Great video and I agree with all the points. I’ll add one thing; I don’t doubt at all that an Axis 1300 png will get you foiling in light winds but with a 130 cm span it’s going to turn/carve really slow unless you constantly flat turn it. One foil I own that I love for “modest” light wind is a Gong Veloce XXL (1900 sq cm, 107 cm span, and 1.7 l volume). It’s more of a mid aspect wing but still very thin profile. It has less volume (meaning lower average thickness) than the 1300 png, slightly more surface area and not quite so extreme on the span. I can actually get to turn pretty tight even in pretty light winds compared to some of the big true HA foils I’ve ridden…..
I would add that having an efficient thin or high aspect foil is critical to light wind enjoyment. Also learning how to pump/dockstart, both of those can really help you get though gaps in the wind or get back to shore if there's a wind shadow where you launch!
in light winds I think about going sailing (on my wing foil gear) instead of foiling... its just a mindset shift that enables me to enjoy working skills; switching feet, riding toeside, taxi jibing... all part of the learning process
In addition to a big wing & big foil, a longer, narrower board with a little bit more float also helps with planing speed to get up. Using the same foil (Axis PNG1300) & wing (6m Unit), jumping on my 6’1x25”x108L One Egg Sup will get me up earlier and easier in light wind (~8 knots) compared to my 5’0x26”x90L One ding board (~10 knots). (But I wouldn’t want to go too big with the board or the increased swing weight might make it harder to stay up through turns in light wind.)
Nice vid very helpful! On our inland lakes we very very rarely have 15 kts or more rather around 10 most of the good days 😂😢 dedicated to learn and go out there anyhow 🤟
I've been thinking about how biplanes can fly at such slow speeds and about a second foil mounted high on the mast. More lift at slow speeds could break the surface tension and lift the hull. At this point the upper foil clears the water reducing drag. During re-entry the upper foil may soften the landing or allow flight at slower speeds. I've also been thinking about a dual side by side mast for stability but now there's already a design like that for pump foiling.
I found that bringing along some music makes tranquil kayaking more fun. And paddling to the beat seemed to make it easier. Maybe some waterproof headphones could do the same for light wind winging?
Thanks again for making this helpful video Dave. I’m 90kg with 130 litre board, 2000 foil wing, 5.5 wing - but still struggling in light winds. Do you think I should invest in 7 metre wing or bigger board? Thanks Dave 🙂
If it’s around 15 knots and the water is really choppy, I like to still take out my 8m CWC wing so that I can get up and out quickly. Rather have a small foil and big wing in the chop.
Proos to you guys that are good at winging, but even more so, light wind winging. Prone foil is just so simple and easy. Wing foil is a tough challenge.
if u make a thin wing, long aspect ratio, but split it into multiple blades to make it narrow, can u pump ur way? and what about using a dry suit over just normal clothes so u can bring friends wihtout them needing equipment?
Sadly no one has invented the foil for all wind strengths. You need a huge (expensive) quiver of kit, foils, wings, masts. Thus negating the accessibility for the casual user…..
Glad i subscribed.. Can anyone comment on what Armstrong equivalent of 1300 is or best for lighter winds and Png? i have been using and absolutely loving 1550hs v2, but struggle in lighter winds with it. 90Kg approx
Great video and I agree with all the points. I’ll add one thing; I don’t doubt at all that an Axis 1300 png will get you foiling in light winds but with a 130 cm span it’s going to turn/carve really slow unless you constantly flat turn it. One foil I own that I love for “modest” light wind is a Gong Veloce XXL (1900 sq cm, 107 cm span, and 1.7 l volume). It’s more of a mid aspect wing but still very thin profile. It has less volume (meaning lower average thickness) than the 1300 png, slightly more surface area and not quite so extreme on the span. I can actually get to turn pretty tight even in pretty light winds compared to some of the big true HA foils I’ve ridden…..
I would add that having an efficient thin or high aspect foil is critical to light wind enjoyment. Also learning how to pump/dockstart, both of those can really help you get though gaps in the wind or get back to shore if there's a wind shadow where you launch!
But wouldn’t a crazy big wing also work in light wind? Like it would lift early but it won’t go fast?
