These tiny wing boards... Is it possible to waterstart them similar to the way we used to waterstart sinker windsurf boards?
If, so can someone post a video?
The method I have seen being used is different, and involves sitting on the board to get it moving, but from what I have seen, (and I have practically zero actual experience) wingsails can handle quite a bit of wind so it seems like a windsurfing-type waterstart should be possible.
I saw this the other day at a "new" spot I now use for winging (no kites alowed).
One of the rookies zipping there up and down with seeingly unlitited endurance, and as to see, ballance.
He could do that during lulls for a minute without struggle, unsecure wiggling or what ever. Just standing there as if on land.
I still am highly impressed and gues when mastering that you do not need to stink bug but just stand up.
Years ago I was with Wayne Lynch on a SurfCharter and he recommended to train that on your shortboard during longer waits in the line up...
or maybe with your kite directional at the lake......
I posted earlier in this thread looking for advice on a lower volume board. Since then I got a 60L (-20) board and have had a handful of sessions on it. Above 14/15 knots, this board is absolutely no problem. It took a session to really dial in the stinkbug technique, but I was on foil from my first try. Originally I thought I would only use this board for high wind, but now I think this will be my board for 90% of my sessions. I also have a 90L, but probably won't be using it except for very light days or spots that don't have good depth (probably need an additional 6-8" of water to start the 60L vs the 90).
Very little downside to the smaller board, and I probably should have switched sooner.
Seems like it takes quite a bit of wind/power (maybe overpowered?).
This is interesting. How much more difficult is it to water start a small wing board than it is to water start a small windsurf board? I think of all the things I have learned in wind sports, mastering the water start on a sinker windsurfer was probably the most challenging. It seems to me - in theory - water starting a wing board might be easier in some ways because you can hold the wing in such a way that the wind gets under it to help lift you onto the board. With a windsurf sail it require carefully manoeuvring & balancing of the rig to prevent the board from rounding into the wind. But I'm just talking theoretically, as I have no experience winging.
Same as @happywizz I started with 120L board. After one session sold it and changed to 80L. Than after 20-25 sessions changed to 60L. Because I'm also kitefoiler I wanted to have one for all board and I switched to 34L Armstrong Wing Surf. Now I'm kitefoiling only from time to time and mostly winging.
I tried one time the Stinkbug method and got injured my elbows. I think this method needs to much effort to get up on the board. And I don't recommend this method.
There is much easier way to get up on the sinker board than "Stinkbug" and much more comfortable. At least you don't need that much wind and it mustn't be constant strong.
I use the Rodeo Style Method for getting up on the board.
With my 92 kg wet I can easy start in 13+ kts with my sinker board and if the wind drops down then I need to wait for a gust. 30s gust ist enough for me to start. I learned the Rodeo Start with my second foil session.
As happywizz wrote small boards are easier to pump than a bigger boards and much more fun to ride. Even If the other one is only one size bigger.
If the wind drops below 12kts then I switch to Kitefoil or I will learn pump foil and prone for days without wind.
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There is much easier way to get up on the sinker board than "Stinkbug" and much more comfortable. At least you don't need that much wind and it mustn't be constant strong.
I use the Rodeo Style Method for getting up on the board.
Good suggestion! Thx Czareka! I will try it out, next time.
Also I changed from a 35L to a 42L appletreeboard, because I can use a much smaller wing (-1m) in the same conditions which I prefer. The board feeling is the same. So for me with 77 kg -35L is the perfect balance.
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