In watersports, change through progression is a constant. Ever-improving technology, mind-blowing athletic advancements, and the search for the newest iteration of water gliding go on. Foiling is the newest big thing, providing a vehicle for progression without the impact.
If you’re interested in foiling behind a boat, then read this article. In it, wakeboarding legend and early foil adopter Jeff McKee and three-time Wakeskate World Champion—and the poster child for a Red Bull athlete—Brian Grubb offer five key areas you should focus on when getting started.
Prerequisites: Experience and Board Control
McKee shares: “I recommend that you have at least beginner experience in wakeboarding or wakesurfing. However, the preference would be intermediate experience so that you’re comfortable riding a board sideways behind the boat.”
The key here is balance. Because foiling introduces an extra layer of complexity (the lift of the foil), mastering basic board and body control is essential.
Start Slow: Rope and Speed Control
McKee opines that foiling is not like wakesurfing and advises starting slow. “A big mistake is to start with a wakesurf rope and a wakesurf wave, and let go of the rope and surf the foil the first day. That’s jumping too far ahead.”
Instead, keep a long rope in hand, start at the slowest speed possible, and gradually increase to around 11 to 13 mph. This will give you the time and stability to focus on controlling the foil without worrying about flying too soon. Treat the initial deepwater start like pulling up a child who has never wakeboarded before.
Positioning: Mastering the Stance
For beginners, foot position and weight distribution on the board are keys to control.
McKee uses an aviation comparison. “You’re standing on an airplane, so leaning forward over and putting weight over the nose will hold the plane on the runway, and leaning or standing back on the board forces the plane to take off at a slower speed. You’re flying a plane with your feet.”
Make sure you keep your body upright and avoid bending over too much, “like you would when standing on stilts,” McKee states. Stay tall and centered, with your chest up, bending only at the knees when necessary.
Grubb adds: “You want to have your back foot in front of wherever the mast is set up. A wide stance is not helpful while foiling, so start at about shoulder width or slightly wider.”
Board Setup: Equipment Matters
Start with a beginner-friendly board, around 4 feet 6 inches in length, with a shorter mast and a larger wing for stability.
Grubb says: “Start with a bigger wing, such as a 1,000-square-centimeter (150-square-inch) if you weigh up to 200 pounds. If you have an option to use a bigger stabilizer, or “rear wing,” do so, because it will help stabilize the foil in the beginning. Also, ensure that the foil mast is positioned as far back as possible to reduce the amount of lift, making it easier to control the board during initial start-up.”
Read Next: Foiling Tips and Tricks
Flight Control: Practice Patience
“You’re flying a plane with your feet; you’re standing on top of the fuselage. I always tell people, when you start flying, don’t change a thing. Don’t even breathe. Don’t move a muscle. Be a statue and enjoy the ride,” McKee says.
Final Thoughts
By mastering these foundational skills, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the ride and progressing as a foiler.
