Windsurf Waterstart technique

[Lamilu]

I am considering wingsurf, own a W799 M92 that I use in light kitefoil days with a 30 liters kitewave convertible.
I use straps…
But REFUSE to buy an 140 liters board.
This video changed my mind…specially being an ex windsurfer…

Am now seriously considering a 4.5m wing for my light wind kitefoil setup…20kn up…
I way 110 kg.
Is it doable?
If so…I will join the wingsurfing communitie.

[ronnie]

This is another way of waterstarting (at 5:40)
Holding the rear handles to use leverage to get you onto the board and then pump it onto flying, It suits a bigger volume sinker.





It's the same principle this windsurfer uses at the start, with a 4.4m sail in light wind.

[ronnie]

This is to show that you can do it with a bit bigger volume board and avoid the foil with the wing. With no rear footstrap, he can put his rear foot on the leeward side of the board to keep the foil lower in the water.


This is with a 5m DLab Unit. @ 6:40. The translated text is useful, because they say that lowering the air pressure makes pumping efficiently a bit easier.

[Peter_Frank]

I dont think its a good idea - that is what you ask, and not HOW, right?

You would be better off finding some friends, and buy or borrow a bigger board for starters.

Without ever having wingfoiled, nor windfoiled I assume - starting on a 30 litre board in 30 knots for learning
It is a bad idea IMO.

Cant say for sure, just my feel about this.

Even when learning with big wing and board, some things CAN go wrong.
A lot worse trying in mega high winds learning for the first time on a sinker

Most likely also too difficult, so two things are against the idea

Big boards can be bought used for small money, and sold again, because people start with weight+20 to 40 litres, then go down to something like weight +5 and either (most) stay there, or go smaller, or have several boards.

You could use a SUP, and learn to handle the wing in high winds first - but I still think it is a bad idea not to learn to wing on a bigger wingfoilboard first.

How many windsurfers learned on a sinker as their first board?
Windsurf and wingfoils are too different, so not much use from the windsurf sinker experience we got - a bit yes, but not that much.

You could also just try and see if you manage - but odds are against IMO.
You have no wing "handling" experience now, and when learning you need really high wind to be able to ride, let alone waterstart.
The better you get, the lower wind you need - but technique and experience is everything - and this is something you learn pretty fast on a bigger board without the same risks.

Peter

[ronnie]

It might be possible to learn to handle the wing initially in strong winds and flat shallow water with a big enough kiteboard? Starting strapless for safety and then adding straps when ready to?

[Lamilu]

Peter,
Yes, will try a few lessons in a proper school with a proper board, but to get standing on top of the board, foot in front strap, wings in your hand is maybe 80% of the way done…(remember I speak theoreticlly, zero experience, but accomplished windsurfer and medium kitefoiler).
In this technique they enfacise the sinker board is on surface to start which must be a major advantage…anyways…it has definately stimulated me to buy a wing for high wing for high wind days to try with gear I already own…

[ronnie]

Peter,
Yes, will try a few lessons in a proper school with a proper board, but to get standing on top of the board, foot in front strap, wings in your hand is maybe 80% of the way done…(remember I speak theoreticlly, zero experience, but accomplished windsurfer and medium kitefoiler).
In this technique they enfacise the sinker board is on surface to start which must be a major advantage…anyways…it has definately stimulated me to buy a wing for high wing for high wind days to try with gear I already own…

On Page 2, he is waterstarting this 127cm long board of 45L. Getting the board on the surface frees it up to get more speed (it is skimming instead of ploughing through the water) - and that speed gets the foil lifting.

[airsail]

Lamilu,
Unless you have some serious windsurf experience I would say no chance on a tiny board. You have so much to learn and kitefoil doesn’t translate to wingfoil very well. Wing control is very similar to sail control, but nothing like kite control.

What new wingers also struggle with is chop, and you propose learning in 20knots where there could be a lot of chop.

A big board will be the cheapest you ever buy, especially if secondhand. It will really help your progression and has great resale so although you will progress quickly and out grow it, you won’t loose much money in the change over.

[bragnouff]

Also keep in mind that this waterstart technique comes with significant risks of destroying your wing. Something that can be reduced with technique and experience, and constant awareness of your foil whereabouts, but initially at least, it's pretty much guaranteed that during your windsurf style waterstart attempts, your foil is going to go through your wing canopy (at best) and/or leading edge. And this is made even more likely with large high aspect foils, and big wings, which you're likely to use due to your weight.
If you can avoid destruction for long enough, and have a spot that lets you drift downwind for a long time, then sure, you might eventually succeed getting up, just don't expect it being too easy. Sinking the board underneath you, with the foil well underwater will be initially much safer for the gear.

[Lamilu]

I believe all of you are wright...
Did talk to an expert today in a local spot.
He said...first board go big...30+ liters...
Second board maybe 20- liters...5'4" the longest.
40/50 liters board only experts...
Unfortunately I will have to by 2 boards...