# \#science **URL:** https://forum.progressionproject.com/tag/science/4.md [Latest](https://forum.progressionproject.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.progressionproject.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.progressionproject.com/tags.md) --- ## [Are stabs like training wheels for bikes?](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/are-stabs-like-training-wheels-for-bikes/15282)
**Author:** [@anto](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/anto)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2026, 10:06am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/are-stabs-like-training-wheels-for-bikes/15282 "2026-10-03T10:06:14Z")
From what I’ve seen in surf foil and downwing videos, the better the riders, the smaller the stabs. And that made me wonder, are stabs really just making your setup more pitch stable in the expense of performance? And i… --- ## [Stealing Industry Secrets? Deriving Foil Data with a cell phone](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/stealing-industry-secrets-deriving-foil-data-with-a-cell-phone/18109)
**Author:** [@mercury\_ballistic](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/mercury_ballistic)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2026, 1:42pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/stealing-industry-secrets-deriving-foil-data-with-a-cell-phone/18109 "2026-10-01T13:42:06Z")
As a challenge I thought it would be an interesting thing to test: Learn about some of the basics of fluid dynamics and Extract some real world data from the stuff I use on the water. Read this knowing that I am not a… --- ## [Used a Contour gauge on some foils](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/used-a-contour-gauge-on-some-foils/17997)
**Author:** [@mercury\_ballistic](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/mercury_ballistic)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2026, 7:25am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/used-a-contour-gauge-on-some-foils/17997 "2026-09-19T07:25:55Z")
Used the gauge, traced the line, imported into fusion 360, digitize at proper scale and 3d print. Contour captured near the stub, next step is maybe try and back calculate the NACA approximate. --- ## [Aluminum Corrosion](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/aluminum-corrosion/17856)
**Author:** [@TooMuchEpoxy](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/TooMuchEpoxy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 14, 2026, 3:32am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/aluminum-corrosion/17856 "2026-09-14T03:32:16Z")
Recent experience is proving out the science on electrolytic corrosion. Exposed carbon fiber is a powerful cathode in the reaction, so the more wear and tear on a wing the more carbon is exposed through the paint. My f… --- ## [Pump foil simulator](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/pump-foil-simulator/13917)
**Author:** [@Leebonjames](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Leebonjames)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2026, 10:25am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/pump-foil-simulator/13917 "2026-09-11T10:25:52Z")
--- ## [Fuse efficiency design (make it an airfoil)](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/fuse-efficiency-design-make-it-an-airfoil/17045)
**Author:** [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2026, 3:15pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/fuse-efficiency-design-make-it-an-airfoil/17045 "2026-08-14T15:15:27Z")
Here is a cool idea. At the average pump angle, which is higher than you’d expet, put a foil shape in the cross section to optimise the flow over the fuse. I would be interested in seeing the various cross sections acro… --- ## [Board design for rail touchdowns](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/board-design-for-rail-touchdowns/17048)
**Author:** [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2026, 1:25pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/board-design-for-rail-touchdowns/17048 "2026-08-08T13:25:54Z")
Let’s talk rail design as I think board wise that is something parawing has unlocked, and I wanted to try better understand the design. I never really noticed the issue until I started downwinding with the parawing and … --- ## [On the effect of wind for pumping](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/on-the-effect-of-wind-for-pumping/15131)
**Author:** [@anto](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/anto)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2026, 8:02am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/on-the-effect-of-wind-for-pumping/15131 "2026-06-22T08:02:27Z")
I was pumping completely perpendicular to the wind the other day and was thinking, is it equivalent to pumping in no wind, or is there more drag? --- ## [Downwind directions - waypoint/compass garmin](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-directions-waypoint-compass-garmin/16083)
**Author:** [@Darcyjj](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Darcyjj)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2026, 7:22am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/downwind-directions-waypoint-compass-garmin/16083 "2026-06-16T07:22:08Z")
Yo this is somewhat of a shameless plug for a (new and quite untested) free garmin datafield I made to help with wayfinding on longer downwinders or new runs where you’ve never seen the exit before. ive done a 20km an… --- ## [WTF Are Tubercles?](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/wtf-are-tubercles/10206)
**Author:** [@Ollie](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Ollie)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2026, 2:21pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/wtf-are-tubercles/10206 "2026-05-23T14:21:27Z")
I have been seeing some people asking about tubercles and whether or not they are just a marketing gimmick. Thought I’d post here as i’ve done some research on what they actually do and find it pretty intresting. I sell… --- ## [I do not understand why the position of the foil in the US BOX matters so much](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/i-do-not-understand-why-the-position-of-the-foil-in-the-us-box-matters-so-much/8917)
