Page 1 of 1
Short mast cons during learning
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 1:11 am
by rolkite
Hi, Im a begginer and just trying to keep foil balanced on 60cm mast and LF Happy Foil 2017 medium aspect carbon wings.
I understand this wings are a little fast reacting than desired to begin with, but that´s what I could get.
My question is if using the full mast at this stage should I have more time to react with front foot to counter balance the sudden rise of the nose (involuntary dolphin motion), by having "more distance" to impact water.
Thanks a lot
Re: Short mast cons during learning
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 1:56 am
by Jyoder
I find if my front foot is too far forward, then I dolphin more because i’m leaning back too far to compensate. I’m on a full length LF mast. I doubt mast length makes much difference in this one regard, except that with a short mast you may be able to recover more easily by planing the board on the surface instead of nose-diving and crashing.
Re: Short mast cons during learning
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 2:00 am
by grigorib
In the beginning any wings feel “little too fast reacting”
I doubt the long mast gives you more time to recover from porpoising, but it certainly makes nosedives pointed more down and you “eat it“ more often.
Keep riding - you’ll be over porpoising in a few sessions. If you feel porpoising happens when you slow down - you’re reaching lowend (stall speed) of your wings.
Re: Short mast cons during learning
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 4:19 am
by jakemoore
I did the early stages with a 90cm mast due to it being what I had. I think a shorter mast would have had fewer painful wipeouts. As said a few sessions and you will move past that.
If the nose is coming up suddenly consider moving your back foot forward or moving the foil back in the tracks if the board has the option. Keep it low and learn to go faster.
Re: Short mast cons during learning
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 4:22 am
by sedluk
I find that shorter masts require you to really be careful with your elevation above the water. If you have a longer mast and you rise up a little higher than you would like, you have more time to gently steer the foil down. I have shorter masts for shallow water but I really dislike using them.
Re: Short mast cons during learning
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 9:47 am
by slowboat
When you write "involuntary dolphin motion", it indicates that you currently don't have good control yet. You are letting it "dolphin". Just stick with the shorter mast....guarantee you it will not take as long as you think it will to tame the dolphin.
Re: Short mast cons during learning
Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2018 8:24 pm
by rolkite
Really appreciate your comments, I ll be trying with patience...
Have a good sailing!!