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SUP foiling kit Gear for SUP foiling has evolved considerably . High-aspect foils now offer an efficiency not previously available , while ‘ Barracuda ’ style downwind foil boards ( used for all types of SUP foiling and light wind winging ) deliver super early release and the ability to get the job done .
Quality paddles , meanwhile , are available to all riders and have been for a few years . A paddle defines stand up paddle boarding as a whole , which is still valid when discussing SUP foiling . So , the best paddle you can lay hands on is always worthwhile .
SUP foiling in waves If you have any SUP surfing experience , foiling in waves is a logical step . Paddle boards have always offered the opportunity to exploit lesser-quality surf . Foils now lower the threshold even further and turbo-charge the experience .
You may choose to ride a longer , thinner downwind style foil board for the earliest release possible . Combined with the right foil , this can result in takeoffs from unbroken waves . Alternatively , a stubbier foil board will also work fine for those who have a crumbling or breaking peak to play with . Foil size is dictated by wave power . Although you don ’ t need anything big or with too much oomph .
INFLATABLE FOIL BOARD WORK TOO
GLIDING
If you can downwind on a fin you can downwind on a foil
Downwind SUP foiling Catching wind-blown bumps and riding for miles along the coast is extremely addictive . And with a foil beneath you , wind strengths and bumps sizes don ’ t need to be excessive . There ’ s a period of learning that can be frustrating at first . But stick with it , and you ’ ll get there .
In time , you ’ ll be zooming atop the chop with the best of them . Logistics do need to be considered every time you do a run . This is why some riders favour wing foiling upwind , packing down their wing before downwind SUP foiling back to base .
Flat water SUP foiling paddle-ups Ideally , you should have a solid foiling technique before attempting flat water SUP foiling paddle-ups . You ’ ll need to know how to pump your foil and time it correctly with paddle strokes . After that , it ’ s about choosing the right venue and investing the time .
Sheltered flat water will help massively . A stretch devoid of chop is a lot easier than wind-blown spots . And then it ’ s practice , practice and more practice . It took me a while to unlock the flat water paddle up . And still , to this day , it can catch me out . But it ’ s worth the hassle when it comes together .
Following on Having gotten to grips with all these areas of SUP foiling , the next step is to challenge yourself further . So bigger waves with surf environments in mind , longer downwind runs , and quicker popups are all goals that can be aimed for .
In each instance , you may need to address your gear . For instance , a small , more performance-orientated foil is needed for bigger waves . Or a narrower , downwind board for paddle-ups that ’ ll release even earlier . However , this presents further challenges also . To be honest , foiling never stops being a challenge . But that ’ s part of the appeal .