**Author:** [@mediterranean\_foiler](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/mediterranean_foiler)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2026, 10:25pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/i-do-not-understand-why-the-position-of-the-foil-in-the-us-box-matters-so-much/8917 "2026-05-20T22:25:23Z")
Hello foilers, I do not understand why the position of the foil in the US BOX matters so much (edit: once up on the board). Intuitively, I would think that moving the foil 3m backwards could be perfectly balanced by mo… --- ## [AI experiments for foil related building](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/ai-experiments-for-foil-related-building/14591)
**Author:** [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2026, 5:23pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/ai-experiments-for-foil-related-building/14591 "2026-03-13T17:23:07Z")
I’ve been doing some experiments with AI coding assistants, so far I’ve been surprised by how they open up some of the experiments I’ve always wanted to run but never had the time. All crude work in progress stuff, but … --- ## [Would 3 masts be viable?](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/would-3-masts-be-viable/14569)
**Author:** [@Paul](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Paul)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2026, 4:20am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/would-3-masts-be-viable/14569 "2026-03-12T04:20:20Z")
Would this be an improvement, or have too much twist flex until you negate the benefit of three thinner masts? Has anybody tried it? --- ## [Parawing aspect ratio](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/parawing-aspect-ratio/13355)
**Author:** [@ElGranDan](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/ElGranDan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2025, 2:59pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/parawing-aspect-ratio/13355 "2025-12-08T14:59:32Z")
What’s the deal with parawing aspect ratio? I’m riding a north ranger which is a dog up wind but great low end, it is noticeable fatter than a lot of other brands. There are obviously a lot of other factors in brands et… --- ## [Front wing and stab at different heights?](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/front-wing-and-stab-at-different-heights/13227)
**Author:** [@anto](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/anto)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 26, 2025, 10:04pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/front-wing-and-stab-at-different-heights/13227 "2025-11-26T22:04:46Z")
What would a difference of height in front wing and stab generate? I would guess if the stab is higher on the mast (closer to the board) than the front wing, that would lead to a breach of the stab and therefore an incr… --- ## [Breach performance (foil tip ventilation and recovery)](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/breach-performance-foil-tip-ventilation-and-recovery/1361)
**Author:** [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2025, 9:30am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/breach-performance-foil-tip-ventilation-and-recovery/1361 "2025-11-07T09:30:43Z")
Riding some clean glass conditions for the first time in ages, I had a great feeing of pumping at what felt like the absolute top of the mast. The acceleration on each pump was amazing, and effortless glide. This must be… --- ## [Cold Seas VS Warmer Seas](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/cold-seas-vs-warmer-seas/4850)
**Author:** [@FOILstoke](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/FOILstoke)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2025, 1:23pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/cold-seas-vs-warmer-seas/4850 "2025-08-10T13:23:08Z")
Hey hey… Im wondering if anyone else has noticed the difference in density on the FOIL in cold seas VS warmer seas. Any of you guys in flat water conditions feel the FOIL releases easier in warmer temps? Maybe someone ou… --- ## [Foiling upwind using bumps - dynamic foiling](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/foiling-upwind-using-bumps-dynamic-foiling/6516)
**Author:** [@Matt](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Matt)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2025, 9:49pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/foiling-upwind-using-bumps-dynamic-foiling/6516 "2025-07-12T21:49:09Z")
Anyone think this is possible without pumping, to gain ground against the direction of wind and bumps? Based on the conversation around racing, I wondered. I wouldn’t have given much credit to this given last years foi… --- ## [Rant: On unit standarization](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/rant-on-unit-standarization/10874)
**Author:** [@anto](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/anto)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2025, 11:57pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/rant-on-unit-standarization/10874 "2025-07-02T23:57:18Z")
I’m surprised at the lack of standard unit usage in foiling. Surfing, whose industry was born in the USA consistently uses imperial units (feet, inches) for the boards. A new metric unit was adopted by everybody for the … --- ## [Foil Box Physics & Why they Fail](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/foil-box-physics-why-they-fail/10282)
**Author:** [@Beasho](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Beasho)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2025, 1:13pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/foil-box-physics-why-they-fail/10282 "2025-05-28T13:13:25Z")
After personally repairing more than 7 boxes, installing 5 from scratch, and overseeing another 50+, I put together these free-body diagrams to make sense of what’s actually happening under your feet. Key takeaway: Tak… --- ## [Find Your Point: The eBike-Scooter Downwinder Loop](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/find-your-point-the-ebike-scooter-downwinder-loop/10067)
