Have seen the video and/or pictures of someone doing it but can't find them now. Tried it a few times and the straps and shape of my boards make it almost impossible. Perhaps if I was WAY overpowered but it was just easier and safer to walk out until I could start.
I think if the board was just a flat plank it would work. Or if I had more skills and less fear of getting hurt.
That is SS Team Rider, Adam Withington. I guarantee that he has straps on his board (big air specialist).....oh, he also has more skills on the hydrofoil than all of us combined.
I ride a pretty flat board and wear shoes which makes it fairly sure footed on the bottom of the board…….Still useless for me. Tried it for a nano second in open water way back, but due to relatively small kite sizes, there was barely enough power to get up let alone hold ground. Sketchy as hell whipping the kite around with the foil in your face. Went straight downwind. Think of twin tipping on a regular size board with a 7m when everyone else is on 12-14m. Most beach break situations where it would come in handy require you get upwind to depth. Have done it for a few seconds coming back in through the shallows, but it’s no help getting out.
Last edited by jumptheshark on Sun Dec 05, 2021 4:33 pm, edited 2 times in total.
That is SS Team Rider, Adam Withington. I guarantee that he has straps on his board (big air specialist).....oh, he also has more skills on the hydrofoil than all of us combined.
I don't doubt that it's possible to ride that way if you develop the skills to do it. I see that it is totally a race board/big air set up: long mast, small wing, chunky board (what is that board?). Straps might actually make it somewhat easier by providing some lateral resistance. Either way, I don't see myself attempting this anytime soon.
Pretty certain it's the Slingshot Hypermiler (4'8" all carbon) with an added deck pad. It's the board he's using in my all time favorite big air hydrofoil video from 2016 (same board shorts, harness, and steamer top too):
Pretty certain it's the Slingshot Hypermiler (4'8" all carbon) with an added deck pad. It's the board he's using in my all time favorite big air hydrofoil video from 2016 (same board shorts, harness, and steamer top too):
Ah yes - the 2017 version. I've never really understood that board. It doesn't look like a really "race board" & I'm not clear why someone would want to jump with such a big board? I understand why you wouldn't want a pocket board, but does a big board actually help jumping? I would think you'd want something smaller & light underfoot when you're in the air.
Pretty certain it's the Slingshot Hypermiler (4'8" all carbon) with an added deck pad. It's the board he's using in my all time favorite big air hydrofoil video from 2016 (same board shorts, harness, and steamer top too):
Ah yes - the 2017 version. I've never really understood that board. It doesn't look like a really "race board" & I'm not clear why someone would want to jump with such a big board? I understand why you wouldn't want a pocket board, but does a big board actually help jumping? I would think you'd want something smaller & light underfoot when you're in the air.
I agree, Flyboy. But I'd very quickly buy a Hypermiler if it'd make me boost like Adam W.! The marketing pitch for the Hypermiler has always been that it's very light (all carbon, no heavy deck pads on the stock version) and the steep chined rails allow the rider to heel more aggressively when racing or loading up for a jump. But 4' 8" just seems excessive to me. But I guess it works for Adam.
I agree, Flyboy. But I'd very quickly buy a Hypermiler if it'd make me boost like Adam W.! The marketing pitch for the Hypermiler has always been that it's very light (all carbon, no heavy deck pads on the stock version) and the steep chined rails allow the rider to heel more aggressively when racing or loading up for a jump. But 4' 8" just seems excessive to me. But I guess it works for Adam.
Yeah, but that was back in 2016. Would that be his choice for jumping now? Jumping with a foil is a distinct discipline. I don't see people jumping at my local spots at all. When I have seen it, it tends to be people on race board set ups ... but does a race board really give an advantage? Just curious.
Riding inverse is impressive although they also have longer boards. But I am sure they can make this work on a pocket board if powered. I typically ride underpowered to have the most fun carving. No chance to get on my board like this;-)
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