windybrit wrote: ↑Tue Mar 06, 2018 3:38 am
I am teetering on the verge of trying to foil. I’ve kited for close to 10 years so feel comfortable to at least try it out.
From what I know/have observed, there seems to be quite a difference in gear available and some people progress quickly wheras others struggle and I have to think getting the right equipment to start on is important. I have a long term loaner to try and learn on, Neil Pryde/ Cabrinha CR;X with a short(er) mast, has anyone used one, or tried to learn on this setup, I’d much appreciate thoughts or advice. Thanks.
Hi windybrit.
Was about to reply immediately, but got away from it (work and other stuff).
I know two of my buddies who have used the CRX.
One was quite experienced, the other had a Spotz foil he tried to learn on, but found it way too hard, so he got (borrowed) a CRX and learned quite fast on that one - and now he is back struggling dolphining on the Spotz with the short fuselage, but it will come eventually.
It is very low volume, but easy to ride, VERY TT like in its shape and of course not good in really light wind - but one does not learn to foil in light wind anyways (not sub 10 knots).
I think you might change to something else when learned, as a board that is both a TT and a hydrofoilboard, hmmm - good if you travel and WANT a TT also maybe, but in the long run I think you will opt for a bigger foilboard for light winds, and maybe a more specific foil directional for more wind - but I dont know.
Around here most are either full on racers, or full on freestylers - and a few the first years dont really know "what" they are and want, so difficult for me to say how the CRX will work for others.
But it IS very versatile, can be used as a two strap or three strap (or two front straps only), and as a TwinTip too.
Got some pics when Andre and I were out a year ago, water around 5 degree (39 F) so spring and nice almost warm, he had a 12 m2 and I used a 9 m2 in around 10 knots of wind, and it is the normal 95 cm mast:
The wind was just below 10 knots for starters, ended around 10, so with a 5.8 sail I could not windfoil - bugger - so changed to a 9 m2 and kitehydrofoil instead
Andre has rigged the CRX
A kiteracer tried it, to see HOW fast it could be pushed (but I dont know what speed he obtained, sorry)
Andre and I went out, upwind for a few kilometers, to a really small "jetty" out in the middle of the bay - I went ashore on the narrow bank (under water at high tide), and taking a picture of him coming up toward me too, here where dead offshore but a closed bay.
Yep - Andre is coming ashore now
Wuhuuu, LOVING to be on this small bank - for some reason it is awesome, dont ask me why, but it just IS
He is going out again, I wait and take some pics with my kitecam
Having fun in the air, doing rotations either way
And sitting down ha haa
Double rolls are easy in 10 knots on a hydrofoil
I go out again, and we have fun out there in the sun, so the relatively cold water is just fine
Dont know if this helps you or not, but this is what I know and have seen with the CRX
BTW, the CRX kite (12 m2 here) is quite amazing, it has 3 struts and a good windrange not flapping, and it can hang in surprisingly low wind, honestly.
Low end is great, and upper end not bad because of the struts - it is REALLY expensive though, compared to all other similar kites
PF