**Author:** [@Beasho](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Beasho)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2025, 11:04am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/find-your-point-the-ebike-scooter-downwinder-loop/10067 "2025-05-27T11:04:56Z")
This might be a Northern California thing — or ideally where foiling is headed. For the past three months, I’ve been chasing a specific setup: a 2-mile solo “downwind” foil run powered entirely by swell, an eBike, and a… --- ## [Podcast recommendations to draw fellow nerds into foil science](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/podcast-recommendations-to-draw-fellow-nerds-into-foil-science/5053)
**Author:** [@numbersnelson](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/numbersnelson)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2025, 1:05am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/podcast-recommendations-to-draw-fellow-nerds-into-foil-science/5053 "2025-05-10T01:05:56Z")
I’m a 4th generation engineer, and feel foil progression in my heart/bones like it is my true calling. Generationally we’ve spanned many types of engineering, certified or lay. Electrical, civil, mechanical, etc. I want… --- ## [Reflex, camber, concave and aft loading foil section questions](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/reflex-camber-concave-and-aft-loading-foil-section-questions/5127)
**Author:** [@FoilFondler](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/FoilFondler)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2025, 10:25am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/reflex-camber-concave-and-aft-loading-foil-section-questions/5127 "2025-05-09T10:25:28Z")
A lot of talk lately about reflex curve, which I think is the word for the hollow in the trailing end of the bottom surface of the foil. As seen in newer Armstrong foils, but more subtle in many others. Questions: what d… --- ## [Torsion control on foils](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/torsion-control-on-foils/9828)
**Author:** [@anto](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/anto)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2025, 10:14am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/torsion-control-on-foils/9828 "2025-05-07T10:14:05Z")
I was wondering if torsion control has ever been used on foils, and if it could be an interesting idea. The goal is not really to talk about the feasibility, but just the concept. What I mean is being able to control se… --- ## [Frozen Fuse to Mast connection](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/frozen-fuse-to-mast-connection/9302)
**Author:** [@wingNC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/wingNC)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 26, 2025, 1:40am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/frozen-fuse-to-mast-connection/9302 "2025-04-26T01:40:08Z")
Before I get the drill and break the screws off in the mast, what should I use to break down corroded salt? WD-40? Hot water? Vinegar? Tequila? Aluminum mast and fuse 3 M6’s. I really only care about salvaging the fus… --- ## [I don't understand why a foil moves forward while in a wave](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/i-dont-understand-why-a-foil-moves-forward-while-in-a-wave/8511)
**Author:** [@qfoil](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/qfoil)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2025, 6:49pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/i-dont-understand-why-a-foil-moves-forward-while-in-a-wave/8511 "2025-02-13T18:49:39Z")
I don’t understand the physics of why a foil moves forward while in a wave. I think I understand lift. Pressure differentials on the top and bottom of the aerofoil create a force that lifts upward. However, to achieve li… --- ## [Fuse-to-Mast connection Tapered Vs Prismatic](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/fuse-to-mast-connection-tapered-vs-prismatic/8581)
**Author:** [@Evan](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/Evan)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2025, 7:41pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/fuse-to-mast-connection-tapered-vs-prismatic/8581 "2025-02-06T19:41:11Z")
The Axis fuse-to-mast connection works by having a block on the mast fit into a cavity on the fuse- just like Lift, Unifoil, Gong, and several others. For Axis, the bock’s right and left sides are parallel (aka prismatic… --- ## [How to measure tail angle?](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/how-to-measure-tail-angle/8291)
**Author:** [@FoilFondler](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/FoilFondler)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2025, 7:31pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/how-to-measure-tail-angle/8291 "2025-01-14T19:31:08Z")
Generally I eyeball the tail looking from the back along the line of the fuse, and tails that are factory set the trailing edge is almost to the very “top”(as when in use), so maybe 80-90% of what you see is the undersid… --- ## [VO2 max on pump/DW](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/vo2-max-on-pump-dw/8039)
**Author:** [@foilsessions](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/foilsessions)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 26, 2024, 11:40pm UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/vo2-max-on-pump-dw/8039 "2024-12-26T23:40:16Z")
For those experienced in fit training, what are the best ways to train VO₂ max for downwind foiling or pump foiling with a focus on building endurance cardio for take offs and bump riding? I’ve heard that a 4-min on/4-mi… --- ## [Waveology - historical data crunching of French North Atlantic Swell](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/waveology-historical-data-crunching-of-french-north-atlantic-swell/7871)
**Author:** [@mediterranean\_foiler](https://forum.progressionproject.com/u/mediterranean_foiler)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2024, 7:47am UTC](https://forum.progressionproject.com/t/waveology-historical-data-crunching-of-french-north-atlantic-swell/7871 "2024-12-09T07:47:15Z")
Hello, Having recently moved to a new area where swell and waves are often too powerful to be prone surfed (my story here Ressources to learn prone foiling and surviving in heavy conditions?), I had the idea of crunchi… [Next page](https://forum.progressionproject.com/tag/science/4.md?match_all_tags=true&page=1&tags%5B%5D=science)