s. Atleast for me!
Getting caught out in bad conditions is part of paying dues, it sucks but it happens to everyone. There’s so many variables that can come into play it’s hard to say if no one knows the area you’re looking to dw at. I’d say look for steady 20mph wind like 20 gusting 25+ range as likely a safe base line and let it blow for a while before sending if you’re not sure how long it takes the bumps to build. Once you have a base line for what you’d consider good conditions you’ll have a better idea and start pushing in lighter conditions. I’d ride a big foil too, better to be over foiled and have to peel off bumps constantly but have fun than fight to paddle up and have a brutal cardio workout
This will give you an idea. Water depth plays a part too though.
Recently I bought one of these massive DW oriented wings (Fireball 1350 / 45 skinny). Although it’s not as fun as a windy day, finding that we can go downwind as long as it’s blowing about 10 even in a lake with a mile or two of fetch. Better than going on the treadmill.
Thats encouraging to know it’s possible. I’ve got a 220HAX that should do the trick for the light days
I recently picked up a 180HAX and it’s been a lot of fun.
Learning DW with FD until I can make room at the house to store DW gear.
Had some sessions in about 15kts, ocean, no groundswell, and did quite well for myself… possibly some of my most successful runs to date!