Postby Foil » Mon Jan 18, 2021 1:49 pm
This old post from last year did make me think more about the wind strengths some guys claim to have been out in on a foilboard,and the wings used which might support these claims, also the sea conditions, as this is the biggest limiting factor by far.
skill factor has to be considered but even the most skilled foiler is limited by the forces of nature, next is the wings and mast used, these can either help a lot, or choose the wings/mast length unwisely for the conditions and the experience can be humbling.
I did become very aware that sailing on a foil board in high winds is mainly limited by firstly the shore break, or lack of it, and wind direction, even 25knts onshore wind with big shore break can be just too much for many.
then once out the size of the waves- shape of the waves and direction of the sets, ie are sets rolling in fast from multiple directions and clashing and bashing together
sea foam and white water, many wings just cant cope with aerated water, others are very very good.
Gust strength, there are gusty winds which are just fine, say 25knts gusting 35knts, but a 100% gust rate of 25knts to 50knts is a killer for everyone.
I am lucky as many times I have access to our flat water sea lagoon usable at most low tides,
and this is when the limiting factors to "how strong can you go" are far fewer-starting with kite size- and do you feel the need to go for it,
wings and mast size have- low influence.
boards size /shape-little influence
weight and size of rider - little influence
straps or no straps - your choice- little influence
skill factor, middle skill factor is good enough for high wind flat water sessions
mates egging you on- big influence !
so yes grab a tea towel out of the kitchen draw and hold on tight on the windiest day of the year, yeeeharr!
but it gets confusing when all the facts to substantiate a claim of foiling in silly winds are not backed up with all the facts
Plummet rounds it up nicely