My 3 cents:Bennis123 wrote: ↑Tue Apr 27, 2021 4:08 pmI've decided to try I think I'll skip the huge board and maybe get something around 10-20l over my weight.
I'm struggling a bit with foil size though. 2000cm2 seems like the recommended size to start. I just wonder if it will be too big on the days we actually get a bit of waves here.
Also I own a slingshot hoverglide setup for kitefoil, but as far as I understand I'll have to swap both the wing, stab and fuselage, so not much to save by keeping everything in the same brand family?
-- for wind newbs, wings are the quickest and easiest way to chase wind. For experienced wind chasers, the killer app for wings is wave riding, it's a personal tow-in assist for catching swells and surfing them with zero wind power. For flat water, personally I think kiting is more dynamic, harnesses wind power more efficiently, offers more fun potential. [now that being said, I am winging in flat water, because it's novel and because every day is a training session to more effectively use the wave days; the exception is sub 12kts....I prefer kite foiling, winging is hard work when under powered]
-- smaller boards: most of my winging has been on my trusty 115L sup foil. I am well used to this in surf and it easy for winging. But it's big. So I am also using a 5' 75L (I am 75kg), which is super fun once up and riding and super sucky when not. Underpowered a small board is really frustrating, hard to get up and you can't slog home -- basically need to paddle in if wind dies. For me, jury is still out, but so far I've shied away from using the small board much. The big board is FUN, easy, and I still have lots of goals to work in, in tightening up turns, making turns with speed, working on smooth foot switches, working on pumping, attempting tacks, etc. So, future goals are building a slightly smaller sup foil and a slightly larger small board. As you say, 10-20L above weight is a good goal.
-- foil size: I am on gofoil, found my maliko200 was the go-to (1800cm)....tried the smaller iwa, but couldn't consistently get up on foil unless lit. But now have moved to higher aspect and it's magic, just like everyone says. My 1200 wing is getting me up in everything other than super light. So for you, if you stick with SS, the 84 may be the optimal...but I have one buddy who prefers the 76, less surface area but faster. And I read one report online that the 99 is actually faster than the 84, as it is slimmer. You can use your fuselage and your mast winging. 36" is a bit longer than you want ideally, but it'll work (better that than too short). A 30" is ideal.