Light and Frost is a nonprofit research group interested in developing equipment for the onshore wave riding environment. Previously we developed wave twins for wave riding and alterations in ram air profiles into what we called a death glider mod to provide constant power when moving upwind thru a wave line. These mods were published in forums at the time for general use.
In onshore wave riding the most difficult aspect is beating out thru multiple wave breaks. Upwind ability is therefore paramount.
With the advent of practical hydrofoils designs Light and Frost became interested in the use of hydrofoils in onshore waves due to the extreme upwind ability these foils provide. The concept was to ride out thru the wave line on the board then turn and come in on the foil. The board therefore must have good control in the three aspects of board/hydrofoil operation being no lift, semi lift where the board is just above the water and full hydrofoil lift. A 70 cm and 90 cm curved mast was constructed using wood, glass and only small amounts of carbon fiber to provide stiffness.
To promote mast/hydrofoil control curved masts were developed similiar to the fin on a surfboard. Secondly vortex generators are currently being mounted on the foil and wings. Tests are underway as we speak. For those interested in these concepts examples of one of our test vehicles is seen below. Reference vortex generators, suggest consulting aviation materials as little is found in hydrofoil design. Currently our 70cm test vehicle has vortex generators mounted on only one side of the mast. No control issues have been found and it appears from the limited test conducted that the upwind ability is greater on the side the vortex generators are mounted.
Shortly small vortex generators will be tested on hydrofoil wings
Light and Frost