Zeeko Spitfire Hydrofoil

[kiterocky]

Thats the future....

[ronnie]

The Zeeko windfoil has already been shown, and it isn't a Canard design. Nico has already said that there is maybe going to be a racing/speed type of foil and a low wind high maneuverability foil. Will there be a Canard windfoil (hopefully for a SUP/WINDSURF/FOIL board)?

[irwe]

I think Zeeko is on to something with the Spitfire. After Beginners the Freestyle.Wave,Jumpers will make up the biggest segment of the Foil market.

[Regis-de-giens]

the front wing is smaller because the back wing produces lift as well and the lift of both ad to the total lift; is this unique to this foil? Do all the other directional foil's back wing produces negative lift?

The french hydrofoil Gong Elevator is also based on a lift / lift configuration , but with a standard big wing at front and smaller wing at back (both having positif Angle of Attack). It raised a lot of discussions on french forums and tests/users proved that it changes the foot pressure partition, helped the slow planning and low wind abilities, and was good for the first rides for beginners but was limited in speed. Skilled riders had to add an intermediate "wedge" piece to bring the rear stabilizer back to a negative AoA (so negative lift like on quite every standard foils) , to go faster.

That is the only one I know appart from earlier tests on custom hydrofoils years ago.

For this Zeeko great innovation, that I am also very curious about ( and trustfull a priori knowing zeeko experience), I don't know if the speed is similarly limited , knowing that for carving and surf ( which is its objective), speed is not the main requirement , and can even become an ennemy ...).

[geron]

It is not only lift lift, it is also inverted with the large wing on the back

[Regis-de-giens]

Indeed, i was just developping your question whether other directional foil had a positive lift at rear wing.

At first thinking, I would say that thanks to the little wing located at the front , Spitfire can generate more easily a kind of counter torque (to balanced kite torque) like a standard HF, hence will accept more speed than would a lift/lift with small wing at rear (like the Gong), but to be confirmed by Nicolas from Zeeko or tests.

[gbrungra]

Does anyone know if this would be a good foil to learn on? I need a foil to learn and then freeride in the light winds of San Diego...

I like the idea of a canard for learning, because it may help with the "porpoising", since when the front wing breaks the surface and loses lift the whole setup should settle back into the water. Sort of a soft-stall effect.

But, I'm not wild about being a guinea pig on a totally new design, that may end up in the scrap heap of history...

[Jzh_perth]

I reckon this looks really interesting and would love to ride on in Perth (hint hint pls get some demos over here zeeko )

Can't wait to read some test reports in due course.

[3InletsWindsports]

I reckon this looks really interesting and would love to ride on in Perth (hint hint pls get some demos over here zeeko )

Can't wait to read some test reports in due course.

You paying for the plane ticket?

[plummet]

Does anyone know if this would be a good foil to learn on? I need a foil to learn and then freeride in the light winds of San Diego...

I like the idea of a canard for learning, because it may help with the "porpoising", since when the front wing breaks the surface and loses lift the whole setup should settle back into the water. Sort of a soft-stall effect.

But, I'm not wild about being a guinea pig on a totally new design, that may end up in the scrap heap of history...

You answer your own question.

0 people have learned on this new type of design yet many have learned on the traditional design. I say buy a standard foil to learn on then you can benefit from asking multiple people questions on progression and learning.

When you reach a reasonable level and are considering an upgrade there will be more experienced users out there using this product and you will be able to get feedback on whether it would suit you or not.

Or blaze a new trail. Be the first to learn on the backwards foil. Note that blazing a new trail usually involves flames. Yourl either blaze into the sunset like a legend or you will go down in a burning heap of failure!