Lightest Wind Options

[drsurf]

While winging might be possible in light winds with a very large wing & foil plus a large floaty board it's a marginal affair with lots of pumping when a lull hits or just floating along waiting for a gust.

In my experience with a low cost Flysurfer Peak or Hybrid kite of 6m to 8m, a 1000 to 1200 sq cm foil and a board of approx. 1m long & weighing 2-3kg will foil through lulls and stay on the foil in ridiculously light winds. Even if the wind drops to 3 knots these kites will stay airborne.
Best of all I can carry all my gear to the beach under one arm and rig in minutes with no pumping. Oh and if there is a shore break the kite will pull you through to deeper water much easier than swimming a wing and large board.
Also a kite can find the wind higher up especially in stratified locations and working the kite can be done for a lot longer than pumping a wing.

However note that I am referring to kites that weigh around 1kg or less. Using a standard construction LEI kite will limit your low wind ability. An Aluula kite will make light winds a lot easier but will cost a lot more.

Looking back however, prior to the use of the hydrofoil light wind was always measured in double figures of around 12-15 knots. Now we can have fun in 8-10 knots So much more time on the water now

[davesails7]

For me, winging in wind <12 knots is just not as fun as kiting in light winds. The wing is inefficient, and pumping up onto foil is such a pain.

I don't mind a big wing, but big foils are no fun for me. Now that I'm on smaller faster foils, the big foil feels too draggy.

I usually choose winging over kiting because winging is still new and I want to progress. Because of this, I'm often slogging around on the wing in 10-12 knots and really wish I would have kited instead!

[Robsw6]

9m Gong Superpower & 2400cm3 front wing is great in light winds - I am 90kgs & comfortable in 10knots & pumping through lulls easily - the 9m is comfortable in up to 15knots & makes gybing v easy with so much uplift !

[airsail]

Well it may be cheating but Foildrive has opened up light wind winging for me. I easily get going in 8 knots, no pumping needed on my 74ltr board and 1240 wing using a 5 mtr Slick, I’m 80kgs. The trick is getting up on the foil, and Foildrive does this for you, once up apparent wind takes over and you’re easily foiling.
My motor is mounted high, so once foiling it is out of the water not producing any drag. I use the small battery which is very light and has little effect on swing weight. The hand controller is attached to the boom and controlled by my rear hand.
Last session I was out with kitefoilers, I’m a kitefoiler too, they were on 9-11mtr kites, I had no problems getting going and still had 1/3 battery left after a 90 minute session. Practiced healside and toeside tacks, was nice knowing getting going again after a crash was not an issue.

[JakeFarley]

I just got an 8m F-One CWC Strike and was able to use it yesterday in 13 knot winds, gusting to around 16 knots. From my experience the kite likes to go upwind like crazy. Almost every run I was flying and got way upwind of all the other wingers, windsurfers and kiters.

The only downside to the wing is that the handles are so small that I gripped them with just my fingers mostly. Anyone else notice this? The other thing I don't like is the bungy leash that comes with the kite. If I am not careful when I get up on the board it gets caught on the rear corner of the board and under my knee. I'm switching it out to my coil leash. Other than that it is a great wing.

[Peter_Frank]

Regarding the wing leash "getting caught" - it is personal preference.

I hate hand leashes, and coil leashes - for the wing.

So I use a straight line maybe with a bit of bungee, to my waist.

This also means I have to avoid putting my knees on top of the leash

It doesnt take long, till this comes naturally though.

So many wing leash options, straight rope, bungee rope, coil leash - and all of them either to the hand wrist or your waist, which is at least 6 different options

Peter

[FrankP]

I just got an 8m F-One CWC Strike and was able to use it yesterday in 13 knot winds, gusting to around 16 knots. .....

really? In 13-16knots I use my 5m Wing

[Peter_Frank]

I just got an 8m F-One CWC Strike and was able to use it yesterday in 13 knot winds, gusting to around 16 knots. .....

really? In 13-16knots I use my 5m Wing

Maybe, but he is new to wingfoil so it makes perfect sense

Peter

[Wingingit]

7 Knots, 7m, 1350cm foil???

I don't no about the wind... but the music sounds about 7 knots

[grigorib]

Well it may be cheating but Foildrive has opened up light wind winging for me. I easily get going in 8 knots, no pumping needed on my 74ltr board and 1240 wing using a 5 mtr Slick, I’m 80kgs. The trick is getting up on the foil, and Foildrive does this for you, once up apparent wind takes over and you’re easily foiling.
My motor is mounted high, so once foiling it is out of the water not producing any drag. I use the small battery which is very light and has little effect on swing weight. The hand controller is attached to the boom and controlled by my rear hand.
Last session I was out with kitefoilers, I’m a kitefoiler too, they were on 9-11mtr kites, I had no problems getting going and still had 1/3 battery left after a 90 minute session. Practiced healside and toeside tacks, was nice knowing getting going again after a crash was not an issue.

If you were using no wing at all, just the battery how long would you be able to efoil around and what is your battery option you’ve got?