Learn to Kitefoil - hydrofoil

[gregfun]

Hello, I'm an experienced kiteboarder/kitesurfer. I have been kiting 5+ years. Whenever there is wind I'm pretty much on the water. I'm very interested in learning to foil. I'd like to go somewhere where I can learn to foil intensively in a short time - like a 3 day clinic somewhere. Can you recommend the best place to get dialed in on foiling with consistent wind? OBX? La Ventana? Tulum? Puerto Rico? Please let me know your recommendations! Thank you!

[knotwindy]

This time of year forward Ventana is out. When were you planing on going?

[gregfun]

I was thinking in April - probably to OBX, unless you have a better idea?

[plummet]

I don't have an answer of where to go.

But don't expect to be foiling at any real proficiency after 3 days. Maybe set an expectation that after 3 days you may be able to foil for a few hundred meters without crashing.

Sure intensive instruction will help a lot. Many of think we will crack it quickly and be up and going in no time. That's not the case for most. We grossly underestimate how difficult if will be to learn and how long each stage takes.

Lower your expectations to start then be supervised if you go better than expected.

[TomW]

agree with Plummet. i was out alone 3 sessions and barely got on board up 3rd session. Then i took 2x2 hours private lessons on Isla de Holbox with Jonny at Isla de Holbox kitesurfing. it was worth it. Did 2 more solo sessions later at another spot in mexico. Now i´m up going a few hundred meters and not crashing ( well not always).

Lessons with Jonny were nearly perfect- he had a boat, radio on my helmet, offshore wind - drift as much as you need, small chop. Only drawback was wind as bit come and go. I think i got really lucky with the wind, but with the boat there are a lot of flatwater options there. dont think its the right season for mexico.

what i´m saying is have the radio helmet, and preferably a boat. already on first lesson i was getting really far away from the boat- you go so fast and and then you are a 1 km from your instructor- no way you can communicate without the radio. Jonny was following me around in the boat. second lesson he anchored the boat and i was using that as a windward/mid course marker and had to learn to foil down wind back to the boat- radio was invaluable then too.

[irwe]

If you are only out for 3 days then lessons will be worth it.
Boat, Radio assisted.
Work on your balance before you go. There are some youtube videos showing Bosu ball with a flat board worth watching. Also get a Balance Board.
Try standing on an exercise bike in the pedals (feet even, hands up), Do weight work outs balancing on one leg (then on Bosu ball).
You need to train your muscles and your brain then your learning curve will be shorter.

[gregfun]

Thanks! Great suggestions!