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Lovin ’ it , lovin ’ it , lovin ’ it !
Riding a SUP foil board has once again revolutionised my wave sliding , and it ’ s opened up more days and increased the quality of each session considerably . Keeping that word ‘ glide ’ in mind , I ’ m snagging longer rides more often .
And the paddle is still as crucial as ever . Taking off on a SUP foil board requires a more refined paddle technique , forcing you to improve . And the subtleties of what you do with the paddle once up and flying are super important . My point is SUP foiling is still as much a paddle sport as it is a foil , board and surf sport .
Likewise , speeding along ankle biters for 700 yards plus ( on an average day ) whilst hovering two feet in the air is also a unique and fulfilling experience . And now we have the technology and foil kit to do the same in downwind mode . That ’ s a whole new realm for paddle foiling . Google it if you ’ re not familiar .
I advise any seasoned SUP surfer looking for an additional challenge or experience to try the foiling thing . Keep a finned board in the van ( or car ) for when conditions are better . And then use the foil for those slacker days when you mightn ’ t otherwise be bothered about going out .
SUP surfing vs SUP foiling
Having read the above , you may think that I ’ ve now ditched the fin . Not so . I ’ m a big fan of having many ‘ tools ’ for the job and mixing things up . I ’ m very much led by the conditions and Mother Nature ’ s moods . Sometimes what ’ s happening on the water is more applicable to a finned board . Whereas other times it ’ s back to foil . And if it ’ s windy , I bust out the sail or wing , so all bases are covered , which is the most important thing for me .
As such , there ’ s no comparison between SUP Surfing and SUP foiling . With SUP surfing , it ’ s about the connection with water . There ’ s nothing like dropping down the wave ’ s face , engaging your board ’ s fins and rail , gouging a bottom turn , slingshot back to the lip and bouncing one off the top .