Moses HF 2017

[Starsky]

My first day wasn't pretty either. Totally gobsmacked that I had failed completely despite being what I considered rather advanced with traditional boards: 1/2hr. Day two was able to surface ride: 3/4 hr. Day three was kangaroo: 1 hr. Day four was steady flight 1hr. Plenty of crashing after that, but It all happened pretty quick. I can see how a super short mast would have made session 1 into session 2. A med mast would have made session 2 into session 3, and in the end it would have saved me about an hour and a half on the learning curve. I can also see how your mileage may vary. I bet its all a bit less intimidating with shorter masts, and granted, that could make or break your experience, but for anyone ready to persevere, its simply not a necessary step.

Anyone who has learned on a full length mast will feel like its possible.
Anyone who learned on a short mast will feel that is the way to go.

IMHO a short carbon mast seems like a crazy waste of cash, but whatever, people waste their cash all the time.

[TomW]

I think you are right Starsky.
Now that I'm flying solo on the 91 cm strut, My thought is that having lessons, instructor 1 to 1 with radio for first 3-4 sessions, in decent conditions, would allow any proficient kiter to learn on full length strut. probably same cost as a shorter strut purchase. I think I learned some safety tricks, mainly how to eject and keep board from doing helicopter axe thing.
That said, I'm making a 70cm strut for our shallow spots at home.

[WH Lithuania]

Is it easier to learn jibes, roll tacks etc. on 41cm mast comparing to regular ~95cm ?

[Frank Rosin]

Is it easier to learn jibes, roll tacks etc. on 41cm mast comparing to regular ~95cm ?

No!!
It is really hard to ride maneuvers on the 41.
This is not what it is designed for!

Long before you start to work on those things you'll have changed to a long mast.
Way later again it can be a fun challenge to ride and actually fly the 41 and also try to do maneuvers with it. But it isn't easy.

Cheers
Frank
http://www.famousfrank.com/hydrofoil/moses

[pikovsg]

Best tip I can ever give to starting foilers - get the Slinghshot AlienAir board + Hoverglide NF2 with a short mast (also called Flight School kit). It'll cost you $120 more, but it's the best investment you can make. Time is money - if we use that metaphor the short mast will save you half a year's salary – if you consider the amount of time it'll save you learning.

P.S. After you learn to foil, you probably will not use the short mast ever again. (Unless you live near very shallow spots.)

[BraCuru]

I learned to foil in one day because I had a short mast option. Otherwise it would have taken half a year...

A half of year?
I know many riders who have learned in a half of hour on long strut.
Don't know a single one who needed more than 10 hours to make first flies on long strut.

Like or dislike - I appreciate that the offer is so wide and matches the market demands.

[WH Lithuania]

Is it easier to learn jibes, roll tacks etc. on 41cm mast comparing to regular ~95cm ?

No!!
It is really hard to ride maneuvers on the 41.
This is not what it is designed for!

Long before you start to work on those things you'll have changed to a long mast.
Way later again it can be a fun challenge to ride and actually fly the 41 and also try to do maneuvers with it. But it isn't easy.

Cheers
Frank
http://www.famousfrank.com/hydrofoil/moses

Thanks, Frank. Next question - 2016 vs 2017 Vorace FreeRace mast. Is there really a difference? Mast shape is a definitelly different, but is there really noticeable differences?

[Frank Rosin]

Yes, but on a high level, depends on your level and riding style if you feel it and if it makes a difference really.
The new one is thinner, longer, stiffer.
More refined overall design if you want.
This does not make the previous version look/perform bad at all though.

Cheers
Frank
www.famousfrank.com

[WH Lithuania]

Thanks, Frank. Well, I think it's right to say that there is no noticeable difference for weekend warriors

[Frank Rosin]

Thanks, Frank. Well, I think it's right to say that there is no noticeable difference for weekend warriors

Nobody riding the Vorace Free Race has to worry that it is obsolete now that the Vorace Sport is available

Cheers,
Frank
www.famousfrank.com/hydrofoil/moses