Wing type for very bad sea conditions

[azoele]

Ok: where did I give you the impression I only had 20 sessions? That was criminal of me!

I have been banging my head against this for the last 3.5 years.
Trust me, with basically zero kite experience, and no other watersports experience, learning the foil has been... a bloodbath

Not the talent you attribute me, unfortunately ...
But yes: a quasi-maniacal obstination was needed

??
??
- 100kg
- Fluid Foil, this is a foil for experienced riders.
- No big kiting experience with surfboard or TT
- From your wording, no other water sport experience.

- On the Foil
Flying jibe,
Tacking,
tacking toe to heel….

If that is all true:
Wow: you are my hero!
You are much more talented than I am.

How many foiling days did you have until now?
20? 30?


This is only my oppinion:
With all that talent, and beeing a pretty good Foiler, no other foil will help you in these conditions (with 2 meter wave faces, I would not even think about taking the foil).

Sometimes the conditions just do not fit.
Karma!
Bad luck!
It‘s nature.

I understand you do not want a surfboard.

My strong advice:
Go buy a surfboard! It will take you 1/2 session until you charge full down the line with smacking cut backs, and stylish floaters over the foam- sections.

Second advice: straps could help in those conditions. (But that is my „problem“ that I think, in Waves higher than my head, straps are useful)

[1234567Simon]

Ok…. Now I understand.

Regarding Gong I might help:

I started with the so called Freewave: I guess it it is the Curve medium. Sold it after 6 times riding. I could not see any future for me with that, too difficult as foiling was not my priority. Changed to the X-over 1250.. way easier for me. Slower in top speed.



Behind a breaking wave you have turbulences in the water. For a long time. Even if you do not see it on the surface. This might be the problem.

I still think a different wing will not solve this.
Maybe a little better

Good luck

[azoele]

Thanks Simon, yes, I think the problem, beside whitewater, is probably the after-wave turbulences.

Glad you like your X-over!
I have just tested the Fluid-LS in better conditions (up to 1m waves, and 7-15 knots), and it was really nice foiling: a bit less stable than the Fluid L, better turning, and a very similar stall behaviour.

Thanks again

[1234567Simon]

Just saw this: and thought about you

[Peter_Frank]

Yes it is, the "after wave" turbulence.

As this is where the water is turbulent with air inside, and your wing will stall easier.

So a bigger and lower AR is key here, not in doubt.

The X-Over and Rise are the only low aspect wings from Gong.

But in wingfoil they are too thick and draggy, as here higher aspect is needed, as soon as you are over the learning phase.

Opposite to kitefoil, where low AR excel in white water after turbulence.

The X-Foil is in between, a lot thinner than Rise, but quite lifty, so would be my advice.

Your current Fluid L 1200 cm2 has a projected area of 1172 cm2 and volume 1.1 litre.

Would advice the X-Over M 1253 cm2, the smallest.
It has a projected area of 1213 cm2 but volume is 1,59 litre meaning it is 45 % bigger than your current wing in volume, so a lot more lift, and more ability to handle whitewater bubbles

If you think it could be too small, go with the next smallest, the L.
But I think it will be too slow, eventhough I dont know, havent tried these, but words from friends using these.

Peter

[azoele]

Just saw this: and thought about you

The sea I was in was different: a bit less concentration of waves, but some of them bigger, and loads of whitewater.
Doesn't matter: I was in survival mode there. This guy, he was having fun and surfing!. Two worlds altogether.

Although, drops from big waves are (and were) exhilarating (I will never be good enough for sharp turns on this things, but the foil runs down quick).

Again, that guy... wow.

[azoele]

Yes, Peter, that is the whole point, air below the surface. It makes for very tough foiling.
My last outing I was in largish waves, and there was whitewater, but it being not too thick, and water below being void of air, made foiling a relative breeze.

I was about to purchase a Fluid XL-S, but may change your mind and follow your advice: I already own a Rise L (which has a big surface: the perceived surface is 1.900sq cm according to GONG), and well, it's super cheap, indestructible, and already paid for

It came with the wife's foil kit for winging, so never tried it.
But that wing it is really big: 3.5 cm thick, it is funny looking.
GONG never even considered it for Kitefoiling... but extreme conditions may call for extreme sizes.

Thanks for sharing!

Yes it is, the "after wave" turbulence.

As this is where the water is turbulent with air inside, and your wing will stall easier.

So a bigger and lower AR is key here, not in doubt.

The X-Over and Rise are the only low aspect wings from Gong.

But in wingfoil they are too thick and draggy, as here higher aspect is needed, as soon as you are over the learning phase.

Opposite to kitefoil, where low AR excel in white water after turbulence.

The X-Foil is in between, a lot thinner than Rise, but quite lifty, so would be my advice.

Your current Fluid L 1200 cm2 has a projected area of 1172 cm2 and volume 1.1 litre.

Would advice the X-Over M 1253 cm2, the smallest.
It has a projected area of 1213 cm2 but volume is 1,59 litre meaning it is 45 % bigger than your current wing in volume, so a lot more lift, and more ability to handle whitewater bubbles

If you think it could be too small, go with the next smallest, the L.
But I think it will be too slow, eventhough I dont know, havent tried these, but words from friends using these.

Peter

[azoele]

Just saw this: and thought about you

I am hooked to that video.
The more I watch it, the more I see details of Philippe's unbelievable ability. It is fabulous.
Now I understand why Horst Sergio refers to him as Master Caneri.
Wow.