in what measure a low HF mast can help to progress learning?

[Archer77]

Hey there!

I'm trying to learn HF for 2 years in the summer, I have had near 6 hours lessons and some hours trying myself
I'm still at water start and first very short and unstable run (15 meters long)

I'm using my Lift 200 classic with 80cm mast and a medium small floating board that not exactly the best option but I found the complete set at a probably good price

I have to admit I'm very discouraged

Would a 55 cm Gong mast (seams it's the shorter available from Gong) with a pretty big wing make a substantial difference?

I was thinking that having the wing more near would give me a bigger sweet spot to balance? it's correct or just a my idea?

please if you know a short mast that I can mount on my Lift would be very appreciated!

thank you
Best
Arch

[ieism]

In your other post you mentioned 50cm chop, so I would say no do not go shorter than 85.

[Archer77]

In your other post you mentioned 50cm chop, so I would say no do not go shorter than 85.

yes in that situation!

I'm thinking to use it with less wind around 13 knots and 20 cm chop max...

[ieism]

I learned on 90cm and I don't think the mast length is the biggest problem. It has the advantage of not breaching in chop and waves, and not having to relearn with a longer mast.
I don't see a lot of schools teaching with short masts anymore.

[FLandOBX]

.........Would a 55 cm Gong mast (seams it's the shorter available from Gong) with a pretty big wing make a substantial difference?.....

Yes, especially with a larger, high volume board. Give yourself every advantage. The Lyft 200 is high aspect, low area. A low aspect, high area wing is much easier for learning. A mast of 60 cm or less will give you confidence as you progress, because you will have more control and your crashes will be less severe. And a larger, high volume board will allow you to comfortably ride the surface of the water before slowly rising up on the foil. You will have more control. Once you learn, you'll grow tired of the short mast and large board, but they will most definitely make the learning process easier, faster and more fun.

[tmcfarla]

[quote=Archer77 post_id=<a href="tel:1175232">1175232</a> time=<a href="tel:1661711200">1661711200</a> user_id=92292]
.........Would a 55 cm Gong mast (seams it's the shorter available from Gong) with a pretty big wing make a substantial difference?.....

Yes, especially with a larger, high volume board. Give yourself every advantage. The Lyft 200 is high aspect, low area. A low aspect, high area wing is much easier for learning. A mast of 60 cm or less will give you confidence as you progress, because you will have more control and your crashes will be less severe. And a larger, high volume board will allow you to comfortably ride the surface of the water before slowly rising up on the foil. You will have more control. Once you learn, you'll grow tired of the short mast and large board, but they will most definitely make the learning process easier, faster and more fun.
[/quote]

Lift classic is not high aspect. Lift does have a 200 HA wing, but the classic is fairly low aspect. I use the classic 170 and think it is a great all around wing and would be good to learn on, so I’d guess the 200 is fine too. I don’t think mast length is a big problem. My guess is a larger board will be your best bet.

Do you use foot straps? They can make learning easier, especially with low volume boards, but it is really important they are in the right location relative to where the foil is mounted. If you know someone experienced who can try your board/foil, they could tell you in a minute if the foot straps are placed alright.

A final thing, it sounds like you’ve had a total of a few hours over two years. Foiling involved muscle memory, and it is really hard to develop with long breaks between sessions. If you are usually riding a twin tip, put it away and only use the foil for 10 consecutive sessions or so until comfortable foiling. If you only get a few days a year on the water, expect it to take a long time to learn.

[Archer77]

@tmcfarla, yes I'm using a front V strap but not the back strap at the moment

I know would be better to use only the hydrofoil until I have learned, buy it's not very easy for me at the moment, I have recently done COVID (after 2 vaccine doses) and I can stand only one walk of shame... then I'm out... also taking lesson with the RIB can get pretty expensive...

[IWantToFly]

Have you had any efoil or boat/jet ski sessions? I know a lot of people don’t think they are useful. I had a good day with a couple sessions behind a friend’s jet ski before getting my gear and I think it helped. Just separating the foil experience from the kite experience helped me understand what was going on with my board/feet/balance. Foiling is an incredible balance trick at first and if you can eliminate some of the other variables I think it could be helpful.

[1234567Simon]

I feel with you....

My foiling Story:
Started in too light Wind....Got slammed soooooo hard.... Almost lost the Board. Got slammed even harder

Waited almost one year for the right starting CONDITIONS....
Put the Straps ALL THE WAY FRONT, AND THE FOIL ALL THE WAY BACK....

Talked to a Million people what to do.... Had people yelling me, WEIGHT TO THE FRONT!!!!! FOIL STRAIGHT!!! PUSH THE NOSE DOWN!!!!

After two hours could Ride Flvoth directions....

After 7 Days (already gybing) decided "Fu#@ it" this will never work for me....Sold everything.... Bought Something new -> one of the best Investments in Life....

Tried the new stuff-> immediately Had fun...


Short Mast is absolutely Important, If you have a stupid Foil....
Perfect conditiones are Important!
If Bad conditiones DO NOT GO....
You have to commit 100%...

[Archer77]

Have you had any efoil or boat/jet ski sessions? I know a lot of people don’t think they are useful. I had a good day with a couple sessions behind a friend’s jet ski before getting my gear and I think it helped. Just separating the foil experience from the kite experience helped me understand what was going on with my board/feet/balance. Foiling is an incredible balance trick at first and if you can eliminate some of the other variables I think it could be helpful.

Yes! the last year, behind a RIB ! it was so easy! probably because there was no wind, no chop... constant pull power...

maybe I will do again this! just as a balance exercise