36 FEATURERYA
As long as you can comfortably blast in footstraps at an
intermediate planing level then you can access an RYA
First Flights course. However, rather than the RYA
telling you what it’s like to learn and fly, let’s hear from
a couple of people who have already been on that
journey…
Rob Cunningham, 54, from Maidstone, Kent
Windsurfing background
I learnt to windsurf in the early 80s on local lakes, progressing
to the south coast to sail in waves in all weathers.
As I’ve got older I’ve found freeriding in warmer waters more
appealing in places like Dahab and Vass. I’ve become a fair
weather sailor. I would describe myself as a competent short
board sailor.
Why did you want to learn to foil?
I was a little bit out of love with windsurfing. I wanted a new
challenge with the promise of excitement in lighter winds. I
must admit I was getting envious of kiters having fun in
10 knots!
Describe the process of learning.
After a quick briefing (including reciting the number one rule
a few times) we were ready to fly! With the right setup,
getting up on the foil was not too difficult but staying up
proved trickier.
With each subsequent session our instructor equipped us
with more tips for sustained flight so that by the end we were
flying around with the biggest grins. Our instructor also
introduced us to different types of boards and foils to help us
decide the best set-up for our particular needs.
Why was it good way to experience foiling?
Foiling is significantly different to regular windsurfing both in
technique and equipment, so getting quality tuition right from
the start put me in a great position to make significant gains.
How does it feels to foil?
My first sustained flight reminded me of the first time I
planed in footstraps (and that was a long time ago!). The
feeling of gliding over the water in near silence should be
experienced by everyone.
What would you say to anyone else thinking of doing it?
Foiling is not just for pros and the young / super fit. I signed
up for the course with an open mind. I hoped foiling was for
me and would have accepted a different outcome but the
course and foiling exceeded my expectations. I would heartily
recommend it.
So the question is, what are you waiting for?
All RYA centres running WindFoil courses provide
everything you need to get flying. The RYA First
Flights course can be done in as little as two hours.
Find your nearest WindFoil School at
www.rya.org.uk/wheresmynearest
uk
WIND
SURFING
Adrian Jones, Veteran (62)
Windsurfing background
Freeride since 1990 including RYA scheme, California
and Hawaii, raceboard since 2012.
Why did you want to foil? I was inspired by the San
Francisco America’s Cup foiling footage. Plus WindFoiling
looks fun and easy in promotional videos by experts.
Describe the process of learning.
I jumped in, bought dedicated foil kit, flew easily but fell
off and felt overpowered in every direction. It was scary
and fast and I felt like I needed help. The RYA course in
Poole was intensive, well-structured and friendly, learning
as part of a team. It was a continuum of activity with
theory and shore simulators put straight into practice
both on the lumpy sea and in the flat harbour, which was
an excellent platform to catch your breath and learn by
watching others.
Why was it a great way to learn foiling?
The group (of all ages) gelled. We all learned mainly by
direct expert tuition and listening to post-foiling/falling
video/photo group analysis of each other’s good and bad
points each day.
How does it feel?
WindFoiling lifts you up to a continuously fast sensation
pushing you to anticipate balance ahead of time more
than windsurfing. The power comes effortlessly from the
foil and from smaller rigs, provided you relearn how to
pump up quickly onto the plane. Your balance goes to a
new level like learning to ride a bike all over again.
What would you say to anyone thinking of learning?
WindFoiling is even better than it looks! It is the best
motivation to learn how to windsurf in the straps – such
an adrenalin rush and serenely satisfying when it comes
together. If you can already windsurf in the footstraps
foiling works, there’s lots of kit, you simply have to try it.