FOIL DRIVE - light wind wingfoil tests
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- Опубликовано: 28 дек 2024
- Having been so impressed with how easy Foil Drive makes it to get onto foil for SUP downwinding, I decided to see if there were any other benefits of using the Foil Drive motor assist unit. In this video I tried 2 different setups to see if it can help to make winging in light winds any easier - the results were even better than I'd hoped!!!!!
Really helpful video Dominic. Thanks a lot. For me and where I live the Foil Drive is "the missing link" in the evolution of wing foiling. Where I live there is only flat water (lakes) and not much wind. Foil Drive is a game changer when it comes to learning how to foil and foiling in low wind situations. Last but not least a safety net for getting back. No more walks of shame🙂and reduction of a lot of physical (pumping) and psychological (will I ever get back?) stress and make the sport much more accessible and enjoyable. To be honest it slightly ruins the "purity" of foiling but I can live with that.
Yeah I get what you're saying about the purity of foiling, but for me the feeling isn't blemished enough to spoil it, and the end result is definitely worth it.
Also, I wouldn't go so far as to say it's the complete end of the walk of shame - today I tried a much smaller foil than usual for a downwind run and it ended up with me running out of battery half way through😜 Luckily I took my phone in a waterproof case and had no trouble getting a lift from a friend. I'll not live it down but at least it prevented hypothermia 😂
@@dominichoskyns9091 Congrats on joining the FD team last week. Europe needs a distribution center. Just ordered my FD. We don't have the surf but a lot of nice lakes with not much wind here in Switzerland.
@@george2036 awesome. FoilDrive is a lot of fun on flat water. It's like dock starting without a dock 😂 I hope to see you soon in Switzerland 👍
I love this idea and product for light wind, reminds me of turning the motor with the sails up in a keeled sailboat, if the thrust of each is resonant, it works
Thanks for your effort!
Thanks for making the effort to produce this video Dominic, excellent work and very revealing. Cheers.
I've had a couple of wing sessions with Foildrive now - super helpful when the wind dies and SF Bay tide is running against you! Does take some getting used to handling the control. Kudos to you for managing camera as well!
Holding a gopro stick while winging AND using FoilDrive at the same time was tricky for sure. The times when it got in the way there was much swearing - they didn't make the video though ;-))))
Got it. Now I understand that Foildrive is an add on kit. Also, I like your final summary. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I was curious how it will work together, happy you did it!! now I just need to get one 😂
Do it!!!!!!!!!!! You won't regret it ;-)))))
@@dominichoskyns9091 hahahh that's actually quite convincing 🤣😎
Hi Dominic great helpful content mate. Has this got the 2 or 3 prop setup in this ? 🙏🏻
2. This was before the 3 prop was available
Super helpful - thank you. Where were you positioning the drive trigger? I couldn’t tell from the video.
I attach the paddle mount to the boom (or handle) just in front of my front hand and push the trigger with my thumbs
@@dominichoskyns9091 ahh - got it. are you able to post a picture of how you mounted it?
Very cool! Can you point me to your vid where you talk about the foil drive? It certainly works. Love that the battery power gets you on foil then apparent wind keeps you there. Very clever
I think this is the one you mean:
ruclips.net/video/4R80rzt5Dmw/видео.html
Hi Dom, Great video! I am thinking of getting a Foil Drive for Wingfoiling, please could you tell if you were using the Assist, or the Assist Plus in your video? many thanks Alex
In most of the videos where using FoilDrive for winging I'm using the standard assist. Since i got the assist plus I've mostly been prone foiling but obviously the plus is suitable for winging as well
Are you holding the trigger throttle (ie not attached to the boom). Seems like a super hack. Any plans for a simplified “throttle only” remote that would be attached to a boom to support either hand actuating it.
I just took delivery on FD Max and will try it tomorrow.
Oh yes, been waiting for this.....
It'll change your life ;-)))))
Dominic, what do you think about the usage of an e-support not only to "get on foil", furthermore to have some assistance "to stay on foil". The propulsion system would be mounted at a low position of the mast - just over the foil (like an e-foil)
This could be interesting in conditions where the wind is so light (
It could work but bear in mind FoilDrive isn't designed to be used continuously for long periods of time. I suspect the battery would run out very quickly and there would be the danger of it overheating
Hey Dominic. Thanks for your videos, really helpful.. Wanted to ask what camera mount are you using in this video and how do you attach it to your wing? Also is this Insta 360? which model?
When you squeeze (or push with your thumb?) on the trigger, are you giving it 100% straight away or slowly building up?
Slowly building up, otherwise there is too much lift which is impossible to control
This looks great, thanks for posting this review. Do you think it would be possible to use this with a Wing with handles instead of a boom?
Yes, absolutely, the trigger mount can definitely be attached to handles. You may need to wrap some tape or something around the handle to make sure it doesn't slip.
Awesome comparison of the foil drive verse none. Nice work Dominic. It opens up so much more opportunities.
Was keen to know your size - height and weight? I am 85kg 6’1 looking at Ensis 6.2 score for light wind. I see your using the Slick 7m how would you rate that compared to any others you may have tested?
Hi David. I'm 6'2" and around 82kg. I have used 7m wings from Gong (wing+) and Duotone (Echo & Slick) and I can say without a shadow of doubt that the Slick has loads more power than those others. The slick feels a bit heavy when getting started in the lightest end of it's wind range, but because it has excellent low end power as well as generating lots of apparent wind (when flying it makes it feel like there is more wind than there really is), this makes it perfect when used with Foil Drive as getting up on foil in underpowered conditions is no longer an issue. I will soon be testing the f-one CWC 8m, so I'll be able to give an opinion on that, hopefully by the end of September. I haven't used the Ensis but I've been told it's a very powerful wing.
