• Generally speaking, wind foilers can be split along two lines – those who want to go fast (racing/speed) or those wanting more manoeuvrability (carving it up). Racers or free racers use bigger boards, big sails and smaller high aspect (low drag) foils. Those wanting to turn tighter and play on the swell and waves use smaller boards, smaller sails and larger low aspect foils
• For those learning to wind foil, larger low-aspect foils (sizes1500 – 2000) will assist getting the board up and foiling in lighter winds, and be much more forgiving as everything happens at a slower pace. As rider skill level increases, there’s the option of moving towards smaller-sized moderate and higher aspect foils
• The angle of the smaller rear wing of the foil can be titled up or down using small shims. Tilting the front of the rear wing down provides more lift which will help heavier riders (85kg+) to get up on the foil in lighter winds. Conversely, tilting the back wing up reduces lift which can be beneficial for lighter riders (<70kg) to reduce ‘foiling out’– which is when the front foil breaches the surface usually resulting in a big crash
• In lighter winds, smaller higher aspect foils (e.g. sizes 500, 700 & 900) will often require the rider to vigorously and repeatably pump the sail and board (up to 10 pumps) to get up on the foil. This is a skill in itself and can be quite tiring. However once planing, the low drag of these foils will be the most efficient at keeping the board flying, even during big lulls between gusts
• For wind foiling, the height range of the foil’s vertical mast is usually between 70cm – 95cm and can be made of aluminium or carbon fibre
• In shallower water, a shorter mast (e.g. 70cm) means that you don’t have to wade out as far before getting on the board to start sailing, and helps to negotiate shallow sand banks further out (when not up on the foil). However once in deeper water, a longer mast provides more margin for error (especially in waves) when it comes to ‘foiling out’
• While riding high above the water on a long mast at speed can be intimidating, in reality the rider (by front and back foot pressure) is in control of setting the ride height they want
• Fuselage length can be quite broad – from 70cm to 115cm. The shorter the length the more manoeuvrable (ability to turn) the foil will be. Conversely the longer the length the greater the pitch control will be (i.e. it will be easier to keep the board level in flight reducing the chances of nose-diving or foiling out). However turns will be more drawn out (i.e. wider)
• For those learning to wind foil, it will be easier on a fuselage between 80cm – 85cm in length as it more forgiving than shorter lengths. If possible, try to avoid learning on one less than 80cm long