Knowing how to windsurf on a fin board before trying wind foiling is an obvious advantage, and more likely a necessary prerequisite (unless you are very gifted)
It is easier to learn to foil in more and consistent wind as opposed to those less and gusty. Calmer waters help too as large wind chop/small waves makes things harder
Start off using a smaller non-cammed sail as you don’t want too much sail power. If on the day your chosen sail is big enough to water-start with, then it’s probably too big for foiling
Learning to foil involves a lot of uphauling. This a positive for those who have never learned to water-start
If possible, try learning on a wide dedicated foil board, rather than on a narrower board designed for windsurfing on a fin, but sold with a ‘foil ready’ fin box.
Narrow boards are not friendly as they are overly responsive (i.e. very twitchy) when up on the foil
Remove the foot straps from the board as they are not needed when learning. Put them back on when you advance
Lots of good foilers only use the front foot straps and leave the back ones off permanently. Also you won’t need a harness. That can come later
Crashing is simply a stepping stone in your advancement. Embrace the crash and learn from each one. You WILL get better and crash less – if you remain committed to the end goal – Learning to wind foil!
wind foiler in Fannie Bay in Dry Season south easterlies with 5.7m sail (credit: BarraAddiction)
