Foil on 5m

[DanielorDani]

Yes absolutely I would also take my 9M Boxer for this kind of wind but the question was is it possible and is the manufacturer lying. It's possible for me on my 5M around 12 knots not ideal in the lulls I would not be able to get going if the contra 5M is a bit more powerful then it's in the realm of the possible.

Manufactures should include other parameters on the hydrofoiling wind range table.

5m Contra-1 for a 75kg rider @ 11k might be possible for a > 1200cm^2 surf wing

In fact, hydrofoiling manufactures and sellers should also inform the speed range for each wing profile besides the A/R, chord, surface area, etc...

Our comparisons are mostly based on feeling or against a "benchmark standard wing" like the Onda 633.

Totally agree. But in fact actually I am pretty new in foil world.

I just tried my foil, a Cabrinha hi rise lift. A 982cm2 amd AR of 4.

[IWantToFly]

I just tried my foil, a Cabrinha hi rise lift. A 982cm2 amd AR of 4.

That’s the foil I learned on. I liked it quite a lot to learn but it definitely needs a bit more wind than the crop of 1200cm foils. (I actually think that is useful because you can get up in your board and taxi a little, you don’t get so much lift you immediately pop up and have to foil.)

As for strutless kite sizes, I could probably start riding my 4.8m Cloud around 14-15kts, maybe a touch more. 6.2m Cloud around 11-12kts. 8mCloud maybe 9kts. At one point I jumped on a buddy’s 633 and it was so stable it felt like cheating.

[Boston kiter]

In many manufacter kite webpages appears that the specific kites for foiling with 0 or 1 strut, have a wind range which not always its true.

I am interested in foiling about 12-13 knots and I saw for example that Cabrinha contra 5m starts in 11knots. My weight is 70kg. Is it realistic to kite with a LEI 5m in such a low wind?

And with a 5m UFO?
Thanks!!

I say bullcrap. Maybe some freak who has perfected the waterstart to the point he/she can get up with such a small kite at 11knts. If you can get up it is definitly possible. Your average joe is going to need at least a 7m IMO.

[GregK]

I'm with Toby that air temperature has a surprising effect on how small a kite can pull a kite-foiler out of the water and up on foil. Of course, it helps tons if it's a light, fast, and stiff small kite & the rider must keep it moving "like a squirrel on cocaine !"

Would have also expected someone to remark that having a bit bigger planform board as well as a bigger front wing helps a lot too in really light air.