An essential thing for light wind is an f one 8 m wing. And any of the large foils available. But the 8 m is a game changer.
love the 8m
7M slick works around 9-10 for me too
in light winds I think about going sailing (on my wing foil gear) instead of foiling... its just a mindset shift that enables me to enjoy working skills; switching feet, riding toeside, taxi jibing... all part of the learning process
In addition to a big wing & big foil, a longer, narrower board with a little bit more float also helps with planing speed to get up. Using the same foil (Axis PNG1300) & wing (6m Unit), jumping on my 6’1x25”x108L One Egg Sup will get me up earlier and easier in light wind (~8 knots) compared to my 5’0x26”x90L One ding board (~10 knots). (But I wouldn’t want to go too big with the board or the increased swing weight might make it harder to stay up through turns in light wind.)
Same goes if you're doing a downwinder. Having a good longer board makes life so much easier if the wind drops :)
Wind and current technique is called “Lee bowing the tide” in dinghy racing, similar advantages.
Nice vid very helpful! On our inland lakes we very very rarely have 15 kts or more rather around 10 most of the good days 😂😢 dedicated to learn and go out there anyhow 🤟
I've been thinking about how biplanes can fly at such slow speeds and about a second foil mounted high on the mast.
More lift at slow speeds could break the surface tension and lift the hull.
At this point the upper foil clears the water reducing drag.
During re-entry the upper foil may soften the landing or allow flight at slower speeds.
I've also been thinking about a dual side by side mast for stability but now there's already a design like that for pump foiling.
I found that bringing along some music makes tranquil kayaking more fun. And paddling to the beat seemed to make it easier. Maybe some waterproof headphones could do the same for light wind winging?
Thanks Dave. Been struggling to even stand up in bumpy water but tried a lake after watching this vid and standing up much easier 👍
Thanks again for making this helpful video Dave. I’m 90kg with 130 litre board, 2000 foil wing, 5.5 wing - but still struggling in light winds. Do you think I should invest in 7 metre wing or bigger board? Thanks Dave 🙂
@@trev1978 yup 7’ wing is the way to go Everything else is already pretty huge.
@@davewestfoils Thanks very much Dave! Love your work 😎
If it’s around 15 knots and the water is really choppy, I like to still take out my 8m CWC wing so that I can get up and out quickly. Rather have a small foil and big wing in the chop.
Proos to you guys that are good at winging, but even more so, light wind winging.
Prone foil is just so simple and easy. Wing foil is a tough challenge.
Big foil, wing and board - then keep mowing. 😀😀
Good video, some info I hadn't considered.
Thanks mate! Welcome I’ve been a fan of your channel for years. Stoked you’ve found foiling :)
Great video, and I really enjoyed the Canadian accent.
Canadian haha? Australian?
if u make a thin wing, long aspect ratio, but split it into multiple blades to make it narrow, can u pump ur way? and what about using a dry suit over just normal clothes so u can bring friends wihtout them needing equipment?
10-15 knots that's not light wind :)
Seeeeeee 😂😂😂
Are those fanatic boards in the video? What foils are you running on them ?
Yup it’s the 2022 version. Axis foils. Full set up comes in the first 1/3 of the video.
Hi Dave, with the 1300, 75L board and 6m, can you start in 10 knots ish? How much do you weigh?
Yup 10 knots give or take
Sadly no one has invented the foil for all wind strengths. You need a huge (expensive) quiver of kit, foils, wings, masts.
Thus negating the accessibility for the casual user…..
why? why not just sail slower? why wont a big wing work in strong conditions?
Glad i subscribed.. Can anyone comment on what Armstrong equivalent of 1300 is or best for lighter winds and Png? i have been using and absolutely loving 1550hs v2, but struggle in lighter winds with it. 90Kg approx
How forward in the tracks is your Axis Advanced fuse on your '22 Fanatic Sky Wing?
Not far enough. I’m at the top and would love and extra 60mm :)
@@davewestfoils I loved the musings about AWSI. Want to comment on board design?
LOL if there's 10kt that's not lightwind. I got overpowered with my lighwind kite gear in 10kt: 5-6kt is lightwind.
Nearly 1000
so close :)
sick vid
Painful
Don’t go out in less than 15kts
@@philipniles6068 good on ya.