I have a board with a double US track and a Tuttle box (Tabou Magic Carpet). Having the foil drive on a Tuttle base at the end of a small fin would allow the wires to go through the Tuttle screw holes. The battery could also be secured on the back of the board using the same holes. I think it would result in a cleaner and faster installation, but the product would be limited to boards that have the extra Tuttle box.
Sounds good - if you give it a go please let me know how you get on. I know the guys at Foil Drive would love to hear as well :-)
@@dominichoskyns9091 It would be a fun project, although mixing electricity with a salt water environment is always asking for trouble. I do a lot of 3D printing and know some electronics (and can code microcontrollers). However, the easiest way might be to get a stock Foil Drive and figure out how to mount it to a Tuttle box, so if the guys at Foil Drive would like to collaborate on that, I could be interested. If it's based on the stock foil drive, then that opens up the possibility of using the mast mount method if the user wants to switch to a board that doesn't have a Tuttle box.
Hi Dom great videos and footage mate.
I'm a beginner winger Gybing successfully.
My conditions are 11 -15 knots However + - a couple knots in a session.
Short ocean chop.
I'm 85 kg and currently on BSC 1060.
I like to get upwind and play around on the waves.
I've got the foil drive assist ( thanks for the tip on that one👌👌)
Looking ahead to axis black fuse in future once I'm more experienced and comfortable.
I was thinking ART 1099 or HPS 1050. My understanding is 1050 is next logical step progression wise but can I skip a step and not spend the $$$ on both? It just seems these Arts are getting crazy good reviews.
Considering foil drive is in the mix too what's your thoughts?
Thanks
Ben
You're right, the 1050 would be the next logical step, and would suit the conditions you have better than the 1099. It's easier to pump, earlier lift, generally easier to use than the 1099 but definitely a steep up in performance compared to the 1060. However, the 1099 is faster and more playful. It needs a bit more speed to get on foil than the 1050 but it's faster, has even better glide and turns easier. However you need to keep it's speed up as it's stall speed is higher, which makes it more technical to use, especially to pump. Personally I would go with the 1099 but the choice can only be made by you as you'll know if you're ready for the 1099 or not. The 1050 would be the safe choice but the 1099 screams fun and even if its a bit challenging to begin with you'll soon get to grips with it. There's nothing like a challenge of using a smaller foil to push your skill level forward!
I have been using FoilDrive with the 1099 recently. It's great to be able to use a smaller foil than I works be able to paddle up with, but it does get through the battery quicker than with a bigger foil.
@@dominichoskyns9091 thank you so much. The advice is much appreciated.
Sorry to bother you again Dom. Gonna go all or nothing and get 1099. Thinking I'll err on side of caution with rear wing and go 400 progressive or more. What length fuse do you think?
Love your videos, always very informative thank you. What did you experience, what is the least amount of wind that you can be winging in, with the Axis 1300 and the Slick 7m / Stryke 8m and the Foil Drive?
Thanks. I've just posted a video that explains that and much more: ruclips.net/video/mxlKROn0cGI/видео.html&ab_channel=DominicHoskyns
Awesome Dominic, Absolutely awesome.
I know it’s not a full-on EFoil but I see there’re a couple of RUclips clips of a 49kg guy on-foil in flat water. No paddle, no wing, just powering it up! Do you know any lightweights locally that could give it a go? 60kg? 70kg? Asking for a friend! 😊😊😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Geoff. I haven't seen that video, can you send me the link? Unfortunately there's noone here locally (in Oman) that could do that. I'm waiting for a longer cable to be delivered so I can test it on my 5'3" 43ltr prone board. I don't think I'll be able to get up on flat water like that but with a bit of a push from some swell I hope to be able to downwind with it🤞
@@dominichoskyns9091 Here you go ruclips.net/video/cbp2BmIVlp4/видео.html. If my wife could get on-foil via a longer cable for a lower-mounted drive unit then I’d sell my efoil. Or I could just teach her to use a wing 😊
Great demonstration Dominic, how much do you weigh for that 105l board?
I'm 82kg. The board is a Jimmy Lewis custom so very light. It's 5'9" by 29" & 110ltrs
Thanks for the video! Unrelated question, but how are you holding the camera pole in your hands while at the same time holding the wing?
With great difficulty ;-)))) The bits where i was swearing at the gopro didn't make the cut!!!! You have to hold the gopro stick between your hand and the wing handle (or boom in my case as I'm using the Duotone Slick). When gybing it usually gets caught around the leash, so as you can tell it's not easy!
Any downsides? Weight, drag? Is it easy to turn off once you’re up?
It weighs 3kg (approx 2kg for the box+battery and approx 1 kg for the motor) but TBH it's hardly noticeable. The motor unit obviously only generates drag when it's not providing propulsion, and again only when it is under water - it is setup on the mast anywhere from directly below the board to 9" down the mast, therefore when you are up on foil the motor unit is out of the water. Depending on your pitch control, there will be occasions when the motor unit becomes submerged during flight, but I was surprised how little effect it has - it doesn't slow you down suddenly, and in the vast majority of cases you wont even notice it, in actual fact it has improved my pitch control as I am now more conscious of what height I am on the mast.
It is operated by a hand held wireless progressive trigger unit (the more you pull/push the trigger the more power you get), so when you release the trigger the propellor stops instantly... AND there is a 2nd trigger that you can use to set the throttle at a set level - this is really useful for helping you paddle out (especially through shore break) when SUP foiling - I set it at 30% and I hardly have to paddle at all :-)
Hope this helps, if you have any more questions please feel free to ask
Can you get this in the UK yet?
Yes, from Matt Barker-Smith at the SUP HUT in Swansea
www.foilsurfing.co.uk
As far as I know he's the only UK stockist at the moment. If you do contact him please tell him I sent you😊